The term ‘Aryan’ means ‘noble’. It was used as a self designation by Indo-Iranian people. It was used in vedic period i India as an ethnic label for themselves as well as to refer noble class.
The third Sangam was held at the present Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The third sangam had 449 poets and the important ones among them include Nakkirar, Iraiyanar, Kapilar, Paranar, Sattanar, Auvikyar etc.
The Ninth Rock Edict criticizes the use of various popular ceremonies like during the marriage of son or daughter, birth of a child, etc. On the contrary it lays stress on Dhamma and tells the usefulness of moral conduct in one’s life.
Greeks, Kushanas & Shakas had entered India through the North West side. Accepting the local religion would provide them the easiest way to achieve legitimacy of their rule. Since Buddhism was prevalent in the area at that time and it was provided easiest entry (Hinduism had st5rict caste based structure) so, they embraces Buddhism.