Karl Heinrich Tzschucke in 1806, in his translations of the Roman geographer Pomponius Mela, noted etymological and phonological parallels between dasa and the ethnonyms of the Dahae – Persian داها; Sanskrit Dasa; Latin Dahae; Greek Δάοι Daoi, Δάαι, Δᾶαι Daai and Δάσαι Dasai – a people who lived on the south-eastern shores of the Caspian Sea in ancient times (and from whom modern Dehestan/Dehistan takes its name).
Azhi means serpent or dragon and Dahaka comes from the root "Dah" meaning "to sting, to do harm" [14] Michael Witzel compares the etymological root of dasa to words from other Indo-European languages that imply "enemy, foreigner", including the Avestan dahåka and dŋha, Latin dahi and Greek daai.
[16] Based on the Arya-Dasa conflict described in Rigvedic text, scholars have tried to identify the Dasa as a population in South and Central Asia.
[citation needed] Max Müller proposed that dasa referred to indigenous peoples living in South Asia before the arrival of the Aryans.
He also found that Rigvedic words with vocalic ṛ in their first syllable - for instance, ṛbīsa- “oven” or śṛgāla- “jackal” - are likely loanwords from the unknown BMAC language.
It is not difficult, of course, to find very similar metaphors, equating political or military opponents with evil and darkness, even in contemporary propaganda.
Sethna (1992) writes: "According to Aurobindo,(...) there are passages in which the spiritual interpretation of the Dasas, Dasyus and Panis is the sole one possible and all others are completely excluded.
The Dasyu practising no religious rites, not knowing us thoroughly, following other observances, obeying no human laws, Baffle, destroyer of enemies [Indra], the weapon of that Dasa.
– Translated by H. H. Wilson[31] Within the Vedic texts, Dasa is the word used to describe supernatural demonic creatures with many eyes and many heads.
This has led scholars to interpret that the word Dasa in Vedic times meant evil, supernatural, destructive forces.
The sovereign Indra attacking him overcame the loud shouting, six eyed, three headed Dasa, Trita invigorated by his strength, smote the cloud with his iron-tipped finger.
[4] HH Wilson, for example, translates Dasa in Rigvedic instances identified by Sharma, as servant rather than slave,[35] as in verse 10.62.10:[36] उत दासा परिविषे स्मद्दिष्टी गोपरीणसा । यदुस्तुर्वश्च मामहे ॥१०॥[37]
[40] Ram Sharan Sharma states that the Rig-Vedic society was primarily organized on basis of tribe, kin and lineage.
An entire passage in the seventh book of Rig Veda uses adjectives such as akratün, aśraddhān and ayajñān applied to Dasyus emphasizes their non-sacrificing character.
Per the Aryan view, the Dasyus practiced black magic and Atharva Veda refers to them as evil spirits to be scared away from the sacrifice.
[44] Tony Ballantyne states that Rig Veda depicts the cultural differences between the Aryan invaders and non-Aryans of Indus valley.
He states that although the inter-Aryan conflict is prominent in its hymns, a cultural opposition is drawn between Aryans and the indigenous people of North India.
Such comparative study has led scholars to interpret Dasa and Dasyu may have been a synonym of Asura (demons or evil forces, sometimes simply lords with special knowledge and magical powers) of later Vedic texts.
[46][need quotation to verify] Sharma states that the word dasa occurs in Aitareya and Gopatha Brahmanas, but not in the sense of a slave.
As the latter term evolved through successive meanings, so did Dasa: from "indigenous inhabitant" to "serf," "tied servant," and finally "chattel slave."
Violation of the chastity shall at once earn their liberty for them.When a master has connection (sex) with a pledged female slave (dasi) against her will, he shall be punished.
[53] This restriction on who could become a Buddhist monastic is found in Vinaya Pitakam i.93, Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikāya, Tibetan Bhiksukarmavakya and Upasampadajnapti.
In various Vinayas, The Buddha permits the offering and utilization of household servants and slaves, along with land, mats, livestock, tools, and medicinal items.
At times, slaves were tasked with carrying out actions that were explicitly prohibited for monks[55] In Tamil dasa is commonly used to refer to devotees of Vishnu or Krishna.
[57] Dasa or Das is also a surname or middle name found among Hindus and Sikhs, typically in northern half of India, where it literally means "votary, devotee, slave of God.
Asko Parpola states the original Dasa is related to the Old Persian word Daha which also means "man", but refers specifically to a regional ethnic minority of Persia.
[60] Parpola contrasts Daha with Arya, stating that the latter also referred to "man" but specifically to the incoming Indo-Iranians from Central Asia.
The Vedic text that include prayers to help defeat the "Dasa as enemy people", states Parpola, may refer to the wars of the Indo-Iranians against the bearers of the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) culture.