Final answer:
Aryan religion changed over time primarily because spiritual experiences began to replace sacrificial practices, with the introduction of new gods and personal devotion significantly altering Aryan society. The evolution of agricultural society, creating a priestly class, and the rise of religions challenging the caste system also contributed to this transformation. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asked is: 'What caused Aryan religion to change over time?' Among the options provided, the most accurate answer is that spiritual experience replaced sacrifice. Over time, the nature of Aryan society and their religion evolved significantly due to various influences and internal changes. The Vedic religion, brought by the Aryans, originally involved ritualistic sacrifices to a pantheon of gods.
As society changed, there was a shift towards more personal and spiritual practices. The introduction of new dimensions to religion, like new gods and the growing importance of rituals, changed the Aryan society. The rise of religions that rejected the rigid caste system, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, also played a significant role in transforming religious practices.
Another significant aspect was the development of agricultural society, which gave rise to a distinct priestly class whose authority came from their ability to interpret the supernatural. Moreover, as Hinduism evolved, it grew from a religion focused on sacrificial offerings by priests to one with an increased personal devotion to individual gods, expanding the religion's accessibility and appeal to a broader audience. This evolution also included the adoration of many female deities alongside prominent gods like Vishnu and Shiva, which contrasted markedly from the male-centered deities of other contemporary religions.
Thus, the religious evolution was complex and multifaceted, influenced by both spiritual experiences and the emergence of new religious ideas that offered alternatives to the caste system and sacrificial rites.