The region where these differences first become noticeable lies just south of a chain of mountains called the Vindhya.

CNN: Center Cut

These displaced people acquired a distinct name -- "Dravidian" -- derived from a Sanskrit word for people living south of the Vindhya.

CNN: Center Cut

Derived from the Sanskrit root "bid, " which means "to divide, " the Vindhya traverses the center of the country from east to west, forcing a natural barrier between northern and southern India.

CNN: Center Cut