One notable figure in Vedic thought who was influenced by Zoroastrianism is Yaska, the author of the Nirukta, a Vedic text on etymology and linguistics. Yaska was a Brahmin scholar who lived during the 6th century BCE, and his work shows clear influences of Zoroastrian ideas.

One of the main areas where Yaska was influenced by Zoroastrianism was in his understanding of the concept of devas and asuras. In Vedic thought, devas were considered to be divine beings, while asuras were seen as demonic or evil. However, in Zoroastrianism, the terms devas and asuras were used to refer to the forces of good and evil, respectively. This concept of a dualistic struggle between good and evil was adopted by Yaska in his interpretation of the Vedic texts, where he saw the devas and asuras as representing opposing forces in the universe.

Furthermore, Yaska also incorporated the Zoroastrian belief in a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, into his understanding of the Vedic pantheon. In Vedic thought, the concept of a single supreme deity was not as prominent, and there were multiple gods and goddesses who were worshipped. However, Yaska's work shows a shift towards a more monotheistic understanding, with the devas being seen as different manifestations of the one supreme deity.

Another notable figure influenced by Zoroastrianism in Vedic thought is the sage Zarathustra, who is believed to have been a contemporary of Yaska. Zarathustra is considered the founder of Zoroastrianism and his teachings had a significant impact on Vedic thought. His emphasis on the importance of moral choices and the battle between good and evil resonated with Vedic thinkers, and his ideas were incorporated into the Vedic texts.

Moreover, the concept of dharma, which is central to both Vedic and Zoroastrian thought, also shows the influence of Zoroastrianism on Vedic thinkers. In Zoroastrianism, dharma is known as asha, and it refers to the cosmic order and the moral law that governs the universe. Similarly, in Vedic thought, dharma is seen as the moral law that governs the universe and guides individuals towards righteousness.

In conclusion, the influence of Zoroastrianism on Vedic thought is evident through the incorporation of Zoroastrian ideas and concepts into the Vedic texts. Figures like Yaska and Zarathustra played a crucial role in bridging the gap between these two ancient religions and shaping the shared roots and ideas between them. This influence continues to be seen in modern-day Hinduism, which has been greatly impacted by Zoroastrianism.