I am a Hindu (born and raised) from the Kshatriya caste - not that this means much in modern times, but just so I could establish my credentials to add a bit more perspective.
This post is great, and it maps with my belief too as to what happened in 1500 -1000 BC. The culture and religion, as described in the Rigveda, is considered the first iteration, and a crude form, of what became Hinduism. Even Sanskrit that came with Aryans was in its crude form, and it is only after Panini's work in 7th century BC do we get the refined and highly structured language that Sanskrit is. I want to make sure people understand only the rudimentary form of Hindu culture is what the initial Aryan incursion brought to the sub continent.
Initially the incursion involved conquests of the people of IVC (Indus Valley Civilization) and other people already in India. And through various anthropological developments and means the Aryans integrated other people into one society.
It is believed that Ramayana was one such exercise; the epic describes Aryan protagonists (Rama, Lakshmana and Sita) encountering different types of people and making them their allies. Vanaras, Aasuras and so many more.
The three upper castes (Brahamin, Kshatrira and Vaishyas) was how Aryans were already organized as when they migrated to India. They created a 4th version for everyone else, Shudras. I presume some of the royals of the IVC people were granted a higher caste (Khsatriya or Vaishyas).
Chandalas (5th caste) came later, in the 2nd or 3rd century AD I believe.
But Hinduism developed mostly in India, including the Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Buddhism (off shoot of Hinduissm), Mahabharatha, Ramayana and so on.
I’m sure the vast majority of you guys subscribe to Keith’s blog for thoughtful, reasoned essays and commentary. Maybe some of you sub just to support our dude and keep him out there in the good fight. That’s great.
Myself however… I subscribe STRICTLY so Keith can research ancient texts and find terms like “dusky brood” for me to add to my slur stockpile.
Keith is one of the very few intellectuals in our generation. We need more like him and we need them fast!
Amazing article Keith thanks for the great work, can’t wait for more on this subject!
I am a Hindu (born and raised) from the Kshatriya caste - not that this means much in modern times, but just so I could establish my credentials to add a bit more perspective.
This post is great, and it maps with my belief too as to what happened in 1500 -1000 BC. The culture and religion, as described in the Rigveda, is considered the first iteration, and a crude form, of what became Hinduism. Even Sanskrit that came with Aryans was in its crude form, and it is only after Panini's work in 7th century BC do we get the refined and highly structured language that Sanskrit is. I want to make sure people understand only the rudimentary form of Hindu culture is what the initial Aryan incursion brought to the sub continent.
Initially the incursion involved conquests of the people of IVC (Indus Valley Civilization) and other people already in India. And through various anthropological developments and means the Aryans integrated other people into one society.
It is believed that Ramayana was one such exercise; the epic describes Aryan protagonists (Rama, Lakshmana and Sita) encountering different types of people and making them their allies. Vanaras, Aasuras and so many more.
The three upper castes (Brahamin, Kshatrira and Vaishyas) was how Aryans were already organized as when they migrated to India. They created a 4th version for everyone else, Shudras. I presume some of the royals of the IVC people were granted a higher caste (Khsatriya or Vaishyas).
Chandalas (5th caste) came later, in the 2nd or 3rd century AD I believe.
But Hinduism developed mostly in India, including the Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Buddhism (off shoot of Hinduissm), Mahabharatha, Ramayana and so on.
Great article Keith. I think you forgot to edit the audio!
I’m sure the vast majority of you guys subscribe to Keith’s blog for thoughtful, reasoned essays and commentary. Maybe some of you sub just to support our dude and keep him out there in the good fight. That’s great.
Myself however… I subscribe STRICTLY so Keith can research ancient texts and find terms like “dusky brood” for me to add to my slur stockpile.
Ħeryós
wow!