Axel Michaels
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195343021
- eISBN:
- 9780199866984
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195343021.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
This chapter describes and analyzes the Worship for the Salvation of the Country (Deóddhārapūjā). It is a festival and procession during which a group of representatives from the four classes ...
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This chapter describes and analyzes the Worship for the Salvation of the Country (Deóddhārapūjā). It is a festival and procession during which a group of representatives from the four classes (varṇa), built out of eight castes, are worshipped by the Newar population of Deopatan. Apparently, the varṇa scheme has been imposed on the local caste system involving all major social groups in order to harmonize tantric and smārta forms of worship. The festival is a fascinating field of study for its elaborated ṭīkā exchange and the binding of huge turbans for the varṇa representatives.Less
This chapter describes and analyzes the Worship for the Salvation of the Country (Deóddhārapūjā). It is a festival and procession during which a group of representatives from the four classes (varṇa), built out of eight castes, are worshipped by the Newar population of Deopatan. Apparently, the varṇa scheme has been imposed on the local caste system involving all major social groups in order to harmonize tantric and smārta forms of worship. The festival is a fascinating field of study for its elaborated ṭīkā exchange and the binding of huge turbans for the varṇa representatives.
Ariel Glucklich
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195314052
- eISBN:
- 9780199871766
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195314052.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
This chapter outlines the economic and cultural developments of the centuries dominated by the Mauryan Empire. The primary achievements included a flowering of sciences that rested on Vedic ...
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This chapter outlines the economic and cultural developments of the centuries dominated by the Mauryan Empire. The primary achievements included a flowering of sciences that rested on Vedic foundations but supported a huge civilization. These included mathematics and astronomy, medicine, law (dharma), political science, grammar, architecture, and others. The underlying philosophical assumptions of Indian sciences are explained.Less
This chapter outlines the economic and cultural developments of the centuries dominated by the Mauryan Empire. The primary achievements included a flowering of sciences that rested on Vedic foundations but supported a huge civilization. These included mathematics and astronomy, medicine, law (dharma), political science, grammar, architecture, and others. The underlying philosophical assumptions of Indian sciences are explained.
Cynthia Talbot
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195136616
- eISBN:
- 9780199834716
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195136616.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
Although the caste system is thought to have dominated the society of traditional India, people who commissioned inscriptions in Kakatiya Andhra (a.d.1175–1324 ) mentioned their clan or lineage ...
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Although the caste system is thought to have dominated the society of traditional India, people who commissioned inscriptions in Kakatiya Andhra (a.d.1175–1324 ) mentioned their clan or lineage affiliation far more often than their varna. Status titles based on occupation were widely used and could vary from generation to generation within a family, demonstrating that social identities were linked to individual achievement. There were many opportunities for both travel and social mobility due to the prevalence of military activity, long distance trade, and herding. Inscriptions cast further doubt on the alleged rigidity of traditional Indian society by revealing the presence of collectives of people brought together by ties other than kinship or locality and of many women who were wealthy enough to make temple donations.Less
Although the caste system is thought to have dominated the society of traditional India, people who commissioned inscriptions in Kakatiya Andhra (a.d.1175–1324 ) mentioned their clan or lineage affiliation far more often than their varna. Status titles based on occupation were widely used and could vary from generation to generation within a family, demonstrating that social identities were linked to individual achievement. There were many opportunities for both travel and social mobility due to the prevalence of military activity, long distance trade, and herding. Inscriptions cast further doubt on the alleged rigidity of traditional Indian society by revealing the presence of collectives of people brought together by ties other than kinship or locality and of many women who were wealthy enough to make temple donations.
Arvind Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195658712
- eISBN:
- 9780199082018
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195658712.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
This book sets out to explore the doctrinal dimension of classical Hinduism (eighth century BCE to circa 1000 CE.), and is organized in terms of its key concepts: brahman, karma, karma-yoga, etc. ...
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This book sets out to explore the doctrinal dimension of classical Hinduism (eighth century BCE to circa 1000 CE.), and is organized in terms of its key concepts: brahman, karma, karma-yoga, etc. which are discussed in their logical connection as well as in the context of a period of Hinduism which is chronologically connected with those that precede and succeed it. In textual terms, this covers the period from the Upanishads down to the late Purānas, and all that comes between them: the Smrtis (law books), the Itihāsas (epics), the Purānas (ancient lore), the Āgamas (liturgical manuals) and Darśanas (philosophical literature), etc. The purpose of the book is to synchronically and systematically present the governing concepts of classical Hinduism and their operation during the delimited period of classical Hinduism. Three features of the book to enable readers to use it to full advantage: (1) the first chapter constitutes the text of an oral presentation made at the Smithsonian Institution, designed to present classical Hindu thought in a concise and accessible manner. It forms a useful introduction to the conceptual framework of Hinduism, as the key ideas have deliberately been presented in a simple and direct manner. Their complexities and nuances are uncovered under the specific chapters that follow. (2) The rest of the book may be viewed as a magnification of the first chapter. (3) Among the essentials of classical Hindu thought, special and detailed consideration has been accorded to the concept of varna.Less
This book sets out to explore the doctrinal dimension of classical Hinduism (eighth century BCE to circa 1000 CE.), and is organized in terms of its key concepts: brahman, karma, karma-yoga, etc. which are discussed in their logical connection as well as in the context of a period of Hinduism which is chronologically connected with those that precede and succeed it. In textual terms, this covers the period from the Upanishads down to the late Purānas, and all that comes between them: the Smrtis (law books), the Itihāsas (epics), the Purānas (ancient lore), the Āgamas (liturgical manuals) and Darśanas (philosophical literature), etc. The purpose of the book is to synchronically and systematically present the governing concepts of classical Hinduism and their operation during the delimited period of classical Hinduism. Three features of the book to enable readers to use it to full advantage: (1) the first chapter constitutes the text of an oral presentation made at the Smithsonian Institution, designed to present classical Hindu thought in a concise and accessible manner. It forms a useful introduction to the conceptual framework of Hinduism, as the key ideas have deliberately been presented in a simple and direct manner. Their complexities and nuances are uncovered under the specific chapters that follow. (2) The rest of the book may be viewed as a magnification of the first chapter. (3) Among the essentials of classical Hindu thought, special and detailed consideration has been accorded to the concept of varna.
Alf Hiltebeitel
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195394238
- eISBN:
- 9780199897452
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195394238.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
Chapter 3 takes up the implications of dharma having never been a central concept in the pre‐Aśokan Vedic canon. It examines most of the Vedic canon's few prominent usages from the Ṛgveda through the ...
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Chapter 3 takes up the implications of dharma having never been a central concept in the pre‐Aśokan Vedic canon. It examines most of the Vedic canon's few prominent usages from the Ṛgveda through the mantra texts to the Upanisads in context. It first considers. the implications of dharma, in the form dhárman, having begun in the Ṛgveda as a new concept. It then pursues the use of this concept to generate novel enigmas there and elsewhere in the Vedic canon; its centrality to changing notions of kingship in these texts; and, no less important, to changing notions of the Brahmin in the consolidation of the varṇa or caste system.Less
Chapter 3 takes up the implications of dharma having never been a central concept in the pre‐Aśokan Vedic canon. It examines most of the Vedic canon's few prominent usages from the Ṛgveda through the mantra texts to the Upanisads in context. It first considers. the implications of dharma, in the form dhárman, having begun in the Ṛgveda as a new concept. It then pursues the use of this concept to generate novel enigmas there and elsewhere in the Vedic canon; its centrality to changing notions of kingship in these texts; and, no less important, to changing notions of the Brahmin in the consolidation of the varṇa or caste system.
Alf Hiltebeitel
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195394238
- eISBN:
- 9780199897452
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195394238.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
Chapter 5 is about how Brahmanical authors seek to shape consensus in a post‐Vedic society affected by Buddhism and other nāstika traditions or “heterodoxies” by composing dharma texts in new genres, ...
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Chapter 5 is about how Brahmanical authors seek to shape consensus in a post‐Vedic society affected by Buddhism and other nāstika traditions or “heterodoxies” by composing dharma texts in new genres, beginning with the dharmasūtras, and soon including dharmaśāstra (headed by The Laws of Manu) and the two “epics”: the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa. The chapter looks at how the dharmasūtras introduce consensus as one of the “sources of dharma” and underscore it practially by commending the householder life and the ”five great sacrifices” that a householder is to perform daily. It then looks at novel features of Manu, including its mixing of narrative and normative elements, and compares them with similar features of the epics. Unlike the dharmasūtras, Manu introduces a cosmological frame centered on the god Brahmā, and works in mini‐narratives about the king and the rod of punishment (daṇda) he should deploy in upholding dharma. The chapter unfolds the issues that classical Brahmanical dharma texts come to treat as basic, showing their development through them. These issues include varṇa (caste) and āśrama (life pattern or life‐stage); the theoretical origin of mixed classes; common portrayals of Śūdras and women; and increased attention to rājadharma or the dharma of kings.Less
Chapter 5 is about how Brahmanical authors seek to shape consensus in a post‐Vedic society affected by Buddhism and other nāstika traditions or “heterodoxies” by composing dharma texts in new genres, beginning with the dharmasūtras, and soon including dharmaśāstra (headed by The Laws of Manu) and the two “epics”: the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa. The chapter looks at how the dharmasūtras introduce consensus as one of the “sources of dharma” and underscore it practially by commending the householder life and the ”five great sacrifices” that a householder is to perform daily. It then looks at novel features of Manu, including its mixing of narrative and normative elements, and compares them with similar features of the epics. Unlike the dharmasūtras, Manu introduces a cosmological frame centered on the god Brahmā, and works in mini‐narratives about the king and the rod of punishment (daṇda) he should deploy in upholding dharma. The chapter unfolds the issues that classical Brahmanical dharma texts come to treat as basic, showing their development through them. These issues include varṇa (caste) and āśrama (life pattern or life‐stage); the theoretical origin of mixed classes; common portrayals of Śūdras and women; and increased attention to rājadharma or the dharma of kings.
Toba Singer
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780813044026
- eISBN:
- 9780813046259
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Florida
- DOI:
- 10.5744/florida/9780813044026.003.0029
- Subject:
- Music, Dance
René de Cárdenas comes from a family of dancers and after dancing with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, brought such as Sonlar to stages around the world, never hesitating to return to Cuba when needed ...
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René de Cárdenas comes from a family of dancers and after dancing with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, brought such as Sonlar to stages around the world, never hesitating to return to Cuba when needed to teach partnering class. He says that Fernando is not the only one “present” in his consciousness when he takes a rehearsal or teaches, because he is also hearing the words of Michel Fokine and the masters from the Golden Era of Ballet whose wisdom Fernando brings into the studio today.Less
René de Cárdenas comes from a family of dancers and after dancing with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, brought such as Sonlar to stages around the world, never hesitating to return to Cuba when needed to teach partnering class. He says that Fernando is not the only one “present” in his consciousness when he takes a rehearsal or teaches, because he is also hearing the words of Michel Fokine and the masters from the Golden Era of Ballet whose wisdom Fernando brings into the studio today.
R.S. Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195687859
- eISBN:
- 9780199080366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195687859.003.0017
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
The Northern Black Polished Ware phase remarked the origin of the second urbanization in India. Urbanization strengthened the state, increased trade, and promoted reading and writing. A rural base ...
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The Northern Black Polished Ware phase remarked the origin of the second urbanization in India. Urbanization strengthened the state, increased trade, and promoted reading and writing. A rural base contributed to the beginning of crafts, commerce, and urbanization in the mid-Gangetic basin. Technology became central to the progress of the rural and urban economy. Koshala and Magadha became mature states ruled by the hereditary monarchs belonging to the kshatriya varna. The real increase in state power is represented by the formation of a large professional army. The republican tradition in India is as old as the age of the Buddha. Such tradition became weak from the Maurya period. On the basis of regular taxes and tributes, large states could be founded. The varna order was devised, and the functions of each varna were delimited in order to continue this polity.Less
The Northern Black Polished Ware phase remarked the origin of the second urbanization in India. Urbanization strengthened the state, increased trade, and promoted reading and writing. A rural base contributed to the beginning of crafts, commerce, and urbanization in the mid-Gangetic basin. Technology became central to the progress of the rural and urban economy. Koshala and Magadha became mature states ruled by the hereditary monarchs belonging to the kshatriya varna. The real increase in state power is represented by the formation of a large professional army. The republican tradition in India is as old as the age of the Buddha. Such tradition became weak from the Maurya period. On the basis of regular taxes and tributes, large states could be founded. The varna order was devised, and the functions of each varna were delimited in order to continue this polity.
Carole Hillenbrand
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625727
- eISBN:
- 9780748671359
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625727.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter looks at the legacy of Manzikert in the later Middle Ages. It examines the ways in which the Turks are portrayed in the historical writings of the Muslim Arabs and Persians over whom ...
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This chapter looks at the legacy of Manzikert in the later Middle Ages. It examines the ways in which the Turks are portrayed in the historical writings of the Muslim Arabs and Persians over whom they ruled until the period of European colonialism and the creation of nation-states in the Middle East. The role of the Turks in the crusading context is analysed. The neglect by Muslim chroniclers of the battle of Myriocephalon of 1176 (in several ways a replay of Manzikert) in which the Seljuq sultan Kilij Arslan defeated the Byzantine emperor Manuel Comnenus, is revealed as a lost historiographical opportunity. The chapter also discusses early legendary folk literature, written in Turkish. The victories of the Mamluk sultans against Crusaders in the Middle East and those of the Ottoman sultans against Christian Europe (Varna, Kosovo and Mohacs) are then analysed. Close attention is given to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453; the way in which its propagandistic potential is exploited to the full by contemporary Turkish historians is highlighted. Throughout the chapter the Turks are shown as exemplary upholders of Sunni Islam and jihad fighters against the Christian infidel, both Crusader and Byzantine.Less
This chapter looks at the legacy of Manzikert in the later Middle Ages. It examines the ways in which the Turks are portrayed in the historical writings of the Muslim Arabs and Persians over whom they ruled until the period of European colonialism and the creation of nation-states in the Middle East. The role of the Turks in the crusading context is analysed. The neglect by Muslim chroniclers of the battle of Myriocephalon of 1176 (in several ways a replay of Manzikert) in which the Seljuq sultan Kilij Arslan defeated the Byzantine emperor Manuel Comnenus, is revealed as a lost historiographical opportunity. The chapter also discusses early legendary folk literature, written in Turkish. The victories of the Mamluk sultans against Crusaders in the Middle East and those of the Ottoman sultans against Christian Europe (Varna, Kosovo and Mohacs) are then analysed. Close attention is given to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453; the way in which its propagandistic potential is exploited to the full by contemporary Turkish historians is highlighted. Throughout the chapter the Turks are shown as exemplary upholders of Sunni Islam and jihad fighters against the Christian infidel, both Crusader and Byzantine.
Nagappa K. Gowda
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198072065
- eISBN:
- 9780199080748
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198072065.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, History of Ideas
Mahatma Ghandhi influenced the nationalist movement unlike any other leader. He drew much from the Gita for his nationalist project. Much of his thoughts can be found in the book Hind Swaraj and his ...
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Mahatma Ghandhi influenced the nationalist movement unlike any other leader. He drew much from the Gita for his nationalist project. Much of his thoughts can be found in the book Hind Swaraj and his philosophy of anasakti (non-attachment) is discussed in this chapter. It shows how Gandhi used the Bhagavadgita to defend the notions of ahimsa, truth, svadharma, swadeshi, and satyagraha. It also argues that Gandhi's version of the Bhagavadgita cautiously defends the institution of varna as an ordained form of division of labour. It explains how Gandhi's concept of anasaktiyoga translates into active engagement with one's fellowmen through service of the world.Less
Mahatma Ghandhi influenced the nationalist movement unlike any other leader. He drew much from the Gita for his nationalist project. Much of his thoughts can be found in the book Hind Swaraj and his philosophy of anasakti (non-attachment) is discussed in this chapter. It shows how Gandhi used the Bhagavadgita to defend the notions of ahimsa, truth, svadharma, swadeshi, and satyagraha. It also argues that Gandhi's version of the Bhagavadgita cautiously defends the institution of varna as an ordained form of division of labour. It explains how Gandhi's concept of anasaktiyoga translates into active engagement with one's fellowmen through service of the world.
R. S. Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195687859
- eISBN:
- 9780199080366
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195687859.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This book presents a complete and accessible description of the history of early India. It starts by discussing the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It also deals with the ...
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This book presents a complete and accessible description of the history of early India. It starts by discussing the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It also deals with the geographical, ecological, and linguistic backgrounds, and looks at specific cultures of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Vedic periods, as well as at the Harappan civilization. In addition, the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Magadha and the beginning of territorial states, and the period of Mauryas, Central Asian countries, Satvahanas, Guptas, and Harshavardhana are also analysed. Next, it stresses varna system, urbanization, commerce and trade, developments in science and philosophy, and cultural legacy. Finally, the process of transition from ancient to medieval India and the origin of the Aryan culture has also been examined.Less
This book presents a complete and accessible description of the history of early India. It starts by discussing the origins and growth of civilizations, empires, and religions. It also deals with the geographical, ecological, and linguistic backgrounds, and looks at specific cultures of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Vedic periods, as well as at the Harappan civilization. In addition, the rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Magadha and the beginning of territorial states, and the period of Mauryas, Central Asian countries, Satvahanas, Guptas, and Harshavardhana are also analysed. Next, it stresses varna system, urbanization, commerce and trade, developments in science and philosophy, and cultural legacy. Finally, the process of transition from ancient to medieval India and the origin of the Aryan culture has also been examined.
R.S. Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195687859
- eISBN:
- 9780199080366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195687859.003.0013
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
The history of the later Vedic period is based mainly on the Vedic texts which were compiled after the age of the Rig Veda. The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as the Samhitas. Iron ...
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The history of the later Vedic period is based mainly on the Vedic texts which were compiled after the age of the Rig Veda. The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as the Samhitas. Iron underwent a long gestation. The earliest iron implements discovered in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Videha relate to the seventh century bc, and the metal itself is called shyama or krishna ayas. Agriculture was the chief means of survival of the later Vedic people. They also continued to develop barley, but during the later Vedic period rice and wheat became their chief crops. The later Vedic period saw the rise of diverse arts and crafts. Excavations and explorations give some idea about settlements. The Vedic Aryans introduced the varna system. The later Vedic society was divided into brahmana, rajanya or kshatriya, vaishya and shudra. The cult of sacrifice was accompanied by rituals and formulae.Less
The history of the later Vedic period is based mainly on the Vedic texts which were compiled after the age of the Rig Veda. The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as the Samhitas. Iron underwent a long gestation. The earliest iron implements discovered in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Videha relate to the seventh century bc, and the metal itself is called shyama or krishna ayas. Agriculture was the chief means of survival of the later Vedic people. They also continued to develop barley, but during the later Vedic period rice and wheat became their chief crops. The later Vedic period saw the rise of diverse arts and crafts. Excavations and explorations give some idea about settlements. The Vedic Aryans introduced the varna system. The later Vedic society was divided into brahmana, rajanya or kshatriya, vaishya and shudra. The cult of sacrifice was accompanied by rituals and formulae.
R.S. Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195687859
- eISBN:
- 9780199080366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195687859.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
Jainism and Buddhism emerged as the most potent religious reform movements. Post-Vedic society was clearly divided into brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras. Each varna was assigned ...
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Jainism and Buddhism emerged as the most potent religious reform movements. Post-Vedic society was clearly divided into brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras. Each varna was assigned well-defined functions. The Jainas believed that Vardhamana Mahavira had twenty-three predecessors who were called tirthankaras. Jainism taught to not commit violence, not tell a lie, not steal, not hoard and observe continence. Mahavira organized an order of his followers in order to spread the teachings of Jainism. He preached his teachings in Prakrit. Gautama Buddha was a contemporary of Mahavira. He undertook long journeys and carried his message far and wide. He recommended an eightfold path (ashtangika marga) for the elimination of human misery. The rules and teachings of Buddha took full account of the new changes in the material life of the time and strengthened them ideologically. Buddhism created and developed a new awareness in the field of intellect and culture.Less
Jainism and Buddhism emerged as the most potent religious reform movements. Post-Vedic society was clearly divided into brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras. Each varna was assigned well-defined functions. The Jainas believed that Vardhamana Mahavira had twenty-three predecessors who were called tirthankaras. Jainism taught to not commit violence, not tell a lie, not steal, not hoard and observe continence. Mahavira organized an order of his followers in order to spread the teachings of Jainism. He preached his teachings in Prakrit. Gautama Buddha was a contemporary of Mahavira. He undertook long journeys and carried his message far and wide. He recommended an eightfold path (ashtangika marga) for the elimination of human misery. The rules and teachings of Buddha took full account of the new changes in the material life of the time and strengthened them ideologically. Buddhism created and developed a new awareness in the field of intellect and culture.
R.S. Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195687859
- eISBN:
- 9780199080366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195687859.003.0032
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
Archaeology informs that people lived in small groups in the hilly areas in the Palaeolithic age. The Neolithic and Chalcolithic communities lived on the uplands in the proximity of hills and rivers. ...
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Archaeology informs that people lived in small groups in the hilly areas in the Palaeolithic age. The Neolithic and Chalcolithic communities lived on the uplands in the proximity of hills and rivers. The Rig Vedic society was primarily pastoral. People were semi-nomadic, and their principal possessions were cattle and horses. Although artisans, peasants, priests, and warriors figure even in the earlier portions of the Rig Veda, society as a whole was tribal, pastoral, seminomadic, and egalitarian. Three processes coincided with one another in post-Vedic times. These were Aryanization, ironization, and urbanization. The varna system authorized the kshatriya to collect taxes from the peasants and tolls from traders and artisans. The social system worked well from the age of the Buddha to Gupta times. Then, it underwent a change due to internal upheavals.Less
Archaeology informs that people lived in small groups in the hilly areas in the Palaeolithic age. The Neolithic and Chalcolithic communities lived on the uplands in the proximity of hills and rivers. The Rig Vedic society was primarily pastoral. People were semi-nomadic, and their principal possessions were cattle and horses. Although artisans, peasants, priests, and warriors figure even in the earlier portions of the Rig Veda, society as a whole was tribal, pastoral, seminomadic, and egalitarian. Three processes coincided with one another in post-Vedic times. These were Aryanization, ironization, and urbanization. The varna system authorized the kshatriya to collect taxes from the peasants and tolls from traders and artisans. The social system worked well from the age of the Buddha to Gupta times. Then, it underwent a change due to internal upheavals.
Nishikant Kolge
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- April 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199474295
- eISBN:
- 9780199091089
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199474295.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Indian History, Social History
In 1909, while still in South Africa, Gandhi publicly decried the caste system for its inequalities. Shortly after his return to India though, he spoke of the generally beneficial aspects of caste. ...
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In 1909, while still in South Africa, Gandhi publicly decried the caste system for its inequalities. Shortly after his return to India though, he spoke of the generally beneficial aspects of caste. Gandhi’s writings on caste reflect contradictory views and his critics accuse him of neglecting the unequal socio-economic structure that relegated Dalits to the bottom of the caste hierarchy. So, did Gandhi endorse the fourfold division of the Indian society or was he truly against caste? In this book, Nishikant Kolge investigates the entire range of what Gandhi said or wrote about caste divisions over a period of more than three decades: from his return to India in 1915 to his death in 1948. Interestingly, Kolge also maps Gandhi’s own statements that undermined his stance against the caste system. These writings uncover the ‘strategist Gandhi’ who understood that social transformation had to be a slow process for the conservative but powerful section of Hindus who were not yet ready for radical reforms. Seven decades after it attained freedom from colonial powers, caste continues to influence the socio-political dynamics of India. And Gandhi against Caste—the battle is not over yet.Less
In 1909, while still in South Africa, Gandhi publicly decried the caste system for its inequalities. Shortly after his return to India though, he spoke of the generally beneficial aspects of caste. Gandhi’s writings on caste reflect contradictory views and his critics accuse him of neglecting the unequal socio-economic structure that relegated Dalits to the bottom of the caste hierarchy. So, did Gandhi endorse the fourfold division of the Indian society or was he truly against caste? In this book, Nishikant Kolge investigates the entire range of what Gandhi said or wrote about caste divisions over a period of more than three decades: from his return to India in 1915 to his death in 1948. Interestingly, Kolge also maps Gandhi’s own statements that undermined his stance against the caste system. These writings uncover the ‘strategist Gandhi’ who understood that social transformation had to be a slow process for the conservative but powerful section of Hindus who were not yet ready for radical reforms. Seven decades after it attained freedom from colonial powers, caste continues to influence the socio-political dynamics of India. And Gandhi against Caste—the battle is not over yet.
Arvind Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195676389
- eISBN:
- 9780199081974
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195676389.003.0019
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
Varṇa, when made to stand for the caste system, poses one of the great challenges to modern Hinduism. There are two aspects of the caste system: caste disability and caste mentality. India has made ...
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Varṇa, when made to stand for the caste system, poses one of the great challenges to modern Hinduism. There are two aspects of the caste system: caste disability and caste mentality. India has made considerable progress in removing caste disabilities, as reflected by the access that women and the lower castes have gained to the Vedic scriptures; for centuries, they were not allowed to study such scriptures. According to Professor K. Satchidananda Murty, the Veda is meant for all, regardless of sex, caste or race. Swami Vivekananda and Govinda Das both criticized the caste system. This chapter explores the concept of varna in relation to the caste system in modern Hinduism. It discusses the critique offered by Jyotiba Phule, E. V. Ramasami Naicker, and B. R. Ambedkar on the subject, and focuses on the principles of social justice within Hinduism.Less
Varṇa, when made to stand for the caste system, poses one of the great challenges to modern Hinduism. There are two aspects of the caste system: caste disability and caste mentality. India has made considerable progress in removing caste disabilities, as reflected by the access that women and the lower castes have gained to the Vedic scriptures; for centuries, they were not allowed to study such scriptures. According to Professor K. Satchidananda Murty, the Veda is meant for all, regardless of sex, caste or race. Swami Vivekananda and Govinda Das both criticized the caste system. This chapter explores the concept of varna in relation to the caste system in modern Hinduism. It discusses the critique offered by Jyotiba Phule, E. V. Ramasami Naicker, and B. R. Ambedkar on the subject, and focuses on the principles of social justice within Hinduism.
Arvind Sharma
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195665857
- eISBN:
- 9780199082025
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195665857.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration
This chapter shows how the caste system can be brought into relationship with human rights through the twin concepts of varṇa and jāti. The concept of varṇa can be viewed as a system of balancing ...
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This chapter shows how the caste system can be brought into relationship with human rights through the twin concepts of varṇa and jāti. The concept of varṇa can be viewed as a system of balancing duties and privileges. Human rights can be brought into relationship with both sides of this scale. The point at which Hindu thought makes its own contribution to human rights discourse is when it proposes that the discourse must view rights and duties as an integrated whole. The concept of jāti refers to the entire human race (mānava jāti) because one is born a human being. This is in keeping with human rights discourse for at the basis of the discourse on human rights there is the assumption of a universal human nature common to all peoples.Less
This chapter shows how the caste system can be brought into relationship with human rights through the twin concepts of varṇa and jāti. The concept of varṇa can be viewed as a system of balancing duties and privileges. Human rights can be brought into relationship with both sides of this scale. The point at which Hindu thought makes its own contribution to human rights discourse is when it proposes that the discourse must view rights and duties as an integrated whole. The concept of jāti refers to the entire human race (mānava jāti) because one is born a human being. This is in keeping with human rights discourse for at the basis of the discourse on human rights there is the assumption of a universal human nature common to all peoples.
Igor Krstić
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781474406864
- eISBN:
- 9781474421928
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474406864.003.0010
- Subject:
- Film, Television and Radio, Film
The first part of this chapter discusses phases of slum representation in the cinema of Bombay/Mumbai, including those of what is better known as Bollywood. Together with scholars of Indian Cinema ...
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The first part of this chapter discusses phases of slum representation in the cinema of Bombay/Mumbai, including those of what is better known as Bollywood. Together with scholars of Indian Cinema (Mazumdar, Prasad, Basu), the chapter focuses on a few representative examples, such as Boot Polish (Arora 1954) or Satya (Varma 1998), to outline how popular Indian cinema has gradually abandoned what was once one of its most characteristic settings, the slum, to focus instead on escapist, studio set family melodramas. The second part departs from the harsh criticism (‘poverty porn’) that Slumdog Millionaire (Boyle 2008) has received to then argue that the film is best described as a palimpsestic imitation of Bombay Cinema. The film’s references to genres (gangster films, melodramas), plot structures (the forking life paths of two rival brothers), editing styles (of recent Bollywood gangster films), or character types (orphaned children) are indeed so manifold, that one can describe the film as an ‘archive of Bombay cinema’ (Mazumdar). The chapter concludes that, far from being a realistic depiction of the life of Mumbai’s street children, the film rather aims at immersing its viewers into a cinematic/televisual Mumbai of screens, surfaces and images.Less
The first part of this chapter discusses phases of slum representation in the cinema of Bombay/Mumbai, including those of what is better known as Bollywood. Together with scholars of Indian Cinema (Mazumdar, Prasad, Basu), the chapter focuses on a few representative examples, such as Boot Polish (Arora 1954) or Satya (Varma 1998), to outline how popular Indian cinema has gradually abandoned what was once one of its most characteristic settings, the slum, to focus instead on escapist, studio set family melodramas. The second part departs from the harsh criticism (‘poverty porn’) that Slumdog Millionaire (Boyle 2008) has received to then argue that the film is best described as a palimpsestic imitation of Bombay Cinema. The film’s references to genres (gangster films, melodramas), plot structures (the forking life paths of two rival brothers), editing styles (of recent Bollywood gangster films), or character types (orphaned children) are indeed so manifold, that one can describe the film as an ‘archive of Bombay cinema’ (Mazumdar). The chapter concludes that, far from being a realistic depiction of the life of Mumbai’s street children, the film rather aims at immersing its viewers into a cinematic/televisual Mumbai of screens, surfaces and images.
Nishikant Kolge
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- April 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199474295
- eISBN:
- 9780199091089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199474295.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Indian History, Social History
This chapter expounds the course of Gandhi’s evolving strategy against the caste system within its historical context. It presents a chronological account of Gandhi’s writings and life starting from ...
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This chapter expounds the course of Gandhi’s evolving strategy against the caste system within its historical context. It presents a chronological account of Gandhi’s writings and life starting from 1915 (his arrival to India from South Africa) till 1932 (his epic fast unto death). It analyses Gandhi’s writings during three periods, viz., 1915 to 1920, 1920 to 1927, and 1927 to 1932 on the themes that emerge during those years on issues of untouchability, caste, varna, sanatani Hindu, inter-dining, and inter-caste marriage. Each section that studies the above-mentioned time periods is further divided into two sub-sections, the first on the historical background of the changing political context of each period, which in turn served to advance his movement against the caste system gradually, and second on how these themes themselves appear to shift in Gandhi’s writings.Less
This chapter expounds the course of Gandhi’s evolving strategy against the caste system within its historical context. It presents a chronological account of Gandhi’s writings and life starting from 1915 (his arrival to India from South Africa) till 1932 (his epic fast unto death). It analyses Gandhi’s writings during three periods, viz., 1915 to 1920, 1920 to 1927, and 1927 to 1932 on the themes that emerge during those years on issues of untouchability, caste, varna, sanatani Hindu, inter-dining, and inter-caste marriage. Each section that studies the above-mentioned time periods is further divided into two sub-sections, the first on the historical background of the changing political context of each period, which in turn served to advance his movement against the caste system gradually, and second on how these themes themselves appear to shift in Gandhi’s writings.
Nishikant Kolge
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- April 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199474295
- eISBN:
- 9780199091089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199474295.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, Indian History, Social History
This chapter expounds the course of Gandhi’s evolving strategy against the caste system within its historical context. It presents a chronological account of Gandhi’s writings and life starting from ...
More
This chapter expounds the course of Gandhi’s evolving strategy against the caste system within its historical context. It presents a chronological account of Gandhi’s writings and life starting from 1932 (his epic fast unto death) to 1948 (his death). It analyses Gandhi’s writings during two periods, viz., 1932 to 1945, and 1945 to 1948, on the themes that emerge during those years on issues of untouchability, caste, varna, sanatani Hindu, inter-dining, and inter-caste marriage. Each section that studies the above-mentioned time periods is further divided into two sub-sections, the first on the historical background of the changing political context of each period, which in turn served to advance his movement against the caste system gradually, and second on how these themes themselves appear to shift in Gandhi’s writings. At the end the chapter also presents an overview of Gandhi’s strategy.Less
This chapter expounds the course of Gandhi’s evolving strategy against the caste system within its historical context. It presents a chronological account of Gandhi’s writings and life starting from 1932 (his epic fast unto death) to 1948 (his death). It analyses Gandhi’s writings during two periods, viz., 1932 to 1945, and 1945 to 1948, on the themes that emerge during those years on issues of untouchability, caste, varna, sanatani Hindu, inter-dining, and inter-caste marriage. Each section that studies the above-mentioned time periods is further divided into two sub-sections, the first on the historical background of the changing political context of each period, which in turn served to advance his movement against the caste system gradually, and second on how these themes themselves appear to shift in Gandhi’s writings. At the end the chapter also presents an overview of Gandhi’s strategy.
