RG ST 3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Shiva Rose, Indus River, Zoomorphism
Document Summary
One (on gauchospace: sources of indian traditions, vol. Focus on the northwest of indian territory (modern pakistan) River is significant because of its fertile soil. Religion of pre-existing indus valley civilization is an important element in origins of hinduism. Arose between 3000-2000 bce, and reached its zenith around 2000 bce. Indus valley civilization goes into decline before 1600 bce, before the arrival of. Dominated by two cities of mohenjo daro on indus river and harappa 350 miles to the nw. Hierarchies that separated people from others based on social class. Dependent on the changes of seasons at the right time. Worship to pre-aryan goddesses suggest a value on fertility. Archaeological evidence of large baths in both cities suggests a concern with cultic bathing and ritual purity as in later hindu practice. Bathing = purifying soul in the (holy) waters. Presence of granaries in both cities together with votive images of goddess figures suggests a strong concern with fertility.
