RLG100Y1 Lecture Notes - Indo
Indic Traditions
(INDK) [E.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, etc.]
- originate in the sub continent of India
- 2 main historical sources/features (civilizations)
1. Indus Valley Civilization
1926 ± archeological evidence - presence of an extensive
civilization, widespread, sophisticated, advanced on many levels
(e.g. drainage system, 2-story homes w/ courtyards, 12 rooms) Æ
coins and other artifacts
established ritual life ± urban culture Æ sacrificial rituals ± high
value for asceticism (habits of the body) ± µPHGitation-like
SRVWXUHV¶ ± recognition of animals
figurines of females with exaggerated sexual parts ± venerated
fertility, goddess worship
no extensive information - no scripture Æ GRQ¶WNQRZZKDWWKH
Indus ethnic was
x HARAPPA
x MOHENJODARO
- settled urban civilization
2. Aryans ±
Arya ± Sanskrit word ± µQREOHSHUVRQ¶QRXQDGMHFWLYH
x Derived from Sanskrit text ± VEDAS
x Associated with the major group discussed in the VEDAS
Late 18th century, India was under colonial rule ± British Empire (economic,
political, military control) ± came into encounter with westerners (Europeans) ±
esp. English ± English came into India first as traders (voyages) Æ mainly spices
o Major area for spices ± Asia ± Indonesia (under Dutch control)
o Settled in India ± and took full control
o Fraud by company officials (India) - corruptions
o British are much more interested in how India operated
Finances ± wanted to govern India
5XOHE\,QGLD¶VRZQODZV
British had to learn Indian language, and learn the Indian laws
through text ± led to the knowledge of µ6DQVNULW¶ (sacred
language)
Men of the Enlightenment Æ exposed to Sanskrit ± Similarity to
the ancient languages of Europe ± in particular, William Jones ±
Early administrators of the British ± (last quarter of 18th Century) ±
struck by grammatical, vocabulary similarity to European language
± thesis : Sanskrit and European languages emerged from the same
family of languages ± called this ancient family of languages Æ
INDO-EUROPEAN
Many centuries ago: Central Asia ± began with Indo-European Æ
emerged into different groups/directions >> one went south and
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Document Summary
Originate in the sub continent of india. 2 main historical sources/features (civilizations: indus valley civilization. S 1926 archeological evidence - presence of an extensive civilization, widespread, sophisticated, advanced on many levels (e. g. drainage system, 2-story homes w/ courtyards, 12 rooms) coins and other artifacts. S established ritual life urban culture sacrificial rituals high value for asceticism (habits of the body) 20/itation-like. 5489:708 recognition of animals figurines of females with exaggerated sexual parts venerated fertility, goddess worship. S no extensive information - no scripture /43934,990. N mohenjodaro settled urban civilization: aryans . N associated with the major group discussed in the vedas. S late 18th century, india was under colonial rule british empire (economic, political, military control) came into encounter with westerners (europeans) esp. S british had to learn indian language, and learn the indian laws through text led to the knowledge of $,3879 (sacred language)
