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Origins
The Indus River Valley civilization (Indigenous
culture):
: at
least as old as 2500 BCE, relatively sophisticated cities (built on a grid
system of streets) with sewer systems,
indoor latrines and plumbing! Large public bathing facilities may have
been for ritual purification rites (or swimming pools?)
Religion : seals
with horned figures sitting cross legged (lotus posture) surrounded
by animals, esp. bulls. Stone lingams (phallic symbols?) also
abound (all future symbols of Shiva). Also images of fertility
figures (India continues to recognize the feminine power within its
pantheon of gods and goddesses)
The Aryans*
(nomadic migrants and invaders): enter India mid 2nd millennium (1700-1200
BCE)
:
originate from Southern Russia/Persian area. Migrated into Europe as well
as the Indus Valley (related to cultures as diverse and distant as Egypt
and the Celts). Wherever they went they brought their language
(common root of Sanskrit and other "Indo-European" languages), religion
(the common root of later Indian and Persian religion and perhaps also
European Pagan religions), social system (Priests, Nobles &
warriors, and workers - origin of class distinctions - caste) and political
leadership (tribal rulers were called "Rajas" - still means
"king" in India).
Religion :
polytheistic, sacrificial, mythological (similar to religions of the time in
Persia)
Note:
The Aryan invasion is a controversial and hotly debated
theory. Learn more
about the controversy at this
site
Mini Lecture: The Vedic Tradition &
Upanishadic Metaphysics:
Read on to learn more
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