Religious Diversity and Caste System

Religious Diversity

 Ancient India saw the birth of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Later Islam came into existence through the various conquests of Muslim rulers. Christianity was first spread through one of Christ’s disciples St. Thomas during 1^st century AD. But it was spread with rigor through the various missionaries that came along with the Europeans during the 17^th Century AD. In spite of obvious differences, all religions intermingled in such a way that even though people follow different gods, customs & language, there was a common life style.

Caste System

Caste system first arose in North India and affected all of India. The ill effects of caste system include child marriage and sati. Women were degraded and reserved for kitchen. Social injustice prevailed all over the country. The lower orders (Shudras & Untouchables) were always given a raw deal. Even Muslims and Christians were affected as converted were regarded as a separate caste. These converts continued to practice some old traditions from their previous religion.

 Relevance of Past to Present

 Some people want to restore the old pattern of society and culture. This needs a careful understanding of the past. We have to realize that in spite of the growth ancient India was able to achieve, that cannot be used in today’s world of science and technology. Also, ancient India was marked by social injustice. Restoration of old culture will invariably bring back these injustices. Old practices & values still prevail strongly all over the country which hampers growth of the country. Moreover women in the country are still discriminated, although the situation is fast improving. Hence it would be ill advised to restore the social system of the past. 

Language Diversity

Language diversity best explains the concept of unity in diversity. People were considered after they started writing. Presently, each state in India has a different official language. In ancient India, the pre-Aryans of western India spoke Munda or Kolarian Languages. But survivors of Munda culture are not as strong in number as their Dravidian counterparts. Many Dravidian and non-Sanskritic terms occur in Vedic texts (1500 BC to 500 BC), attributing to the south. Similarly many Pali & Sanskritic terms occur in Tamil texts during Sangam age (300 Bc to AD 600), attributing to the north.

While languages have ancient roots, the different forms of writing come from ancient scripts. During 3^rd century BC Prakit was the common linguistic form of north India. This is indicated by the fact that Asokha were in Prakit language & Brahmi script. Later Sanskrit acquired the numero-uno position as the official language of India. Despite linguistic differences, people from all over the country studied Ramayana and Mahabharata with same passion and spirit. 

History of Ancient India- An Introduction

Ancient India is a land of superior civilization, agriculture, trade and art. Ethnic groups that settled in India (Pre Aryans, Indo-Aryans, Greeks, Turks, Hunas and Scythians) contributed to the evolution art, architecture, literature & a social system that still prevails. The most remarkable feature is the unity of all these cultural elements which rightfully made India a land of unity in diversity. Hence Ancient Indian history is a very important as it illustrates, 

1. How agriculture was developed.
2. Utilization of natural resources
3. How civilization was formed by building villages, cities and kingdom
4. How livelihood was developed through farming, spinning, weaving etc…

 We also learn that India had diversity in language, religion, tradition, rituals, lifestyle among other differences. But the major contributors for India’s diverse culture were language and religion.  

Modern Historians of Ancient India

Colonist Views and Contribution

 The first modern research of the ancient history of India started in the 18^th century. Researches were done primarily to make British administration easy in colonial India, as it was difficult to administer the Hindu Law of Inheritance. So, Manusmriti was translated as ‘A Code of Gentoo Laws’ in 1776. Bhagavad-Gita was also translated into English in 1785 by Wilkins. Asiatic societies were set up during the course of time to help facilitate research on ancient India.

 

Asiatic Society	Year of Beginning
Calcutta (Kolkata)	1784
Bombay (Mumbai)	1804
Great Britain	1823

 Interest on Indological studies increased manifold after the theory that European languages were similar to Sanskrit and Iranian Languages. Max Mueller made a huge impact in Indological studies. Under his supervision, ancient books were translated into various European languages. This was primarily done because after the revolt of 1857 the British realized that they need a far deeper understanding of India’s social system in order to rule the country. Apart from this Christian Institutions also wanted to find the loopholes of Hinduism for it to spread Christianity in India. Among the translated books, ‘Sacred Books of the East’ series is the most important one, as it had 50 volumes, majority of which were Indian and a few Chinese and Iranian Books.

 Generalizations of Ancient India

 There were few generalizations that can be made from the various studies of Ancient India. 

1.      Indians did not show strong chronology.

2.      Caste system was the most dominant and vicious form of discrimination

3.      Indians do not have feels of nationhood and are incapable for self-governance

4.      Indians were accustomed to despotic rule.

5.      Autocracy is the only form on governance in ancient India.

 Views of Indian Scholars

 Indian historians differed in view with their foreign counterparts. Although nationalist views can be a little exaggerating, it gives a slightly different perspective of the events.

 Indian historians argued that India’s caste system is no different from Britain’s class system.  However, even they accept the fact that Caste system was very important and the ill effects of it along with sati and child marriage. Religious Ideas, rituals, caste, kinship and tradition formed the crux of ancient India.

The overall implication of these studies is, ‘Indian Society has not and cannot be changed, which means under-development will always be a part of India’. 

What is this about?

Well.. The Blog name says it all.. This blog will consist of important notes that you may need in various topics of Indian History.. It could be particularly useful for those who are preparing for Civil Service Exams as reference notes or any other way.. Start of public service for me as I begin my quest for CSE... Useful inputs from anyone and everyone are always welcome.. You can also add your points on various topics in the comments section or simply mail it to me @ hbkniranjan@gmail.com & I'll add it up for you along with due credits..