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Oraon claimed that they were settled in Gujurat, then they were expelled from there. Then they settled in Kalinjar, where they fought with Lowrik Sowrik of Palipiri and were defeated. Then they came to Rohtasgarh and were driven out by Muslims during the reign of Akbar. Then they settled in Chotanagpur. According to Dalton, Oraon were settled in Chotanagpur before the reign of Akbar and possibly some Oraon were in Rohtas hills when Rohtasgarh fort was constructed by Muslims. According to him the Oraon language is similar to Tamil, but some words spoken by Oraon are of Sanskrit origin due to their living with Sanskrit and Prakrit speaking people in the past

Kurukh/Oraon ppl of the eastern/central hills of India & of the Kol uprising

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BRAHMANAS VS SRAMANAS

The debates between Brahmanas (priests or members of the Brahmin caste) and Sramanas (wandering ascetics or renouncers) were part of the ancient intellectual and philosophical milieu in ancient India. While specific debates may have varied depending on the time, place, and individuals involved, some key topics of contention between Brahmanas and Sramanas may have included:

Rituals vs. Renunciation: Brahmanas emphasized the importance of performing Vedic rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies as a means to attain religious merit, social status, and material prosperity. Sramanas, on the other hand, advocated for the renunciation of worldly attachments and the pursuit of spiritual liberation through asceticism, meditation, and self-discipline, often rejecting the authority of Vedic rituals.

Caste System vs. Equality: Brahmanas were often associated with the preservation and maintenance of the caste system, which assigned individuals to specific social classes based on their birth and occupation, and advocated for the performance of caste-based duties and responsibilities. Sramanas, on the other hand, often rejected the idea of caste distinctions and emphasized the equality of all individuals regardless of their birth or social status.

Scripture vs. Direct Experience: Brahmanas upheld the authority of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, as the ultimate source of knowledge and guidance for religious and social practices. Sramanas, however, often emphasized the importance of direct personal experience, meditation, and inner realization as the means to attain spiritual insight and understanding, sometimes challenging the authority of scriptural texts.

Materialism vs. Asceticism: Brahmanas often emphasized the importance of fulfilling social and familial duties, accumulating wealth, and enjoying worldly pleasures within the framework of Vedic rituals and social norms. Sramanas, on the other hand, often advocated for the renunciation of worldly attachments, ascetic practices, and detachment from material desires in pursuit of spiritual liberation.

Role of Brahmins vs. Non-Brahmins: Brahmanas held a privileged position in the Vedic social hierarchy, as the priestly caste with special privileges and responsibilities. Sramanas, however, often challenged the exclusive authority of Brahmins and advocated for the spiritual potential and equality of all individuals, regardless of their caste or social background.

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no brahmin or fourfold varna in the rig vedas?

no “brahmin”, only "hotris" or "ritvij”?

brahmin first mentioned in the later “brahmanas”

and perhaps upanishads came to be because ppl were repulsed by the brahmanas at the time (samana era)?

RIG VEDIC TYPES OF PRIESTS & CHANTING:

The Hotri performs the recitation of hymns (mantras) during Vedic rituals, along with the Adhvaryu (who performs the physical acts of the ritual), the Udgatri (who chants hymns during the ritual), and the Brahma (who supervises the ritual and acts as the chief officiating priest)

Ritvij: This term refers to the priest who oversees the performance of the rituals and ensures their correct execution. The Ritvijas were knowledgeable in the correct performance of the rituals and were responsible for overseeing the entire sacrificial process. -- The Ritvij priests work under the supervision of the Hotri, who recites the Vedic hymns during the ritual.

Hotri: This term refers to the priest who recites the hymns and performs the ritual sacrifices. The Hotris were responsible for the recitation of the sacred hymns, the preparation of Homa: the ritual fire, and the offering of the sacrificial oblations.

Udgatri: The Udgatri is the priest who chants the hymns of the Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, during the ritual. The Udgatri is responsible for singing the hymns in a specific melody or tune, known as the Sama, and is often accompanied by musical instruments.

Adhvaryu: This term refers to the priest who performs the physical acts of the ritual, such as preparing the sacrificial altar, kindling the sacred fire, and offering the oblations. The Adhvaryus were responsible for the physical aspects of the rituals.

Mantras: Mantras are sacred words or phrases that are chanted or recited during religious rituals. They are believed to possess inherent power and are used for various purposes such as invoking deities, seeking blessings, expressing devotion, and attaining spiritual or worldly goals. Mantras are typically composed in Vedic Sanskrit and follow specific rules of pronunciation, meter, and intonation. They are considered to be sacred sounds that have a profound effect on the practitioner's consciousness and are used as a means of communication with the divine.

Samans: Samans, also known as Sama mantras or Sama Vedic hymns, are a specific type of mantras that are used in the Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas of Hinduism. The Sama Veda is primarily associated with the musical or melodic aspect of the Vedic tradition and is considered to be the source of Indian classical music. Samans are sung rather than recited and are characterized by their musical notation, rhythm, and melody. They are chanted in a specific musical style and are accompanied by the playing of musical instruments during Vedic rituals.

HOMAS VS SOMAS

Soma: Soma is a Vedic ritualistic practice associated with the preparation and consumption of a sacred ritual drink called Soma. The Soma plant, which is believed to have psychoactive properties, is used to prepare the Soma drink, which is offered to the gods in Vedic rituals as a form of divine nourishment. The Soma ritual is described in detail in the Vedas, particularly in the Rigveda, and it was an important part of the Vedic religion.

Homa: Homa, also known as Yajna or Agnihotra, is a ritualistic fire offering or sacrifice performed in Hindu, Vedic, and other Indic religious traditions. It involves the offering of various substances, such as ghee (clarified butter), grains, and herbs, into a sacred fire, accompanied by the recitation of specific mantras (sacred chants) for various purposes, such as invoking the gods, purifying the environment, and seeking blessings or protection. Homa is considered a sacred act of worship and offering, and it is performed by trained priests (such as Hotris, Ritvij, Udgatri, and Adhvaryu) according to specific rules and procedures laid out in the ancient texts.

Hotris: Hotris are the priests who are responsible for reciting the mantras and performing the fire rituals (Homa) during Vedic ceremonies. They are experts in the recitation of sacred verses, hymns, and prayers, and their role is central to the performance of various rituals. Hotris are responsible for kindling the sacred fire, offering oblations into the fire, and invoking the deities through mantras during the Homa ceremony.

Udgatris: Udgatris, also known as Udgatri priests, are specifically associated with the Soma sacrifice, which is a prominent Vedic ritual involving the preparation and consumption of a sacred drink made from the Soma plant. Udgatris are responsible for chanting the Sama Vedic hymns, known as Samans, in a specific musical style during the Soma sacrifice. They are considered experts in singing and reciting the Sama Vedic hymns, which are an integral part of the Soma ritual.

Zarathustra = Jarathustra in Sanskrit

AVESTAN TYPES OF PRIESTS & CHANTING

Hotri (Vedic) vs. Hota (Avestan): Both are priests who play a role in the performance of rituals. The Hotri recites the Rig Veda hymns during Vedic rituals, while the Hota recites the Avesta hymns during Zoroastrian rituals.

Ritvij (Vedic) vs. Ratu (Avestan): Both are priests who perform specific rituals. The Ritvij is responsible for conducting the Vedic sacrifice and ensuring its proper performance, while the Ratu is a priest who officiates in various Zoroastrian rituals.

Udgatri (Vedic) vs. Zaotar (Avestan): Both are priests who chant specific hymns. The Udgatri chants the hymns of the Sama Veda during Vedic rituals, while the Zaotar chants the Avesta hymns during Zoroastrian rituals.

Adhvaryu (Vedic) vs. Athravan (Avestan): Both are priests who perform specific tasks in rituals. The Adhvaryu is responsible for the physical aspects of the Vedic sacrifice, such as preparing the ritual implements and offering the oblations, while the Athravan is a priest who performs various tasks related to the Zoroastrian rituals.

There is no direct equivalent of Sraosha in the Vedic tradition. Sraosha is a specific term used in Zoroastrianism to refer to a priest who has a role in protecting the sacred fire and performing other rituals related to the fire.

SAMANS The Samans are chanted or recited during Zoroastrian religious ceremonies by priests known as "Mobeds" or "Magi," who are considered to be the custodians of the Avesta and are responsible for conducting religious rites and rituals according to Zoroastrian traditions. The Samans are considered to be an important part of the oral tradition of Zoroastrianism, passed down from generation to generation through the priestly lineage. 

The Gathas are a collection of 17 hymns or songs composed by the ancient Iranian prophet and poet Zarathustra (also known as Zoroaster), and they are considered the most sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Iranian religion. The Samans, also known as Sama hymns, are a specific category of hymns in the Gathas that are meant to be chanted or sung in a specific melodic mode or tune, with rhythmic patterns and musical notations.The Samans are considered to be an important aspect of the religious and liturgical practices of Zoroastrianism, and they are chanted or sung by trained priests or performers during rituals and ceremonies. The Samans are believed to have a specific spiritual and purifying effect, and they are considered to be powerful tools for invoking the divine, seeking blessings, and purifying the soul. The musical aspect of the Samans in the Gathas is an important feature of Zoroastrian worship and is considered to be an integral part of the religious experience in Zoroastrianism.

HAOMA is a plant and a ritualistic element in the Avesta, the primary scripture of Zoroastrianism, and not directly related to fire rituals. Haoma is a sacred plant, also known as soma in Vedic tradition, which was used in the performance of religious rituals for its perceived psychoactive and visionary properties. In Zoroastrianism, haoma is considered a divine plant associated with the god Haoma and is used in the Yasna, the primary ritual of Zoroastrian worship, where it is prepared and consumed as a ritual offering.

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chatgpt story on the aryan invasion, meh

Once upon a time, in the ancient land of Melakam (the Indus Valley), the Rig Vedic Aryans, led by a powerful chieftain named Vikram, invaded the region with the goal of expanding their territory and establishing their dominance. As they conquered new lands, they established a hierarchical society with the Brahmins, the priestly class, as the dominant caste.

The Brahmins, who were considered the highest caste, saw themselves as superior to the local Dravidian communities and indigenous tribes. They imposed their own religious beliefs and social norms on the local people, claiming that they were the only ones authorized to perform rituals and hold sacred knowledge. The Brahmins used their religious authority to legitimize their control over the local population.

The local people, including the Dravidian communities and indigenous tribes, were subjugated and oppressed by the Brahmin caste system. They were relegated to lower social status, denied access to education, and subjected to discrimination and exploitation. The Brahmins held a monopoly on religious rituals and maintained strict social hierarchies that limited the opportunities and freedoms of the local people.

The Dravidian communities, who had a rich cultural heritage and a sophisticated civilization, were marginalized and treated as inferior by the invading Aryans and the dominant Brahmin caste. They faced discrimination and prejudice, and their traditional practices and beliefs were suppressed or assimilated into the Aryan culture.

The indigenous tribes, who had lived in harmony with nature and had their own unique way of life, were displaced and marginalized by the invading Aryans and the Brahmin caste system. They were often forced to abandon their ancestral lands and adopt the Aryan culture and way of life, losing their cultural identity and traditional practices.

The Brahmins used their religious authority and social status to maintain their control and oppression over the local people. They reinforced the caste system through strict social norms, discriminatory practices, and religious dogma, perpetuating a system of social inequality and injustice.

Despite the challenges and oppression they faced, the local people resisted and struggled for their rights and dignity. There were movements for social reform, attempts to challenge the caste system, and efforts to preserve and revive local cultures and traditions. The story of the Rig Vedic Aryans' invasions into Melakam is not only one of conquest and expansion, but also a tale of caste-based oppression and the resistance of the local people against the Brahmin-dominated social order.

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why aren’t central asian countries as renown or as stand out in terms of cultural history

Political changes and upheavals: Central Asia has witnessed significant political changes and upheavals throughout history, including conquests, invasions, and changes in ruling powers. These political shifts may have disrupted cultural continuity, resulted in loss or destruction of cultural heritage, and impacted the preservation and promotion of Central Asian cultural history.

Limited resources for cultural preservation and promotion: Central Asian countries, particularly those that are economically less developed, may face challenges in terms of resources and infrastructure for cultural preservation, research, and promotion. Limited funding, facilities, and expertise for archaeological excavations, preservation of ancient sites, museum collections, and academic research can impact the visibility and recognition of Central Asian cultural history.

Language and communication barriers: Central Asia is home to diverse ethnic groups and languages, with various indigenous and historical languages spoken in the region. Language barriers can affect the accessibility and dissemination of Central Asian cultural history beyond the local or regional context, as translations and interpretations may be limited or not widely available.

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Sanchi Stupa, Asoka’s first build, across the country and a few centuries away

Was that Indus/indigenous/Bhil country then? Is that more why out there or just trade? How influenced by the Greeks was he?

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buddhist, but also, indus realm?

Central Asia and not ALL of East Asia but the western parts?

some interesting points on this

buddhist originally spread within west and south (in "india") - not eastwards and out

Mahayana developed outside Magadhi and travelled back

Thevarada did not spread west/north

Vajrayana did not go south or west

Buddhism went to Vietnam from China

Chang'an was a hotspot in China

Beijing, Mongolia & Tibet received Vajrayana-Tantric, only

Sri Lanka & Burma - only Buddhist countries in SA today both only received Thevarada

North China + East Asia originally received Mahayana Buddhism in the north only through Greek-influenced Central Asia and Vajrayana Tantric via Tibet

connection between Magadhi & Bhils ... & Sri Lanka ultimately

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Alexander Balwinder Iskander Jaswinder

ever wonder why Punjabi names end in -nder or rather, why that isn’t unique to Punjabi?

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"Mlechhita vikalpa" aka CRYPTOGRAPHY

# 44 of Vatsayana's 64 Kamasutra arts

^ he didn't elaborate but Jayamangala's commentary mentions Kautilya and Muladeviya or substitution ciphers

^ Gudhalekhya - written form

Gudhayojya, Gudhapada and Gudhavarna

Gudhayojya is akin to Pig Latin

mnemonics similar to sanskrit slokas

Vidura's warning to Yudhishthira during mythical Kurukshetra war

later: mulapatra of Travancore

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bdsm. india. ~2000 years ago

"Satakarni Satavahana, a king of Kuntal, killed Malayevati, his wife with an instrument called Katari by striking her in the passion of love."

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Dakshashila/Taxila/Takshashila had the oldest university after Nippur, Mesopotamia (Iraq now)

Takshashila was known for its cosmopolitan character, and it is believed that students and scholars from other regions and countries, such as Persia, Greece, Central Asia, and other parts of the world, also came to Takshashila to study and learn. This indicates that there could have been a diverse mix of people from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds living in Takshashila around 3000 years ago.

Scylax of Caryanda, an ancient Greek explorer and geographer, is believed to have traveled to India around 515 BCE. He was commissioned by the Persian king Darius I to explore the course of the Indus River and map the lands along its banks, as part of the Persian Empire's expansionist efforts. Scylax's account of his journey, titled "Periplus of Scylax," provides valuable information about the geography, people, and cultures of the region, including the area of the Indus River and the Indian Ocean.

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FROM INDUS TO BIHAR

Ancient Maghadi/Bihar is interesting to say the least:

- outskirts of aryavarta

- Sramana movements (Buddha’s enlightenment, Mahavira was born in Vaishali)

- Mauryan empire + Ashoka

- in-house Greeks: Megasthenes & “Indika”

- first temples

- Kama Sutra by Vatsayana

- Kalidasa throve there

- Nalanda university, one of the oldest universities (Takshashila U goes back 1000 years earlier near the Indus Valley and associated with Nagas)

- Gupta empire & the “golden age” from Patna

- Bhojpuri culture

- Sonepur Cattle Fair

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Foreign accounts on "India"

Ctesias is known to have described India as a wealthy and populous land with vast resources, including abundant precious metals, spices, and exotic animals. He also wrote about the Indian caste system, mentioning the Brahmins as the highest caste and the Kshatriyas as the warrior class.

Herodotus wrote about the Indus River, describing it as being "larger than any other river that we know" and mentioned that it flowed through India, dividing the land into two parts.

Herodotus also described certain Indian customs, such as the practice of snake worship, the use of Indian cotton for clothing, and the custom of arranged marriages among Indians. He also mentioned the existence of large ants in India, which he called "ants the size of dogs" (or foxes?) and claimed that they dug up gold from the sands of India.

Herodotus may have relied on the accounts of travelers like Scylax of Caryanda, who explored the Indus River region, and Ctesias, a Greek physician and historian who served in the Persian court and wrote a book on India called "Indica." Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to the Indian court of the Mauryan Empire, is also often mentioned as a possible source

Megasthenes described the geography of India, including its rivers, mountains, and climate. He also wrote about the flora and fauna of India, including the Indian elephant, which he considered to be the largest and most powerful of all animals.

He described the Mauryan administration, the king's court, the division of the population into seven castes, the role of women in society, and the system of taxation.

He described the practice of caste system, the use of elephants in warfare, the system of irrigation and agriculture, and the use of gold and silver coins as currency.

He described the wealth and resources of India, including its abundant supply of gold, precious stones, and textiles. He also wrote about the extensive trade networks between India and other regions, including the export of Indian goods such as spices, perfumes, and textiles.

"Myrmidons" originally referred to a legendary tribe who were led by Achilles, a legendary Greek hero of the Trojan War in Greek mythology dating to 8th century BCE. The Greeks also referred to this same group in relation to the area of the Kurukshetra war & Arjuna (Mahabharatha) who parallels Achilles.

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Brahmin law on punishments (Arthashastra)

Brahmins: The Arthashastra does not mention specific punishments for Brahmins as they were considered the highest varna and were expected to lead an ascetic life, renouncing material wealth and power. However, in case a Brahmin committed a crime or violated the law, the text suggests that the ruler should reprimand or counsel them, rather than subjecting them to harsh punishments.

Kshatriyas: The Kshatriyas, who were the rulers and warriors, were responsible for maintaining law and order and administering justice. The Arthashastra prescribes various punishments for offenses committed by Kshatriyas, including fines, imprisonment, and in severe cases, capital punishment such as execution by beheading or impalement.

Vaishyas: The Vaishyas, who were merchants, farmers, and artisans, were engaged in trade, agriculture, and commerce. The Arthashastra suggests fines, confiscation of property, and public humiliation as punishments for Vaishyas in case of offenses such as fraud, cheating, or economic crimes.

The text does not explicitly mention specific punishments for Shudras, as they were considered subject to the higher varnas (ie. anything goes)

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woman likely chose their own husband in ancient Melakam/Meluhha/Indus Valley

They meet each other of their own accord, consent to live together, and their relationship is consummated in copulation born of passion. This form of marriage did not require consent of parents or anyone else.

The woman and the man had met each other in their ordinary village life, or in various other places such as regional festivals and fairs, begun to enjoy each other's company, and decided to be together. This free choice and mutual attraction were generally approved by their kinsmen. 

A passage in the Atharvavedasuggests that parents usually let the daughter freely select her lover and directly encouraged her in being forward in affairs of the heart. The mother of the girl thought of the time when the daughter's developed youth (Pativedanam, post-puberty), that she would win a husband for herself, it was a smooth and happy sort of affair with nothing scandalous and unnatural about it

“The marriage of a desiring woman with a desiring man, without religious ceremonies, is the best marriage.” - Shakuntula’s foster father in Mahabharatha (her famous Brahmin priest father Vishwamitra cheated on his wife and had an affair and abandoned his daughter FYI)

“No man any longer asks for the daughter, nor does a father give away his daughter, they (women) find the man for themselves.”

Also, Atharvaveda (Strikaratâni, ii.36)):

May (Oh Agni!) a suitor after our own heart come to us; may he come to this maiden with fortune; May she be agreeable to suitors, charming at festivals, promptly obtain happiness through a husband. As this comfortable cave (Oh Indra!) furnishing a safe abode hath become pleasing to all life, thus may this woman be a favourite of fortune, well beloved, not at odds with her husband! Do thou ascend the full, inexhaustible ship of fortune to bring hither to this woman the suitor who shall be agreeable to thee. Bring hither by thy shouts (Oh lord of wealth!) the suitor – bend his mind towards her. Turn thou the attention of every agreeable suitor to her.

** CHOOSING YOUR HUSBAND BECAME TABOO AND DANGEROUS IN SOUTH ASIA AFTER IT WAS CONDEMNED BY VEDIC/BRAHMINS WHO NEEDED TO DO THEIR RITUAL/PRAYER BULLSHIT TO MAKE $$ AND STAY RELEVANT/POWERFUL **

-  Women from higher caste families: In traditional Hindu society, women from higher caste families were expected to marry within their own caste or within a compatible caste. "Gandharva Vivaha" was generally not encouraged for women from higher caste families, as it was seen as a violation of caste norms and could bring social disrepute to the family.

- In 1930, Justice Abdur Rahim held that the marriage in Gandharva form was not valid in India. This ruling came from the Madras High Court, with the statement that amongst the Hindus, the Gandharva form of marriage was obsolete (as of 1930). This was appealed based on the fact that the case was in court is proof that Gandharva weddings among Hindus is not obsolete

The Smritis of Hinduism recognize eight types of marriage. The other seven are: Brahma, Daiva, Arya, Prajapatya, Asura, Raksasa and Paisach

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Brahmins & prostitution + fornication

Markandeya Puranas:  a Brahmin named Kaushika (Vishwamitra) from Pratishthana used to visit a prostitute, despite being a Brahmin, and having a devoted wife, named Shandili, or Shilavati, in some versions. When he is unable to pay her for her services, the prostitute stopped seeing him, forcing him to return to his wife, who still cared for him. He still longed for the affection of the prostitute, so one day, he asked his wife to take him to her.

From this affair, came Shakuntula - the mother of who India is named after: Bharatha.

Seems like the trend was Brahmins lusting after, fornicaitng and impregnating prostitutes and “dasas” who end up representing India and Hinduism - ie. Vishwamitra’s grandson is Bharatha, Vyasa’s grandson is supposedly Arjuna