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GemsOfINDOLOGY (Modi Ka Pariwar)

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

May 8

Amazon Women : The Amazons were legendary warrior women in Greek mythology hailing from the region near the Black Sea, known for their expertise in battle, horsemanship, and archery.

- As daughters of Ares, the god of war, the Amazons lived within a female-exclusive society that only welcomed men for procreation, with male offspring being deliberately eliminated.

- These powerful women were believed to reside on the outskirts of the Greek world, often linked to the territory surrounding the southern Black Sea coast, notably Themiskyra city-state.

- Another tale linked to Amazon involves the Gargareans, an all-male tribe who engaged in annual copulation with the Amazons. This arrangement aimed to ensure the reproduction of both tribes. The Amazons raised the female offspring as warriors and entrusted the male children to the Gargareans.

#Thread #Bookmark this because this holds an important clue to the Archaeological blackout
* Pic representational

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In a popular legend, the conflict between the Amazons and Heracles revolves around Queen Hippolyta's enchanted girdle. In some versions, Heracles secures the girdle through diplomacy and gifts, while in other retellings, the narrative transforms into a fierce clash between Heracles and the Amazons. Despite the formidable skills of the Amazons, they are eventually defeated by Heracles and his allies.

The recurring motif of conflict between the Amazons and Greek gods is a prevalent theme in mythology. The Amazons often engaged in battles with Greek deities such as Ares, Artemis, and Athena, with no definitive victor emerging.

Another connection to Anatolia is found in Ephesus, where legends suggest that Amazons made offerings to the goddess Artemis at her temple and performed ceremonial war dances, a tradition that was upheld annually. Amazons were credited with laying the foundation of numerous settlements in Asia Minor, including Ephesus, Cyme, Sinope, Priene, Myrina, Smyrna, and Mytilene on Lesbos.

Herodotus (c. 484 – 425/413 BCE), writing in his Histories (Bk. 4, 110-117), gives a lengthy description of a meeting between Amazons and Scythians. Young warriors of the latter group persuaded a number of visiting Amazons to set up a new society together, with the women insisting neither they nor their offspring would change their lifestyles at all. This new race was considered the origins of the Sarmatians in southern Russia, appropriately enough, a people famous for their horses and military aggression.

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Hereon various sculptures depicting "Amazon Woman vs Greek Man" for avid readers and researchers.

**1. Slab from the Amazonomachy frieze depicting five figures, three Greeks and two Amazons, and a horse. From the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, around 350 BCE (British Museum).

**2. An artist's depiction of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus as it may have appeared when it was completed c. 350 BCE. From the game Old World.

**3 The Ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

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A plaque relief depicting a Greek pursuing an Amazon. Part of a pair of duplicate relief slabs. 2nd century CE Roman copies of scenes from the shield of Athena on the Athena Parthenos statue by Pheidias in the Parthenon. (Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, Athens).

A detail from a 3rd century CE Roman sarcophagus showing the amazon Penthesilea and the Greek hero Achilles in a scene from the Trojan War. Achilles was said to have fallen in love with the amazon at the very moment he killed her with his spear. (Vatican Museums, Rome).

Greek soldiers fighting Amazons during the Trojan War. On the far right, Odysseus is shown (with a beard). Relief from the side of a sarcophagus, c. 180 CE, discovered in Thessaloniki, Greece. Louvre Museum, Paris, France (LP 2584, No usuel Ma 2119).

Amazonomachy, detail, late 2nd to early 3rd century CE, front and side of a sarcophagus, Roman. Pentelic marble. Exhibit in the Sackler Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The museum permitted photography of this artwork without restriction

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GemsOfINDOLOGY (Modi Ka Pariwar)

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

May 5

Hellenistic Influence on Gandhara Art

The Hellenistic culture emerged following Alexander's conquests in the fourth century B.C.E. This era marked significant advancements in art, architecture, and literature. The Hellenistic world gradually fell to the Romans, with its final demise occurring in 31 B.C.

Key elements of Hellenistic influence include:

• Koine Greek: A widely spoken Attic-based Greek dialect that became the lingua franca of the ancient world.
• Alexandria: A prominent center of commerce and Hellenistic civilization.
• The polis: A type of Greek city-state that expanded to other regions of the Mediterranean.
• Stoicism: A philosophy advocating for living life according to rational order and performing virtuous acts for their inherent value.
• The Acropolis of Pergamon: An eminent example of monumental architecture featuring buildings that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and create a captivating public space.
• The Theater of Pergamon: A steep theater accommodating up to 10,000 spectators.

#bookmark this thread

Pic AI generated and not real

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Hellenistic architecture influenced Gandhara art, blending with local traditions to create visually stunning and functional spaces in monastic complexes and stupas. This cultural exchange enriched artistic expression, showcasing how diversity can lead to remarkable achievements in art.

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Gandhara art, a Buddhist visual style from northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan (1st century BCE to 7th century CE), was influenced by Greco-Roman art. Flourished during the Kushan dynasty, it had similarities with Kushan art in Mathura, India. The region's cultural crossroads status led to incorporation of Roman art techniques, while maintaining Indian iconography.

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GemsOfINDOLOGY (Modi Ka Pariwar)

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Apr 29

T͟h͟e͟ ͟o͟r͟i͟g͟i͟n͟ ͟a͟n͟d͟ ͟A͟g͟e͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟"͟W͟e͟d͟d͟i͟n͟g͟ ͟R͟i͟n͟g͟s͟"͟
The literary evidence suggests that giving ring to the bride was introduced by Egypt and Greeks around 3rd century bce however, later this concept of wedding rings and marriage was adopted in Rome and Bactrian region through Alexander

M͟a͟r͟r͟i͟a͟g͟e͟ ͟l͟a͟w͟s͟ ͟i͟n͟ ͟R͟o͟m͟e͟
- Romans established clear legal regulations for prenuptial arrangements, weddings, and divorces, referring to their system as Justae Nuptiae, Justum Matrimonium, or Ligitimum Matrimonium.
- Marriage in ancient Rome required legal approval (connubium), with restrictions on who could marry.
- Parental consent was crucial for marriage, with age requirements set at 12 for brides and 14 for grooms.
- Roman wedding contracts were binding, with breaches resulting in serious consequences. The engagement was typically marked by the groom presenting money or an iron ring.

̳I̳n̳f̳l̳u̳e̳n̳c̳e̳ ̳o̳n̳ ̳H̳i̳n̳d̳u̳ ̳S̳e̳c̳t̳-̳B̳u̳d̳d̳h̳i̳s̳m̳
- The adoption of the Ring Ceremony may have been influenced by Buddhism after Alexander's return from Gandhar and Bactria.
- The Lalitavistata describes the Buddha selecting his bride and giving her his ring as a mark of engagement, indicating the custom of engagement rings existed by the 1st or 2nd century CE in Bactrian region

Some egyptian quotes from Egypt 1st century ad

O little ring that art going to encircle my fair mistress’s finger, thou that no value hast save the giver’s love that goes with thee, be charming in her sight. May she with delight receive thee and straightway slip thee on her finger. May thou fit her, as well as she fits me; and may thy circle, nor over-tight nor yet too loose, softly gird her finger.
Happy ring, thou wilt be touched by her I love. Ah me, already I begin to envy my own gift’s happy lot…Go forth, little gift, upon thy way, and may my mistress see in thee the symbol of my changeless love.
~Ovid (43 BC–AD 17/18)
Excerpt from Amores, Book II, Elegy XV
(Translated by J. Lewis May, 1930)

It is in pursuance of this custom that even at the present day, an iron ring is sent by way of present to a woman when betrothed.

~Pliny the Elder (AD 23 – 79)
Naturalis Historia

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Src

(a%C3%B1%C3%B1ama%C3%B1%C3%B1a%20piya%E1%B9%83v%C4%81d%C4%81%2C%20Ajewelpedia.net/roman-wedding-…
dhammawiki.com/index.php/Marr…

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GemsOfINDOLOGY (Modi Ka Pariwar)

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Apr 20

Turkmenistan's ancient architects left behind a legacy of awe-inspiring structures, demonstrating unparalleled craftsmanship and ingenuity.

This thread explores the parallels created by invaders in India during the same era. I could identify two such parallels with Turkmenistan; please share your thoughts as well.

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Big and Little Kyz-Kalas forts, built between 600-900 AD, are popular tourist attractions in Merv.

The grandiose Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar showcases Seljuk’s power in Merv.

Great Kyz Kala is an awe-inspiring mud-brick structure in Merv, believed to be built between the 6th and 8th centuries CE.

No parallel I could found in India

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Lesser Kyz Kala (7th-9th? centuries):
Located southwest of Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, this köshk probably housed a high-ranking official. Smaller than Greater Kyz Kala, it has accessible interior with two rooms showing mud-brick squinches indicating a possible domed space. The site, built entirely of mud bricks, is fragile due to their material. Fired bricks became more common in the 11th century for durability.

No parallel I could found in India

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GemsOfINDOLOGY (Modi Ka Pariwar)

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Apr 14

A recently published research paper delves into the likely interpolations in Valmiki Ramayan, with a specific focus on two sections:

1. 'Bala Kanda's Original Ramayan'
2. 'Uttara Kanda'

Valmiki Ramayan, often hailed as the national epic of India, was penned by the pioneering poet of the literary world, the 'Adi Kavi' Guru Valmiki.

The paper underscores the unique characteristics of the 'Uttara Kanda,' highlighting its distinct content, texture, and poetic quality. It delves deeper into an exploration of this section, outlining disparities between the 'Uttara Kanda' and the other six Kandas by analyzing nuances of its poetic style including language, style, emotion, and expressions.

Moreover, the research scrutinizes various incidents such as the Phalashruti at the end of 'Yuddha Kanda,' Sita's banishment, Shambuk's termination, the narrative of Valmiki Ramayan sung by Lava-Kusa, and Sita's Agni Pariksha to investigate potential interpolations.

In essence, this research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of these interpolations in Valmiki Ramayan, particularly spotlighting the 'Uttara Kanda.'

Presenting findings of the paper without adding or compressing it. If you are in a hurry this thread is not for you, but since you are reading this line you must go further and comment as a peer reviewer on the research paper link in last tweet...

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The Valmiki Ramayan comprises around 24,000 shlokas, with each shloka being a verse. These verses are categorized into seven kandas:

1. Bala Kanda
2. Ayodhya Kanda
3. Aranya Kanda
4. Kishkindha Kanda
5. Sundara Kanda
6. Yuddha Kanda
7. Uttara Kanda

The text notes that the Valmiki Ramayan is made up of 500 sargas, but it actually contains over 600 chapters. (xi-xvi)

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Several factors distinguish 'Uttara Kanda' from the other six Kandas:

1) Literary Style: While the first six Kandas maintain a consistent writing style, 'Uttara Kanda' stands out with its distinct poetic style. The language used in 'Uttara Kanda' also differs from that of the other Kandas.

2) Verse Count: 'Uttara Kanda' contains fewer and less common verses, including unique counts like 18, 20, and 10.

3) Timing and Style Evolution: 'Uttara Kanda' appears to have been added at a later stage, showcasing variations in language, style, emotion, and expression compared to the content from 'Bala Kanda' to 'Yuddha Kanda'.

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GemsOfINDOLOGY (Modi Ka Pariwar)

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Apr 11

Closed, endogamous communities have a rich history in Southern Asia. Throughout the past millennium, they have been referred to as 'jati' in Sanskrit, 'qaum' in Arabic, 'zat' in Persian, among other terms.

Interestingly, there is no direct equivalent for "caste" in any Indian or Asian language, despite its pervasive use today in Indian public and policy discussions.

The term was originally introduced as 'casta' by Iberians – Portuguese and Spanish – first in the Iberian peninsula and later in Asia and the Americas. However, the precise ways in which this term was utilized – descriptively, administratively, and sociologically – remain less explored.

There have been classification in most parts of the world based on their status, color, hierarchy etc.

Lets delve

#Bookmark this #thread on Caste system in the ancient world

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The term "caste" has a rich history. Originally derived from Spanish and Portuguese, it referred to lineage or tribe. The word took on its modern sense when Portuguese colonizers encountered the Indian social groups in 1498, where it described endogamous social divisions.

The term "caste" was first used in English in 1613 in the context of India. In Latin America, "caste" is also used to refer to a racial classification system based on ancestry. Despite the linguistic link between the Latin American and South Asian systems, the comparability of the two remains a subject of debate.

Historically, European societies were stratified into closed social systems like nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie, and peasants. Each group had distinct privileges and rights that were inherited and not based on wealth or citizenship. Inter-caste marriage often led to loss of privileges. Some countries gave titles to these groups with their own codes of behavior and dress. These closed social classes were sometimes referred to as estates in parts of Europe.

In European society, below the recognized estates, a large group of serfs served those with status. Serfs endured into the mid-19th century, with limited rights and restricted mobility. Marriage and living arrangements were controlled by State, Church, landowners, and local custom.

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The Sistema de Castas in colonial New Spain classified people by race, with Spaniard as the most desirable and Negro as the least. Blacks were marginalized, while some of African descent achieved elevated status within the system.

1. Peninsulares: Spaniards born in Spain, held highest status in colonies.

2. Criollos: Spaniards born in Americas, seen as inferior, faced discrimination.

3. Mestizos: Mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, middle hierarchy position.

4. Mulattos: Mixed European and African ancestry, faced discrimination.

5. Zambos: Mixed Indigenous and African ancestry, marginalized.

6. Indigenous peoples: Native Americans, subjected to forced labor and discrimination.

7. Africans: Enslaved, at the bottom of social hierarchy.

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