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GemsOfINDOLOGY

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Apr 4

The Ṛgveda is believed to originate from the early 3rd millennium BCE., with some hymns possibly tracing back to the late 4th millennium BCE.

Its compilation likely ended around 1500 B.C., not in 1500 BCE as commonly believed, just as the Indus Valley civilization was fading and Mesopotamia was undergoing a time of uncertainty and turmoil (Levitt 2003: 356b).

Here in this thread, a commonality between Sumerian and Bhartiy text.

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The argument links an Indo-European view with the Vedic origin of the god Indra's name from the Sanskrit "indh-" meaning "to kindle." However, this doesn’t explain all of Indra's traits, which resemble those of the Sumerian god Enlil.

Both Indra and Enlil lead their pantheons, surpass higher moral gods, separate heaven from earth, and are storm gods in both literal and figurative senses. Indra's defeat of Aryan enemies parallels Enlil's conquests.

In Vedic and 3rd millennium B.C. Sumerian traditions, major natural forces were personified. Both have chief gods of air and storm—Indra for the Vedic and Enlil for the Sumerian—showing the significance of rain and storms in their cultures (Dandekar 1958: 13, Jacobsen 1949: 150). This connection is clear.

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Enki is often seen as cunning and crafty, much like rivers that skillfully navigate around obstacles. Víṣṇu’s three steps may parallel Enki’s journey through the civilized world and his establishment of world order and earth’s fertility, as depicted in "Enki and the World Order" (Kramer 1963: 171-174). The name Nārāyaṇá, explained by the Mānavadharmaśāstra 1.10 as 'moving in the waters' (with nāra meaning 'waters'), typically refers to Víṣṇu, although in this context it refers to Brahmā.

Víṣṇu is associated with Garuḍá, the sun-bird, while Enki is linked to Imdugud, an eagle-like thunderbird. It is important to note that the Ṛgveda provides limited information about Víṣṇu, as he is incidental to its primary purpose.

Image representational, generated using AI.

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GemsOfINDOLOGY

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Mar 23

Have you ever wondered why the topic of dinosaurs in India seems absent from common knowledge?

In truth, dinosaurs thrived in the Indian peninsula 250 to 65 million years ago, and they were unlike any others seen globally.

Sadly, many people, including myself, aren't aware of this, which is why I'm sharing this #thread.

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The very first dinosaur discovery, Titanosaurus Indicus, unearthed from the Deccan Traps in Jabalpur, dates back to 1832 and is 70 million years old. After vanishing in 1877, it made a dramatic comeback, resurfacing in the Shiwalik Gallery of the Indian Museum.

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Titanosaurus blanfordi was 2nd dino remain found in Pisdura, Maharashtra.

Rajasaurus - Regal Lizard remains were found in Kheda, Gujarat and Jabalpur MP. This 30 feet giant roamed in India around 70-65 Mya

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GemsOfINDOLOGY

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Mar 18

IMO, History is variable and rewritten by the rulers.

In this series here's a brief thread on an expected spurt of Krishna and Radha's relationship following the Mongolian incursion. The artwork, largely from Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi, portrays Krishna observing Radha, glancing at other gopis, or caught in moments of affection.

Take a couple of minutes to explore this intriguing twist. If you believe that these scene are from any epic pl do share

#Thread 🧵 Pic representational

This earliest find is after Akbar started interpolation.

In the scene,
- Krishna Kisses Radha.
- The crown are typical marriage crown during the period.
- There are persian vases placed in the back and front of the scene

The Page from the Boston Rasikapriya (Lover's Breviary)
India (Rajasthan, Amber?)
ca.1610 (Mughal rule)

Not sure which Purana mentioned this scene where Krishna can be seen making love on a swing in the central circle.

inscription: śrī ṭhākurā rī kṛḍā rā a. inscription_translation: [ Love] Games of Thakur [Krishna], page 131

C. 1600

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GemsOfINDOLOGY

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Mar 3

Regardless of the patent under the name Ludo by Britisher Alfred in 1896, Pachisi (25) has been played in India for over 5000 years. #Archaeology uncovers cultural appropriation.

Bhanpur (3000 bce), Banawali Haryana (3000bce), Chandraketugarh (200 bce), Modern

in 1938, the American toy and game company Transogram launched a widespread board game edition titled Game of India, which was subsequently advertised as Pa-Chiz-Si: The Game of India

In America, there is evidence for home-made boards and boards without a clear origin from the 1850s. A dubious story credits the invention of Parcheesi to Sam Loyd who supposedly sold the rights to the game for $10 at one point but since Sam Loyd was a notorious self-publicist and deceiver, it is probably best to ignore this account. The earliest definite record is that John Hamilton of the Hudson River Valley claimed copyright to the game in 1867. Rights were sold to one Albert Swift who then sold them on to Selchow and Righter in 1870 and this famous company trademarked the game in 1874. Parcheesi went on to become the bestselling game for Selchow & Richter Co. for decades.

The later 'Frustration" based on Ludo and initially published by Irwin Toy was made popular in many countries using the marketing muscle of MB Games (Hasbro) ' in a plastic incarnation featuring the gimmick of a centrally placed "pop-o-matic" dice roller.

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GemsOfINDOLOGY

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Feb 27

https://twitter.com/GemsOfINDOLOGY/status/1891359451854381320

Critical analysis of a Market Scene in Rua Direita, Goa 1596 ce, roughly after 100 years of exploitation by the Portuguese.

Very important and rare view in the past of Goa after 30 years of Goa inqu!s!tion.

#Archaeohistories

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https://twitter.com/GemsOfINDOLOGY/status/1891359451854381320

There appears a native woman upper selling goods to seemingly a converted. The contrast between the converted and native is startling. However, both seems to be from poor class.

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In another scene, a woman slave is being auctioned by a Portugese. The woman appears to be poor and covers only her waist.

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GemsOfINDOLOGY

@GemsOfINDOLOGY

Feb 6

Thread exploring the tradition of 'Nose-Piercing in India. Some believe it's inherently Indian, although it was actually foreign to Indian customs 1000 years back. Let's dive in.

Female Beauty #Archaeohistories

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The first mention of nose-ring (for nose piercing) is in Old Testament when Abhraham's servant gives his daughter-in-law 'Rebekah' a golden nose-ring ("Shanf" in Hebrew). This practice of gifting rings to brides continues even today.

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Nose-Pin or नथ is expressed on sculptures paintings in Moghul period not before
Tavernier (c. 1638 ce) describes of Arabian woman wearing Nose-Pins while other Traveller 'Hanway' speaks irreverently of the 'nutt' is proof of Nose-pin of Arabic origin

3/14jstor.org/stable/41688398

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