Explain the basic features of Dravidian and Aryan religious structures which became the basis of Hinduism.
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Dravidian (Harappan) religion had strong beliefs about fertility. Harappan worshipped gods and goddesses that they associated with procreation. Many archaeologists think that at least some of the Harappan deities survived to become part of the Hindu religion.
Later in the Vedic age, as Aryans became dissatisfied with the performance of ritual animal sacrifices, many thoughtful people left their villages to live alone and reflect on current religious values. These “mystics” were considerably impressed by the Dravidian people’s belief in fertility.
Dravidians also believed in what would later become reincarnation.
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To understand the basic features of Dravidian and Aryan religious structures that became the basis of Hinduism, we need to delve into the historical context and beliefs of these ancient civilizations.
Dravidian religious structures, also known as Harappan religion, were prominent in the Indus Valley Civilization between 3300 and 1300 BCE. Dravidians had a strong emphasis on fertility and worshipped gods and goddesses associated with procreation. Archaeological evidence suggests that some of these deities were later incorporated into the Hindu religion.
On the other hand, the Aryan religion, as it evolved during the Vedic age (roughly 1500 to 500 BCE), had its roots in the ancient Indo-European culture. The Aryans, who migrated into the Indian subcontinent, initially practiced ritual animal sacrifice as a means of appeasing and communing with their gods. However, over time, some individuals within the Aryan society began to question the effectiveness of these sacrifices and sought a deeper spiritual experience.
These individuals, known as "mystics," chose to separate themselves from their villages and engage in solitary reflection and meditation. During this period of introspection, the mystics were greatly influenced by the religious beliefs of the Dravidian people, particularly their emphasis on fertility. This became a turning point in the evolution of Aryan religious practices.
The incorporation of Dravidian beliefs, including beliefs in fertility and the divine feminine, into Aryan religion eventually gave rise to the concept of Shakti in Hinduism. Shakti is the divine feminine energy that is seen as the dynamic force behind the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe.
Furthermore, Dravidians also believed in the concept of reincarnation, which later became an integral part of Hindu religious philosophy. The idea of the soul's cyclical journey through various births and deaths, known as samsara, became a core tenet of Hinduism.
In summary, the basic features of Dravidian and Aryan religious structures that influenced the development of Hinduism include a focus on fertility, the incorporation of Dravidian deities into the Hindu pantheon, the influence of Dravidian beliefs on Aryan mystics leading to the incorporation of the divine feminine (Shakti), and the concept of reincarnation that was prevalent in Dravidian beliefs and later became an integral part of Hindu religious philosophy.