Sagarmanthan

An Interpretation of Indian Knowledge Traditions

Abstract

Rigved, the oldest knowledge text and a treasure of ancient intellectual practices, also contains the history of ideas, information on Indo-Iranian geography, rivers, tribal battles, etc. Composed of 10 Mandals containing 1027 Sukta and a total of 10570 Richas, it mentions 33 Devas, attributed to infinite natural elements and powers responsible for human existence. It is important to note that this praising of Devas related to infinite natural powers and elements cannot be equated to idolatry or worshipping gods as polytheistic practices. In the Rig-Vedic context, worshipping deities is like praising that particular infinite element for its attributes (Gunas) as perceived with Vedic Knowledge. It is neither a polytheistic nor monotheistic form of worshipping since Vedic Knowledge does not construct an idea of the Creator as God (not One or many). Nasadiya Sukta (7th Mandal) of Rigved explains the idea of a formless and attribute-less system of creation or a Supreme Order. Similarly, the 10th Mandal of Rigved, ‘Purushasukta’, further explains this unity of creation as Brahman by describing its manifestation in a symbolic form of social order. In this way, Rigved is a great knowledge text for the understanding of ancient Indian Civilisation.

Western critical thinkers have categorised India as a Polytheistic society, which is a misconception in the Indian Civilisational context. As the Indian society is Dharma-Centric and not theocentric, the term or category of polytheism is inappropriate. Western theoreticians are familiar with theology only and have less credence for Dharam-shastras, so they view Indian society from that perspective only. It is important to understand Dharma in its true meaning since it has nothing to do with God-centric religious practices.