Varanasi a Spiritual Journey through Social fiber...
Ancient city flourished on the western bank of river Ganga, supposed to be dating back to 1800 B.C. Excavations done by A.S.I & independent historians specifically in Rajghat, Sarnath & Aktha areas consolidate this fact. Varuna another stream that originates way back near Phulpur marks the northern & north-western boundary of Varanasi, hunting the ancient settlement must have been on Varuna and it's tributaries, accordingly few historians state the original name 'Varanasi' came from Varuna itself(From Sanskrit texts). The confluence of Varuna & river Ganga known as Adi(old) Keshav Ghat is near to Rajghat area.
Geographical aspect of city makes it more bewildering as in different periods of ancient history river Ganga never changed it's course drastically that could had harmed the living pattern here. That's how the city has got the reputation of being one amongst the ancient living cities of the world. Even literature and historical facts indicate this aspect of continuous living settlement here throughout different periods.
People here in my view has got this simple Indian philosophy of life & death- and many meticulous aspect of sociology & science so easily without giving due diligence to laborious studies, keeping intact an aged old practice of India's way of acquiring knowledge by listening to learnt one.
Literally, they have seen all by virtue of getting birth here in this luminous city of Shiva.
राड-साड-सीढ़ी-संन्यासी;
इन से बचें तो सेवें काशी।।
'If one is capable enough to handle & avoid Prostitute, Bull, Ladder & Saint here, could easily serve Kashi.'
A literary quote of commoners from medieval history of city showcases a unique blend of what it used to be at that period of time. Serving Kashi had always been & accepted a boon for millions throughout history for this mystic abode of Shiva.
There is an aged old story of King Devodas, that I have earlier mentioned in another post. The story revolves around the king who established the reign of Dharma when it's decline was so obvious. And how Shiva craved to return here. All indicating a desire not just only to live here but simultaneously to serve this city as both being a true ruler. Not only the mentioned individuals but other myriad demigods & goddesses came here before the final arrival of Shiva, according to story-they dwell within the sacred periphery forgetting their usual cause.
This blending of different thoughts of somewhat similar nature flourished here, not overlapping one another; but meticulously coexisting and nurturing a unique concept of togetherness. It was an usual practice in the Golden age of Gupta dynasty and afterwards.
After the decline of Gahadaval dynasty that used to rule here in current state of Uttar Pradesh & Bihar; altogether a different religious practice prevailed throughout this region at a rapide pace, transforming drastically the core socio-cultural fabric that was unique & indigenously developed here.
Let's discuss briefly what actually changed after the arrival of Muslim rulers here in Ganga plains.
1- Initially it started as a new concept/philosophy of general religious practices not coherent to earlier understanding of 'the way of life'- that hinduism propagates.
2- Religious practices of Islam started a new concept of propagation with zeal and many a times with unethical force that didn't gave ample opportunity to commoners, to assimilate their understanding of earlier socio-cultural practices that evolved around religion.
3- Many facets of Islamism including eating practices gave a contrary platform towards prevalent norm's of masses that raised hard resistance rather acceptance of new arrivals.
4- Forceful propagation even mass killing altogether changed the whole scenario and started a collective confrontation towards the new islamic religious concept with force from locales that destroyed conversation at any level.
This historical changes or the stagnation period continued till 15th century, afterwards it gave a shaky platform to work upon for commoners specifically for social thinkers toward further socio-cultural development.
Whosoever becomes the king, it won't matter/harm us.
The upheaval of foreign invaders and forceful religious conversion dried down in five centuries to that extent where earlier established concept of King being the God's representative on earth, seized to continue for further privilege to rulers.
This commoners saying pin-point to that mindset of masses where they felt deserted to cope with day to day sufferings, by their kings.
On contrary this concept of King being the supreme authority continued & further established in the nooks & corners of kingdom. Most of the islamic rulers those earlier to be believed as warrior heads of Islamism acquired this concept in India and confined themselves to their forts and dear ones.
It transformed two major divide in society between rulers and common people, where the king was mostly aloof what's happening at ground & how people feel about him.
Continued...
Let's discuss briefly what actually changed after the arrival of Muslim rulers here in Ganga plains.
1- Initially it started as a new concept/philosophy of general religious practices not coherent to earlier understanding of 'the way of life'- that hinduism propagates.
2- Religious practices of Islam started a new concept of propagation with zeal and many a times with unethical force that didn't gave ample opportunity to commoners, to assimilate their understanding of earlier socio-cultural practices that evolved around religion.
3- Many facets of Islamism including eating practices gave a contrary platform towards prevalent norm's of masses that raised hard resistance rather acceptance of new arrivals.
4- Forceful propagation even mass killing altogether changed the whole scenario and started a collective confrontation towards the new islamic religious concept with force from locales that destroyed conversation at any level.
This historical changes or the stagnation period continued till 15th century, afterwards it gave a shaky platform to work upon for commoners specifically for social thinkers toward further socio-cultural development.
'कोऊ नृप होई, हमें का हानि'।।
Whosoever becomes the king, it won't matter/harm us.
The upheaval of foreign invaders and forceful religious conversion dried down in five centuries to that extent where earlier established concept of King being the God's representative on earth, seized to continue for further privilege to rulers.
This commoners saying pin-point to that mindset of masses where they felt deserted to cope with day to day sufferings, by their kings.
On contrary this concept of King being the supreme authority continued & further established in the nooks & corners of kingdom. Most of the islamic rulers those earlier to be believed as warrior heads of Islamism acquired this concept in India and confined themselves to their forts and dear ones.
It transformed two major divide in society between rulers and common people, where the king was mostly aloof what's happening at ground & how people feel about him.
Continued...
- Siddharth Singh
