Indo European family of languages includes Sanskrit Sanskrit words for lack of

“Indo-European” family of languages includes Sanskrit • Sanskrit words for “lack of knowledge” (ajnana) cognate with English “ignorance” (hundreds of other cognates) • Migration theory: beginning around 2000 BCE, Indo-European peoples from areas of Turkey and Central Asia began moving to Iranian plateau and Indian subcontinent • Indigenous theory of origins in legendary Sarasvati River valley of the Indian subcontinent Four collections of Vedas - Rig Veda • Indra – warrior god • Varuna – presides over order of the universe – rta • Agni – god of fire - Sama Veda

- Yajur Veda - Atharva Veda Four section of each collection of Vedas - Samhitas (hymns) - Brahmanas (rituals) - Aranyakas (“compositions for the forest”) - Upanishads (philosophy) Vedic Deities • Soma – god of ecstasy/illumination • Indra – lord of the universe, god of war • Agni – god of fire • Vac – god of speech Four casts - Brahmins – priests • Kshatriyas – rulers, warriors • Vaishyas – merchants • Shudras – servants Four stages of life • Studentship • Householder • Forest dweller •