Brahmavarta

The literary text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta (Sanskrit: ब्रह्मावर्त, romanized: Brahmāvarta) as the region between the rivers Sarasvati and Drishadvati in India. The text defines the area as a holy land, whose inhabitants set the standards for morality and conduct for the rest of the world to follow.[1] The name has been translated in various ways, including "holy land", "sacred land",[2] "abode of gods", and "the scene of creation".[3]

The precise location and size of the region has been the subject of academic uncertainty.[4] Some scholars, such as the archaeologists Bridget and Raymond Allchin, believe the term Brahmavarta to be synonymous with the Aryavarta region.[5]

  1. ^ Killingley, Dermot (2007). "Mlecchas, Yavanas and Heathens: Interacting Xenologies in Early Nineteenth-Century Calcutta". In Franco, Eli; Preisendanz, Karin (eds.). Beyond Orientalism: The Work of Wilhelm Halbfass and Its Impact on Indian and Cross-cultural Studies. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 125. ISBN 978-8-12083-110-0.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Olivelle was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Bakshi, S. R.; Gajrani, S.; Singh, Hari, eds. (2005). Early Aryans to Swaraj. Vol. 1. Sarup & Sons. p. 12. ISBN 978-8-17625-537-0.
  4. ^ Scharfe, Hartmut (1989). The State in Indian Tradition. BRILL. p. 12. ISBN 900-4-09060-6.
  5. ^ Allchin, Bridget; Allchin, Raymond (1982). The Rise of Civilization in India and Pakistan. Cambridge University Press. p. 250. ISBN 978-0-52128-550-6.