Classifying the Universe

The Ancient Indian Varna System and the Origins of Caste

By: Brian K. Smith

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Paperback | 16 April 2007

At a Glance

Paperback
428 Pages

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23.3 x 15.7 x 2.4

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The first book to analyze why India's caste system has authoritatively endured for so long, this path-breaking text provides, for the first time anywhere, an exhaustive analysis of the historical predecessor to caste: the ancient Indian varna system as it was laid out in the Vedic literature. Presenting a revisionist overview of the way the religion of the Veda is to be understood, Classifying the Universe demonstrates that social classes were systematically reduplicated in taxonomies that organized the universe as a whole. The classification of society, in which some groups were accorded rights and privileges withheld from others, could thus be represented as part of a primordial and universally applicable order of things. Social hierarchy, argues the author, was in this way subtly but powerfully justified by recourse to other realms of the cosmos that were similarly ordered, and this essentially religious understanding of varna is the key to comprehending the Vedic world-view
in all its complexity, and the persistence of its power in the social realm.

Industry Reviews

"...illuminating study...Smith has managed to combine close textual analysis with a discussion of...issues...in a highly rewarding manner. There is an excellent index."--American Historical Review "Excellent documentation and challenging to theorists on classification systems."--Whalen Lai, University of California at Davis "Explains a complex and difficult subject in clear, simple language."--H.L. Seneviratne, University of Virginia "A helpful addition to our understanding of the development both of caste and the Hindu mindset. Well researched and documented."--Robert K.C. Forman, Hunter College "A creative and wide-ranging application of the idea that varna is the underlying classificatory principle of Indian society and thought."--Richard W. Lariviere, University of Texas, Austin "Impeccable scholarship--a truly original book. Smith writes clearly and elegantly, illuminating the complex sophistication of ancient Indian taxonomies, and bringing theory into the palpable, objective universe of flora, fauna, and people, where it belongs."--Indira V. Peterson, Mount Holyoke College Reviewed in Journal of the American Academy of Religion

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Society & Culture Social Groups Social Classes Religion & Beliefs Hinduism Sociology & Anthropology Anthropology History Regional & National History Asian History Science

Chemistry Physical Chemistry Language & Linguistics Linguistics Biology, Life Sciences Botany & Plant Sciences

Preface	p. vii
Abbreviations	p. xiii
Classifying the Universe	p. 3
Classifying Society	p. 26
Notes	p. 49
The Origins of Class	p. 58
Notes	p. 82
Classifying the Gods	p. 86
Notes	p. 112
Classifying Space	p. 125
Notes	p. 158
Classifying Time	p. 171
Notes	p. 198
Classifying Flora	p. 208
Conclusion	p. 230
Classifying Fauna	p. 241
Classifying Revelation	p. 287
Notes	p. 306
Conclusion	p. 314
Notes	p. 325
Appendix	p. 329
Bibliography	p. 350
Index and Glossary	p. 377
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Classifying the Universe

The Ancient Indian Varna System and the Origins of Caste

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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