Roots of Hinduism, The

Roots of Hinduism, The

By Asko Parpola

Book Description

Embark on a profound archaeological and spiritual journey that unveils the ancient foundations of one of the world's oldest religious traditions. Scholar Asko Parpola presents five decades of groundbreaking research into the dual origins of Hinduism, tracing its roots back through millennia to reveal how this rich spiritual heritage emerged from the convergence of two distinct civilizations.

Drawing from the mysterious Indus Valley civilization of the third millennium BCE and the Aryan-speaking peoples who arrived in South Asia centuries later, this comprehensive study illuminates the deep historical currents that shaped Hindu thought and practice. Parpola guides readers through the enigmatic world of the Indus civilization, with its sophisticated urban centers, intricate carved seals, and undeciphered script that holds keys to understanding ancient spiritual beliefs.

The author traces the remarkable journey of Indo-Iranian languages and religious concepts from the steppes north of the Black Sea across Central and West Asia, revealing how the revolutionary invention of the horse-drawn chariot transformed religious practices and gave birth to the Vedic traditions. Through careful analysis of archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and linguistic patterns, Parpola demonstrates the remarkable continuity between these ancient spiritual currents and contemporary Hindu worship.

This scholarly yet accessible exploration offers spiritual seekers a deeper understanding of how religious traditions evolve and endure, showing how ancient wisdom continues to inform modern spiritual practice and revealing unexpected connections between prehistoric goddess worship and present-day devotional traditions.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~11 hours)

📄 Length: 384 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore RELIGION / Antiquities & Archaeology
  • ✓ Explore Indo-Aryan languages
  • ✓ Understand Hindu philosophy and traditions
  • ✓ Explore Indus civilization
  • ✓ Explore History
  • ✓ Explore RELIGION / Hinduism / History
  • ✓ Explore HISTORY / Asia / India & South Asia
  • ✓ Explore Indo-Aryan philology

Topics Covered

RELIGION / Antiquities & Archaeology Indo-Aryan languages Hinduism, history Indus civilization History RELIGION / Hinduism / History HISTORY / Asia / India & South Asia Indo-Aryan philology Historiography Indo-Aryans Hinduism

Related Books You Might Like

Cover of bone gatherers, The

bone gatherers, The

Nicola Frances Denzey

2007 • 290p

In the shadows of early Christianity, a remarkable group of women emerged whose sacred work has been largely forgotten by history. These were the bone gatherers, devoted women who courageously collected the remains of martyred saints to ensure they r...
Cover of Martyrium

Martyrium

Nicole Hartmann

2013 • 216p

In this scholarly exploration, Nicole Hartmann examines how early Christian communities shaped their identity through the lens of martyrdom during the second century. Drawing from the premise of a highly differentiated Jesus movement, this study offe...
Cover of PEROU SOLIDAIRE

PEROU SOLIDAIRE

Francis Devigne

2012 • 350p

In Pérou Solidaire, Francis Devigne unveils the profound spiritual wisdom of Peru's pre-Columbian civilizations and their descendants, revealing a worldview that honors all forms of life through the sacred concept of Earth-Mother. This exploration de...
Cover of Way Of Improvement Leads Home Philip Vickers Fithian And The Rural Enlightenment In Early America, The

Way Of Improvement Leads Home Philip Vickers Fithian And The Rural Enlightenment In Early America, The

John Fea

2009 • 280p

In an era when personal transformation seemed both possible and necessary, one young man's journey reveals the timeless tension between ambition and belonging. Philip Vickers Fithian emerged from the grain fields of rural New Jersey with an unshakeab...
Cover of Books and Readers in the Early Church

Books and Readers in the Early Church

Harry Y. Gamble

1995 • 337p

This illuminating exploration reveals how the written word shaped the foundation of Christian faith during its most formative centuries. Harry Y. Gamble takes readers on a captivating journey through the practical realities of how early Christian com...
Cover of Art of Orientation

Art of Orientation

Idries Trevathan, Mona Aljalhami +2 more

2020 • 300p

Journey into the sacred architecture that has shaped Islamic spiritual life for over fourteen centuries. Art of Orientation invites readers to discover the profound cultural and spiritual significance of the mosque through a carefully curated collect...