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.
#627669 in Books 1990-08-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.56 x .92 x 6.38l; #File Name: 0195062833224 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy BillAn excellent tour of historical race relations and subjugation in medieval times.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Highly Informative Guide to the Ancient Society of the Middle EastBy Kindle CustomerHighly detailed; well-sourced and nuanced book on how the ancient peoples of the Middle East regarded issues considered highly sensitive today; such as race and how they helped shape and defined relations between various ethnic groups at the time; as well as how mutual perceptions of each other came to impact their world for generations to come.In essence; Lewis shows us that while many religions and belief systems may in theory call for and advocate racial equality and justice; the reality can at times be far more complex and ultimately present a much more multi-faceted picture.1 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy szgood
