1. Indus Valley Essay Feedback.

2. Your examiner… Well informed genius! Or… Ignorant idiot

3. 1.You will explain everything in detail. 2.You will translate every Sanskrit term. 3.You will include as much evidence as possible. 4.You will make sure that you explain your argument, even when it is painfully obvious

4. Introductions. In this essay I will be discussing the possible links between an ancient civilization and modern Hinduism. It is thought that the Indus Valley Civilisation is the origin of Hinduism. However, even before beginning, I must start by discussing the fact that Hinduism is a vast and diverse religion, which is only termed Hinduism to give it an overall name. People’s ideas, practices and beliefs can be so different from one person to the next that it seems amazing that they can be grouped into one religion. Also, I must discuss the Aryans. There are many different discourses, and they all have different ideas about who they were. There is no definitive evidence to determine exactly who they were.

5. Introductions. Set out your argument – Some people think that Hinduism emerged from the combination of the IVC & the Aryans. Is this true? Show awareness of context – “Hinduism” is a difficult term. Lack of clear evidence.

6. Evidence. Even though there were cleaning facilities in every house, public baths were still found in the cities. So it seems pointless for a public bath to be built, unless it was used for some other purpose. In modern Hinduism, water is incredibly important for spiritual healing, and there are many water festivals and highly religious places, such as the river Ganges, so maybe these public baths are for spiritual cleansing.

7. Evidence. In contemporary Hinduism Goddesses are an important part of worship, as it is believed that the male Gods are powerless without their female partners. For example, “Durga” or “Kali”. Two Hindu Goddesses which represent the power of femininity. Some of the figurines also have large wide eyes, which establishes a substantial link between Indus Valley Civilisations, and Murti, as well as Goddesses. Murti are images of the Divine, and the large eyes of these images allow you to look into the eyes of God, which is Darshan.

8. Evidence. Give all your evidence in detail – If there are five points, make five points. Explain how it may link to your argument – “It is reasonable to suggest”. When Quoting give the quote & reference – “You O Agni are Indra, the Bull of all that Exists”. Rig Veda. II.1.3,4,6

9. Conclusion Which nobody did… Finish off your first section by a brief section bringing together what you’ve done, and demonstrating how what you’ve done answers the question that you are being asked!

10. 2 nd Part Problems with the IVC. No translation of script. Very ancient. Archaeological presupposition – Hierogamy.

11. 2 nd Part Problems with the Aryans Aryan invasion theory suspect – No evidence of smashed cities; mass graves, burnings etc. No evidence that the Rig Veda was written outside India. No fresh burial styles or racial groups in archaeological record. But! Genetic information

12. 2 nd Part Only as extension discuss Indo & Euro-centric discourses. These ideas are picked up by those with political ideas to back up (& we know how much we can trust politicians don’t we).