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Many learned Hs (who focus on Vedic lit) find modern H emphasis on vegetarianism overdone, as the earliest literature of India is not big on it
But modern Hs are big on it
Largely because of post-Vedic theistic movements - Vaishnavism, some forms of Shaivism + Shramana impact
But modern Hs are big on it
Largely because of post-Vedic theistic movements - Vaishnavism, some forms of Shaivism + Shramana impact
One is not sure when Vegetarianism became an ideal among the respectable elites of India.
Clearly by 300-400 CE, the ideal was extremely well established
Clearly by 300-400 CE, the ideal was extremely well established
When Fa Hien visited Pataliputra circa 400 AD, he was categorical in stating that most "respectable" people abstained from meat
So it definitely was an ideal by then
So it definitely was an ideal by then
In Harivamsha section of Mahabharata (perhaps a work dating to the centuries before the Common era, but likely recalling earlier legends), there is a sea-side carnival of the Yadavas
In which the brahmanas abstain from meat. Not the rest of the party
In which the brahmanas abstain from meat. Not the rest of the party
So it seems the ideal was established among V1s at least by 300 BCE or so
As we do see Manu Smriti also praising abstinence from meat - a text that is usually dated to the Shunga period (1st cen BCE)
As we do see Manu Smriti also praising abstinence from meat - a text that is usually dated to the Shunga period (1st cen BCE)
In the Mahabharata, in the Narayaniya section (Shanti Parva), performance of yajnas without animal sacrifice is praised if I am not wrong
Now dating the Narayaniya section is tricky. But most likely a work of the Mauryan-Shunga period, if not earlier
Now dating the Narayaniya section is tricky. But most likely a work of the Mauryan-Shunga period, if not earlier
There's also Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna says I will accept a leaf if it is offered with devotion. Encouraging vegetarian offerings
Again a work some 3-4 centuries prior to Common era, if not older..
Again a work some 3-4 centuries prior to Common era, if not older..
But if we look at Samhita literature, there is little to back "vegetarianism" as an ideal..
So it appears to have become one between 600 BCE and 200 BCE
So it appears to have become one between 600 BCE and 200 BCE
