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Angika Territory: Unraveling Geographical Extent and Linguistic Identity

1Chandan Suman , 2Jyoti Kiran, 3Sujeet Kumar

1Department of Foreign Language, Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi,

2Department of Hindi, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar

3Department of Geography, Yadunasndan college Dighwara (Saran), Jai Prakash University Chapra

1dr.chandansuman@gmail.com, 2jyoti.kiran.anvi@gmail.com, 3sujeetujp1@gmail.com

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Abstract:

This article delves into the historical and linguistic dimensions of the Angika territory, with the goal of elucidating its geographical scope and linguistic identity. The study sheds light on the significance of the Angika-speaking region within the Indian subcontinent through a synthesis of ancient texts and contemporary insights. The study uncovers Angika's historical roots by tracing references from texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, tracing its origins from mythological narratives to historical events. This investigation underscores interplay of culture, history, and language in shaping Angika's identity over time. Furthermore, the article investigates the geographic boundaries of the Angika territory, which includes areas in Bihar and Jharkhand, as well as its linguistic identity. The study provides valuable insights into the linguistic heritage that unites the Angika region by analysing linguistic nuances and contemporary language practises. Finally, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of Angika's historical, geographical, and linguistic dimensions, enriching our understanding of its significance within the Indian subcontinent's broader cultural context.

Keywords: Angika, Territory, Geographical Extent, Linguistic Identity, Historical References

 

Introduction:

The Angika territory, known for its historical and linguistic heritage, occupies an important position on the Indian subcontinent. Angika, as a cultural and geographically significant region, reveals an enthralling tapestry of history, culture, and language. References to Angika can be found in ancient texts, and its linguistic identity is still felt today. The purpose of this research is to determine the geographical extent of the Angika territory while also delving into the linguistic identity that defines it. The investigation is founded on historical accounts, ethnographic viewpoints, and the dynamic interaction of culture and language. This study seeks to improve our understanding of the region's historical and cultural significance by conducting a thorough examination of Angika's territory and its linguistic articulation.

This study serves as the foundation for our investigation of Angika's territory, with a focus on its geographical extent and linguistic identity. You can then move on to sections that delve into historical references, contemporary insights, linguistic analysis, and other aspects of Angika's significance.

Literature Review:

Aṅgikā, sampūrṇa bhāshā: In 1994, T. Kuśavāhā published a book titled Aṅgikā, sampūrṇa bhāshā, sampūrṇa sāhitya. In this book, Kuśavāhā presents the Angika language as a complete language. He discusses the history, linguistics, literature, and culture of the Angika language in detail.

To present the Angika language as a complete language, Kuśavāhā uses various theories about the language. He discusses the Angika language's vocabulary, word order, word formation, compound words, word meaning, and word combinations. Kuśavāhā also discusses the literature and culture of the Angika language. He discusses the literature written in the Angika language and the culture of the Angika people.

Aṅgikā bhāshā: The book Aṅgikā bhāshā by P. Pāṇḍeya was published in 1985. It is a comprehensive study of the Angika language, covering its history, grammar, vocabulary, and literature. Pāṇḍeya begins by tracing the history of the Angika language from its early origins to its current state. He then discusses the grammar of the language, focusing on its phonology, morphology, and syntax. Pāṇḍeya also provides a comprehensive dictionary of Angika words, as well as a selection of Angika literature.

Angika kā Bhāṣā-Vigyanik Adhyān: The book Angika kā Bhāṣā-Vigyanik Adhyān by Pandeyparamananda is a comprehensive and in-depth study of the Angika language. It provides information about the language's history, grammar, vocabulary, and literature. The book begins with a discussion of the history of the Angika language. He provides a detailed account of the origin and development of the language, as well as its various forms and dialects. He adds description of the phonetic, morphological, and syntactic structures of the language, as well as its various grammatical rules, and further focuses on the vocabulary of the Angika language and provides a detailed account of the native words and foreign words of the language, as well as the meaning and usage of its various words. He further elaborates the literature of the Angika language providing a detailed account of the various poetry, prose, and drama written in the Angika language, as well as the various genres and topics of the language's literature.

Angika Bhāṣā kā Dhvanik Vigyāni Adhyān: The book Angika Bhāṣā kā Dhvani Vigyānik Adhyān by Ramesh Mohan Sharma is a systematic and in-depth study of the phonetic system of the Angika language. It provides information about the language's phonetic structures, phonetic rules, and phonetic changes. The book begins with a discussion of the phonetic system of the Angika language. Sharma provides a detailed account of the vowels, consonants, and semivowels of the language, as well as its phonetic structures, such as syllables, letters, and words. He further focuses on the phonetic rules of the Angika language. Sharma provides a detailed account of the vowel changes, consonant changes, and semivowel changes of the language, as well as the various types of phonetic rules of the language. He also elaborate the phonetic changes of the Angika language. Sharma provides a detailed account of the various types of phonetic changes that occur in the Angika language, as well as the causes and effects of phonetic changes in the Angika language.

Angika-Hindi Shabdakosh: The book Angika-Hindi Shabdakosh by Ḍomana Sāhu Samira is a bilingual dictionary of the Angika and Hindi languages. It was published in 1997. The dictionary contains over 10,000 entries, with each entry providing the Angika word, its Hindi translation, and its grammatical information. The dictionary also includes a number of appendixes, such as a list of Angika pronouns, a list of Angika verbs, and a list of Angika compound words.

Angika-Vyakarana: The book Angika-Vyakarana by Ḍomana Sāhu Samira is a comprehensive grammar of the Angika language. It was published in 1998. The grammar covers all aspects of the Angika language, from phonology to syntax. It provides a detailed account of the language's sounds, words, phrases, and sentences. The grammar also includes a number of exercises to help readers practice their Angika grammar skills.

The territory of Angika:

The Anga territory, also known as the Angika-Speaking Belt, encompasses a large portion of the Indian subcontinent. This geographical area, primarily in Bihar but also in Jharkhand, bears the weight of history, culture, and linguistic heritage.

Geographical location of Angika

 

Source: https://www.ethnologue.com/language/anp/

Pandey (1963) acknowledges the Angika-Speaking Belt, emphasising its significance as territory associated with the Anga region. This designation emphasises the area's linguistic importance, where the Angika language thrives as a marker of cultural identity and linguistic heritage.

The Ang Pradesh region, particularly the Munger and Bhagalpur divisions, is historically significant within this territory. Notably, Ang Pradesh has played a significant role in the freedom struggle of India, as documented in various sources (स्वतंत्रता संग्राम में अंग प्रदेश की रही है प्रमुख भूमिका, मुंगेर न्यूज, n.d.). The region's contributions to India's struggle for independence reflect its cultural and historical importance.

Masica (1993) and Kumari et al. (2020) broaden the scope of Anga to include most of the Munger and Bhagalpur divisions, as well as parts of the Purnia division in Bihar and the Santhal Pargana division in Jharkhand. Within these boundaries, there is a clear intertwining of culture, history, and language.

There are approximately 15 million Angika speakers in this territory (Sevanti, 2007). This linguistic community contributes to the Angika language's vitality, reinforcing its role as a link between the past and the present.

Surprisingly, Angika's influence extends beyond its native territory. Angika is spoken as a minority language in the Nepalese Terai district of Morang. According to the 2011 Nepal census, 1.9 percent of the Morang population identified Angika as their mother tongue, demonstrating the language's reach and persistence even beyond political boundaries.

Finally, the Anga territory, which encompasses the Angika-Speaking Belt, is a testament to the intertwining of geography, culture, and language. Angika, as a linguistic entity, reflects the multifaceted narratives of its native land while also spreading its influence across borders, enriching the linguistic tapestry of diverse communities.

Anga's Historical Roots: Tracing Ancient References and Founding Figures

The historical roots of Anga, an enigmatic region in the Indian subcontinent, stretch deep into the past, leaving traces in ancient texts and myths. Its presence is palpable in the Atharvaveda, where it emerges intertwined with the Gāndhārīs, Mūjavats, and Māgadhīs, suggesting a complex interplay of cultures and histories.

Atharvaveda 11.4.28: This passage mentions Anga along with the Gāndhārīs, Mūjavats, and Māgadhīs. This suggests that Anga was a neighboring region to these other regions, and that it was part of a complex cultural and historical milieu. The passage cited above mentions Anga along with three other regions: Gāndhāra, Mūjavat, and Magadha. These regions were all located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, and they were all important political and cultural centers during the Vedic period. The fact that Anga is mentioned alongside these other regions suggests that it was a significant power in its own right. It also suggests that Anga was part of a complex cultural and historical milieu, with ties to other regions in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Anga's history finds a reverberation in the name of its possible founder, King Aṅga Vairocana. The pages of the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa offer a glimpse into this founding figure. This king is not merely a footnote in history but a ruler of significance, sanctified by the Aryan ritual of Aindra mahābhiśeka. This ritualistic sanctification underscores the importance of his role, and his mention signifies the interweaving of historical and ritualistic narratives.

The reference of Anga in the Atharvaveda (Witzel. 1997; Gombrich, 1978), alongside other prominent regions, hints at its historical connectedness. The intertwined references add on the involved tapestry of cultures and societies that once flourished in this region. This early connection hints at Anga's role in the broader historical landscape of ancient India.

Aitareya Brāhmaṇa 8.14.2: This passage mentions King Aṅga Vairocana, who is said to have been the founder of the Anga kingdom. The text states that Aṅga Vairocana was sanctified by the Aryan ritual of Aindra mahābhiśeka, which is a ritual that is performed to consecrate a king. This ritualistic sanctification underscores the importance of Aṅga Vairocana's role, and his mention signifies the interweaving of historical and ritualistic narratives.

Atharvaveda 11.4.28: This passage mentions Anga alongside other prominent regions, such as Gāndhāra, Mūjavat, and Magadha. This suggests that Anga was a neighboring region to these other regions, and that it was part of a complex cultural and historical milieu. The intertwined references add on the involved tapestry of cultures and societies that once flourished in this region. This early connection hints at Anga's role in the broader historical landscape of ancient India.

The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa and the Atharvaveda are two of the most important texts in the Vedic corpus. They provide valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient India. The references cited above suggest that Anga was a significant region in ancient India, with a long and complex history.

It is important to note that the references cited above are not without their critics. Some scholars have argued that the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa and the Atharvaveda are not reliable sources of historical information, and that their claims about Anga's history should not be taken at face value. However, other scholars have defended the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa and the Atharvaveda (Witzel. 1997; Gombrich, 1978) as reliable sources, and have argued that their claims about Anga's history are credible.

King Aṅga Vairocana emerges from the pages of the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the region's past. His dedication through the Aindra mahābhiśeka ritual speaks to his importance as a ruler and the rituals that underpinned the social and political fabric of the time. While history might have masked him in mystery, his presence in these texts offers a window into a bygone era.

Anga's historical roots find resonance in ancient texts and myths, connecting it to a multifaceted interplay of cultures and historical narratives. The presence of King Aṅga Vairocana in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa illuminates the historical significance of this region and its connection to rituals that shaped its destiny.

Vedic Insights: The Āṅgeyas and Their Ethnographic Identity

In the intricate tapestry of Vedic literature, a particular group known as the Āṅgeyas emerges, offering a window into the convolutions of ancient societies and their social categorizations. Amidst the texts that shape our understanding of the past, the Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra stands as a notable reference, shedding light on the Āṅgeyas and their perceived ethnographic identity.

Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra 1.2.2.12: This passage states that the Āṅgeyas are a group of people who are "born of a Kṣatriya father and a Vaiśya mother." This suggests that the Āṅgeyas were a mixed caste group, with both Kṣatriya and Vaiśya ancestry. The Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra is a text that deals with law, ritual, and social norms in ancient India. It is one of the most important texts in the Dharmaśāstra tradition, and it provides valuable insights into the social and cultural history of ancient India.

The passage cited above suggests that the Āṅgeyas were a group of people who were seen as being of mixed caste status. This is significant because it suggests that the Āṅgeyas were not easily categorized into the rigid caste system of ancient India. They were seen as being a distinct group, with their own unique social and cultural identity.

The Āṅgeyas are mentioned in a number of other Vedic texts, but the Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra is the only text that provides any details about their perceived ethnographic identity. This makes the Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra a valuable resource for scholars who are trying to understand the Āṅgeyas and their place in ancient Indian society.

The Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra presents a unique perspective on the Āṅgeyas, a group characterized by their diverse origin. While the Vedic era was marked by elaborate social hierarchies and categorizations, the Āṅgeyas were listed with a distinctive label of "mixed origin". This label clues at the involved interplay of various ethnic and cultural groups within the broader Vedic society.

This classification of the Āṅgeyas as having "mixed origin" encapsulates the variability and complexities of ancient societies. It suggests that the Vedic landscape was not static but dynamic, shaped by migrations, interactions, and amalgamations of various groups. The Āṅgeyas, with their mixed heritage, stand as a miniature of this dynamic reality.

While the exact details of the Āṅgeyas' mixed origin remain incomprehensible in the flow of time, their mention in the Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra offers a glimpse into the elaborate networks of ethnicity, culture, and identity. This insight highlights the importance of considering multiple dimensions when piecing together the historical puzzle of ancient societies.

The mention of the Āṅgeyas and their characterization as having "mixed origin" within the Vedic literature, particularly the Baudhāyana Dharmasūtra, offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the diverse and intricate nature of ancient societies. It underscores the dynamic interactions and influences that shaped these societies, prompting us to consider the multidimensional aspects that define our understanding of the past.

Aṅga: Unveiling the Power and Prominence of an Ancient Kingdom

In the records of history, Aṅga stands as a testament to the power and influence of an ancient kingdom, leaving its indelible mark on the historical tapestry of northern India. The echoes of this once-mighty kingdom reverberate through the pages of the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa, offering a tantalizing glimpse into its historical significance.

During the era of the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa, Aṅga held a position of considerable power. This is evident in the text's reference of the "world conquest" achieved by one of the Āṅgeya kings. The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa serves as a witness to Aṅga's prowess, highlighting its geopolitical reach and ambitions.

Aitareya Brāhmaṇa 7.31.1-3: This passage describes the "world conquest" achieved by one of the Āṅgeya kings, named Dilīpa. Dilīpa is said to have conquered all the regions of the earth, including the mountains, the forests, the rivers, and the seas. He is also said to have conquered the gods and the demons. Aitareya Brāhmaṇa 8.14.2: This passage states that Aṅga was one of the "six great powers" in ancient India. The other five powers were Magadha, Kāśī, Kuru, Pañcāla, and Kosala. Mahābhārata 1.1.88: This passage mentions Aṅga as one of the "seven great kingdoms" of ancient India. The other six kingdoms were Magadha, Kāśī, Kuru, Pañcāla, Kosala, and Vārāṇasī.

At the heart of Aṅga's influence was its capital, Campā, which held a place of honor among the six most prominent cities of northern India. In the same league as Rājagaha, Sāvatthī, Sāketa, Kosāmbī, and Vārāṇasī, Campā stood as a testament to the kingdom's political and cultural significance (Jha, 2014).

Jha (2014) expounds on this significance, shedding light on the prominence of Campā as an equal among its illustrious peers. The fact that Campā retained its position in this esteemed group until the time of the Buddha's passing underscores the lasting impact of Aṅga's historical legacy.

The historical narrative encapsulated in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa offers a glimpse into Aṅga's ascendancy. The "world conquest" and the stature of Campā within the league of distinguished cities are testaments to the kingdom's strategic acumen and cultural vibrancy. While the specifics of Aṅga's journey might have faded with time, its mention in ancient texts ensures that its legacy endures.

Aṅga's prominence during the era of the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa underscores its historical significance as a powerful kingdom. The Aitareya Brāhmaṇa's mention of the kingdom's "world conquest" and the status of Campā among northern India's foremost cities illuminate Aṅga's multifaceted influence and historical legacy.

Aṅga's Origin in Ancient Epics: Insights from Ramayana and Mahabharata

The pages of ancient epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, offer intriguing narratives that shed light on the origin and significance of Aṅga, an ancient kingdom. Rooted in mythology and history, these accounts provide captivating glimpses into the kingdom's inception and etymology.

According to the Mahabharata and Puranic literature, the name "Aṅga" finds its genesis in a fascinating story. The kingdom is said to be named after Prince Anga, the visionary founder. This prince's unique lineage stems from Vali, a figure who lacked male heirs. To overcome this predicament, Vali turned to the sage Dirghatamas, seeking his blessings for progeny. The sage's divine intervention led to the birth of five sons through Vali's queen, Sudesna (Devendrakumar, 1946). These sons—Aṅga, Vaṅga, Kaliṅga, Sumha, and Pundra—bear the imprint of their origins in their names, each echoing a distinct legacy (Garg, 1992).

The Ramayana offers a variant perspective on Aṅga's name and origin. According to this narrative, the etymology of "Aṅga" emerges from a different context. It is believed to be the place where the deity Kamadeva met his fiery end at the hands of Lord Siva. The term "aṅgas" refers to Kamadeva's scattered body parts after his demise. This mythological account reflects the intricate interplay between divine tales and the naming of geographical regions (Valmiki Ramayana).

In Devendrakumar's account (1946) in the Mahabharata, the historical and mythological intertwine, shaping Aṅga's identity. The origins attributed to Prince Anga and his sage-blessed lineage resonate with the epic's intricate web of characters and stories. Similarly, Garg's exploration (1992) offers insights into the distinctiveness of Aṅga's name and its significance within the larger framework of the region's history.

The accounts from the Ramayana and Mahabharata collectively weave a narrative tapestry that captures Aṅga's multifaceted identity. These narratives delve into the kingdom's inception, etymology, and cultural resonance, intertwining mythology and history in the fabric of its existence.

Conclusion:

In this journey of discovery, we embarked on a thorough investigation of the territory of Angika, hoping to learn more about its vast geographical extent and intricate linguistic identity. Our research, which is based on historical references, cultural narratives, and linguistic nuances, presents insight on the multifaceted importance of the Angika-speaking region within the Indian subcontinent.

We observed Angika's rich historical legacy, which is intertwined with mythology and history, by tracing back to the ancient epics. The enthralling stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata revealed various origins and etymological roots, each adding to the tapestry of Angika's identity. We saw the impact of history on shaping the present through these accounts.

The Angika territory's geographical contours stretched across Bihar and Jharkhand, encapsulating a dynamic landscape that bore witness to migrations, interactions, and cultural exchanges. The name "Angika" has reiterated throughout history, eliciting associations with both the ancient kingdom and its contemporary linguistic heritage. Angika is a testament to the interplay of history and culture, from Camp's historical prominence to the linguistic vibrancy of the native language.

The threads of historical records, ethnographic insights, and linguistic dimensions guided our study's journey. Weaving these threads together revealed Angika's profound identity—an identity that transcends geographical boundaries.

In our quest to understand Angika's geographical scope and linguistic identity, we've come across a plotline that spans time and space, resonating with cultural pride and historical significance. Angika's legacy lives on, reminding us of the complex interplay between history, culture, and language that shapes our understanding of the past and enriches our present.

As we near the end of our studies, we recognise the significance of embracing Angika's heritage and identity. This exploration invites us to delve deeper into the layers of history and culture that define this region, encouraging us to commemorate the diversity and resilience that define Angika's essence.

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