|
The sūkta on bhūmi or earth (12.1) clearly mentions
that the people spoke different languages and had different
dharmās or religions. To translate dharma as mere
custom is to miss the full significance of the word.
janam bibhratī bahudhā vivāchasam nānādharmāņam pŗthivī
yathaukasam.
sahasram dhārā draviņasya me duhām dhruveva
dhenuranapaspurantī.
AV (12.1.45)
"May earth with people who speak various languages,
and those who have various religious rites (dharmāņām)
according to their places of abode,
Pour for me treasure in a thousand streams
like a constant cow that never fails."
It also calls upon all persons to be hospitable to strangers
(7.52.1).
It also mentions that the elders of the race spread out and
occupy the entire earth. This is the earliest mention of
migration.
|