#HVthread: Brief History of Oratory in Bharat (India)
Oratory, the art of effective public speaking, has deep roots in Bharat (India). Its history can be traced back to ancient times, where eloquence was not only a talent but a crucial tool for leadership and social discourse.
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Vedic Period (1500 BCE-500 BCE): The earliest forms of oratory in India can be found in the Vedas, composed in Sanskrit. These texts contained hymns, chants, and philosophical discussions, showcasing the power of the spoken word as a means of spiritual and cultural expression.
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Epics: The Mahabharata and Ramayana, two quintessential Indian epics, include numerous instances of oratory. Characters like Yudhishthira and Rama used speeches to persuade, console, and inspire. These Historic set the stage for the importance of rhetoric in Hindu traditions.
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Natyashastra (200 BCE-200 CE): Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra highlighted not only dramatic arts but also the significance of speech in performance. It stressed the importance of verbal expression in enhancing the emotional experience of theater.
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Imperial Patronage: During the Maurya and Gupta empires, a new style of oratory emerged. Emperors like Ashoka used edicts inscribed in stone to communicate moral lessons and governance principles, showcasing formal oratory on a public scale.
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Renaissance of Indian Thought (19th Century): The colonial period saw a resurgence in oratory as leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak harnessed the power of speech to advocate for social reform, nationalism, and spiritual awakening.
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The Freedom Struggle (20th Century): Oratory reached its zenith during the independence movement. Figures like Sardar Patel, Veer Savarkar, and Subhas Chandra Bose employed powerful rhetoric to galvanize masses, galvanizing hopes and aspirations for freedom.
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Post-Independence Oratory: After 1947, oratory became integral to Indian political discourse. Leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi used speeches to shape policy and unify the nation. Radio and television further amplified their voices.
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