Significance of Historical context
Historical context plays a significant role in understanding various fields such as Jainism, South Asia studies, Shilpashastra, and more, providing insights into the background and circumstances surrounding influential texts and figures. It encapsulates the social and religious environments during specific eras, the origins of literary works, the teachings of notable philosophical doctrines, and the socio-political landscapes that inform the understanding of cultural narratives. Analyzing these contexts reveals the complexities and interrelations that shape historical and contemporary perspectives.
Synonyms: Historical background, Historical framework, Historical setting, Historical environment, Background, Setting, Environment, Historical milieu
In Dutch: Historische context; In Finnish: Historiallinen konteksti; In Spanish: Contexto histórico; In German: Historischer Kontext; In Malay: Konteks sejarah; In Swedish: Historisk kontext; In French: Contexte historique
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Historical context'
Historical context in Buddhism encompasses the significance of paritta suttas in ancient Indian society, the compilation of the Mahavastu amidst doctrinal variations, the circumstances of Buddha's teachings, and the Jataka tales' evolution through literary and archaeological insights.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The background information given about the evolution of the Jataka tale through literary and archaeological evidence.[1]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Understanding the background and time frame in which the Mahavastu was compiled, marked by variations in Buddhist doctrine and practice.[2]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The background and circumstances surrounding the events and teachings of the Buddha, including the characters involved.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Historical context'
Historical context in Hinduism encompasses the socio-political environment, cultural influences, and circumstances surrounding the creation of significant texts, like the Katha Sarit Sagara and Sushruta Samhita, shaping their themes, ethics, and teachings throughout ancient Indian history.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The background information and conditions influencing the actions and ethics presented in the texts, particularly regarding ancient India.[4] (2) The reference to polyandry among the Nayars is examined through their military history and social structure.[5] (3) The socio-political environment during the compilation of the Katha Sarit Sagara, which informs the themes and narratives expressive of the period.[6] (4) The background and circumstances during which the tales were written, providing insight into the cultural influences of the period.[7]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The background and events surrounding the life and work of Candupandita, influencing his writings.[8]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The background in which the Shri Bhagavatamritam is narrated, highlighting the significance of the characters involved.[9]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The significance of devotional service through time, as mentioned in the commentary, indicating its long-standing importance to transcendentalists.[10]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The background and circumstances that give meaning to historical events, particularly how they relate to contemporary understanding.[11]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Refers to the background and circumstances surrounding the marriages and the legends surrounding Shri Krishna Chund and his queens.[12]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The background and temporal placement of Sushruta's work, viewed through the lenses of ancient Indian culture and the evolution of medicine.[13] (2) The background and circumstances of the time when the Sushruta Samhita was written, which informs its medical teachings.[14]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) The background information surrounding the development of medical knowledge during the periods leading up to Buddhism.[15]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The Mahabharata’s narratives provide a backdrop against which the philosophical and ethical dilemmas posed in the Gita can be understood.[16]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The circumstances and conditions surrounding the creation of the Bhagavadgita, including authorship and philosophical influences.[17]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The background and circumstances surrounding the creation and study of the Natyashastra and its impact on the understanding of ancient Indian drama.[18]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) The text provides information about the dates of copying and filming of manuscripts, which provides a historical context for the materials.[19]
The concept of Historical context in local and regional sources
Historical context encompasses the significant influences and events that shape understanding and interpretation of literature and poetry, reflecting cultural, social, and political conditions that influence literary creation and reception throughout various historical periods.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the backdrop of poetic drama in England during Fry's career, contrasting his works with his contemporaries.[20] (2) The setting and circumstances surrounding the publication of African literature, particularly how it evolved from being rare to common over the years.[21] (3) The circumstances and events surrounding Gokhale and Gandhi's contributions to India's freedom.[22] (4) The background of significant events surrounding the time of War and Peace, particularly the patriotic war of 1812, which shapes the narrative.[23] (5) The background or circumstances surrounding the production of religious and philosophical writings that highlights their significance.[24]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Historical contexts are mentioned in relation to carbon-dating Asian manuscripts, where experiments have produced results that are “at variance with the codicological, art historical and historical contexts as hitherto understood.�[25] (2) This refers to the setting of the book, which is the history of alcohol in South Asia, and the book aims to provide a valuable overview of the subject.[26] (3) Historical context refers to the circumstances surrounding the creation, transmission, and use of a text, such as the Candrarki, and how it may be altered over time.[27] (4) The specific circumstances, events, and conditions that surround a particular historical period or event, are very important.[28]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The background information which relates Mahipati’s poetry to the sociopolitical environment of his time.[29]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The background information and circumstances surrounding the time period in which Fa-Hian lived and traveled, providing insight into the social and religious environment of the era.[30]