Mystery and Mime in the Rig Veda: Indra, the Maruts, and Agastya

In this significant contribution to comparative mythology Leopold von Schroeder (1851-1920), Professor of Indology at the University of Innsbruck and the University of Vienna, elaborates his theory that the dialogue form of some of the Vedic hymns points to mystery cultic practices of the Āryans that preceded the fire-worship characteristic of the Indo- Āryans. Schroeder connects this presumed early form of Indic drama with the dramatic representations of Crete, Greece, Italy and the Germanic lands and especially with the sacred dances and sword dances developed therefrom. Thus, the dances of the Cretan Curetes, the Phrygian Corybantes, the Salian priests of ancient Rome, the sword-dancers of the Germanic lands, and the Morris dancers of England are all traced back by Schroeder to the principal Vedic mythological figures of the Maruts and their leader, the heroic god Indra. By focusing on the mystery cults behind the Vedas Schroeder sheds light on the religious foundations of the dramatic arts in Europe as well as in India.