Significance of Villagers

The term "Villagers" encompasses various groups defined by their communal roles and interactions across different contexts. In South Asia, villagers include those impacted by specific local events, such as tom-tom beaters and elders. In texts like Arthashastra and Dharmashastra, they are seen as villagers engaged in community life, boundary disputes, and conflict mediation. Additionally, Theravada highlights their connection to monks and shared community responsibilities. In historical contexts, villagers react to conflict and governance, showcasing their integral role in communal decision-making and social dynamics.1
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Synonyms: Inhabitants, Townsfolk, Denizens, Townspeople, Rural dwellers, Countryfolk

In Dutch: Dorpelingen; In Finnish: Kyläläiset; In Spanish: Aldeanos; In German: Dorfbewohner; In Malay: Penduduk kampung; In Swedish: Bybor

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Villagers'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Villagers" are the local populace connected to monks through communal support, offering homage and donations, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining respectful boundaries to foster Dhamma practice.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) The villagers are the people who come to pay homage and give dana to Venerable Acharn, and the Bhikkhu expresses concern that the villagers might feel uncomfortable and ashamed.[1] (2) The villagers did not come out and bother the Acariya and the Upasaka, making difficulties and wasting a lot of time when they could be developing the practice of Dhamma.[2]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)

(1) The local populace to whom the monks may have connections, typically associated with their food-village context.[3]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The community members who armed themselves to investigate what they thought was a lion.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Villagers'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the term "Villagers" signifies both the community members partaking in village life and the individuals involved in local disputes, reflecting their interconnectedness and roles within communal dynamics.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The members of the community residing within the villages involved in boundary disputes.[5]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) Inhabitants or members of a village who engage in communal life and activities.[6]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

The concept of Villagers in local and regional sources

History Books

The term "Villagers" encompasses community members engaged in various roles, from witnessing thefts and mediating conflicts to impacting others’ fates, collectively shaping their society's dynamics and responses to events like thefts, disputes, and external threats.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas

(1) The villagers were called upon to decide the matter of the gold coins, but they were unable to reach a decision until the woman followed the stranger's advice.[7] (2) The people living in the village who reacted with fear to the sight of the tiger.[8] (3) The community members who were aware of the bonga's thefts but were unable to catch it.[9] (4) The group of people living in the village who observed the Brahman's actions and questioned him.[10] (5) The community members who are involved in the conflict with the witch woman.[11]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The villagers played a significant role in Surayya's suffering, either persecuting him or remaining silent, contributing to his downfall.[12]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) These people had something like breakfast ready, suggesting a welcoming gesture at the end of the journey.[13]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The community members who are affected by Loku-Appu's actions, particularly the tom-tom beaters and the old women.[14]