Gender and stylistic expressions in ancient texts
Combining classical Vedic philology with semiotics, the DIVINE PAIRS IN RV project examined the causal interconnectedness between the Vedic language and the style of the Rgveda. Specifically, it investigated various nominal constructions for dual deities as stylistic expressions of the poetic language of the ancient text.Researchers identified several types of expressive paradigms created by the repetition of divine names. The greatest variety of expressions for dual deities was found to occur in hymns devoted to the pair in question. Through the project's innovative methodology, interesting findings were also made with regard to the remarkable rareness of male–female pairs. For example, in the Rgveda's only prominent male–female pair of Dyaus and Prthivi (Heaven and Earth), feminine grammatical gender is used to refer to the male deity Heaven. Research findings have been published in six book chapters and six journal articles, and a monograph on dual deities in the Rgveda is being prepared. The project also inspired the development of a new double major undergraduate programme for Indology at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.Beyond participation in conferences, seminars and symposia, project results were disseminated through community lectures and radio and television presentations. Numerous public interviews and lectures were also realised in Australia and Slovenia.Marking new contributions to Vedic studies through its novel approach and foci on gender and stylistic expressions, DIVINE PAIRS IN RV has positively impacted the research of ancient Indo–European texts. Additionally, the initiative strengthened European capacity for research on such texts, and enhanced cooperation with academic institutions outside Europe.
