The Garudas
Summary
The article "The Garudas" examines the identity of the Garudas, who are frequently referenced in Sanskrit and other texts as a group or as an individual, notably as the bird-vehicle of Visnu. The author's main argument is that the Garudas were not a separate tribe from the Nagas, but rather a sect or phratry within the larger Naga tribe. To support this, the author discusses evidence from various texts. Oldham is cited as stating that the Garudas and Nagas were distinct tribes in constant antagonism. However, the author points out that despite this enmity, there are numerous references to reconciliation between the two groups in texts like the Mahabhidrata, the Ramayana, and the Jatakas. For instance, the story of Jimicavahana and the Uraga Jataka depict Garuda killing and swallowing Nagas, while other tales show Buddhist monks or figures like Indra and Visnu bringing about peace. Archaeological evidence is also presented, with sculptures from Kamboja and Bayon depicting Garudas and Nagas in close association, sometimes with Nagas having Garudas on their crests. Jean Boisselier's work is referenced to suggest that Garudas were seen as protectors of good Nagas. The author argues that this close association and the theme of reconciliation are fundamental to phratric organizations, where two factions of the same tribe fight and then unite. The article further explores the Garudas' connection to serpent lore, or "Sarpa-vidya," which was also known as "Garuda-vidya." Texts like the Ganesa Purana, Vayu Purana, and Skanda Purana are cited to show that Garudas were associated with snake-charming. The author concludes that the Garudas were a sect of the Naga tribe who learned this lore, explaining why they could not claim euhemeristic interpretation like the Nagas, who had larger kingdoms. The identification of Garuda with the bird Tarksya is noted as a later development.
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Conclusion
The article demonstrates that the Garudas were not an independent tribe but a phratry or sect of the larger Naga tribe. Their traditional animosity with the Nagas was consistently resolved through reconciliation, a motif prevalent in both Hindu and Buddhist texts as well as Khmer sculptures. This close association is further evidenced by the identification of the Garudas with the 'Sarpa-vidya' or snake-charming lore, which was originally the sacred tradition of the Nagas. The Garudas functioned as a specific group within the Naga clan, likely adopting the bird as their sect mark or emblem. Consequently, they lacked the independent political or cultural significance to warrant euhemeristic interpretation, as they were essentially an internal division of the Naga community rather than a distinct, separate race.