05-12-2006, 09:29 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Singhi Kaya+May 12 2006, 07:57 AM-->QUOTE(Singhi Kaya @ May 12 2006, 07:57 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin-->What are the key differences between the term yavana and the term mleccha. I know the guys whom I call mlecchas~but is mleccha==yavana??
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In later India literature they might be used interchangeably. Originally yavana (<ionia) meant greek. Then it was also applied to romans. mlechCha more precisely meant unclean tribes from the west. It included various westerners, and more lately was inclusive of Moslems.
Similarly the term chIna and hUna meant Chinese, Mongols and other eastern unclean tribes.
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In later India literature they might be used interchangeably. Originally yavana (<ionia) meant greek. Then it was also applied to romans. mlechCha more precisely meant unclean tribes from the west. It included various westerners, and more lately was inclusive of Moslems.
Similarly the term chIna and hUna meant Chinese, Mongols and other eastern unclean tribes.