Indological Perspective of the Historical Evolution of Yoga – A Concise Study

Abstract

Yoga, a multifaceted spiritual discipline, has been a cornerstone of Indian civilization for millennia. Its origins are deeply rooted in the ancient Vedic culture, and it has evolved over centuries to encompass diverse philosophical, religious, and practical dimensions. This seminar paper aims to present a concise yet comprehensive study of the historical development of yoga from an Indological perspective, incorporating the textual, philosophical, archaeological, and cultural evidence preserved in India’s intellectual traditions.

The Indological approach to yoga emphasizes the systematic study of Sanskrit texts, philosophical schools, historical contexts, and cultural manifestations. The paper traces the development of yoga beginning with the Vedas and early Upanishads, progressing through the Sāṅkhya-Yoga system, Patanjali’s Yoga Sūtras, the Bhakti traditions, and the emergence of Haṭha Yoga. It also highlights the evolution of yoga as a synthesis of ascetic, metaphysical, and devotional elements, drawing from diverse sources including Buddhism, Jainism, Tantra, and later medieval texts.

The contributions of scholars like Max Müller, Mircea Eliade, and indigenous savants such as Swami Vivekananda and B.K.S. Iyengar are analyzed in understanding yoga’s reception, interpretation, and transformation through colonial and postcolonial lenses. The paper also explores yoga’s modern resurgence in India and abroad, shaped by Indological research, global health movements, and cultural diplomacy.

This paper concludes that yoga is not a static tradition but a dynamic, evolving practice with deep historical layers and spiritual significance. The Indological perspective provides a critical, contextual, and holistic framework to appreciate yoga as a living tradition rooted in India's civilizational ethos while resonating globally.