Abstract
This article focuses on the etymology of Indo-Iranian gandharvá- and possible related words outside Indo-Iranian languages. Even though the old comparison of Skt. gandharvá- and Gr. κένταυρος is phonologically untenable and cannot bring us to any reconstructable Proto-Indo-European form, their phonetic similarity should not be neglected or considered accidental and is furthermore corroborated by evidence from comparative mythology. It seems very likely that both words were borrowed from some Near Eastern non-Indo-European language, possibly Kassite or a related language, being perhaps eventually traceable to a Proto-West-Caucasian etymon.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
