Eurasian ideas of Yu. N. Roerich

Abstract

The article deals with the contribution by Yurii Nikolaevich Roerich (1902–1960) to Eurasianism, the original trend in Russian philosophical thought. In thisregard his contribution to the nomadic studies is of particular importance. Thanks to his efforts, these studies became a separate branch of general history. Like other Eurasianists Roerich considered the world of ancient nomads as a cultural entity. In particular, he stressed its specific features, such as the importance of the animal style art, epic lore and the military culture. He drew the scholars' attention to the Indo-Europeans, the Tocharians who played an important role in the formation of the Eurasian cultural community. The Tocharians became the founders of the Kushan Empire. This happened at the time when the Indian Buddhist teachings came to the North and subsequently spread across the Eurasian continent. Yu. N. Roerich researched the problem of ancient migrations, which he viewed as central and was also interested in the process of creation of empires by nomads. He held the view that the study of the heritage of ancient nomads is pivotal for understanding the ongoing Eurasian integration.