News Excerpt:
Taking forward the research to potentially establish a relationship between the Harappan civilisation and the people of the Vedic age, a group of archaeologists are now collaborating with Sanskrit scholars to decipher the text of the Rigveda.
More about the research:
Seeking Substantive Evidence: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) recently augmented the Class 12 History textbook with a significant addition titled ‘Bricks, Beads and Bones - The Harappan Civilization’. This inclusion was based on DNA evidence derived from the 4,600-year-old remains of a woman, suggesting indigenous roots for the Harappan populace. Currently, researchers are directing their efforts towards assessing the hypothesis that the Harappans and the Vedic people shared a common ancestry. However, the NCERT has included a disclaimer underscoring the necessity for further research to solidify this proposed relationship.
- Ritual platforms and fire altars at Rakhigarhi, paralleling Rigvedic fire worship. The detailed meaning of the text will further help in establishing the relation.
- The majority of Harappan settlements along the Saraswati River are frequently mentioned in Rigveda
- DNA evidence from the Rakhigarhi woman suggests Harappans were indigenous people which requires further research to establish the hypothesis.
- Debate on the origin of Vedas: Vedas originated between 1,500 BC and 2,000 BC but the researchers claimed that Vedas date back to 2,500 BC, aligning with Harappan civilisation.
Other Findings Supporting the Hypothesis:
Saraswati River:
- The Rigveda frequently mentions the river Saraswati, and many Harappan settlements have been found along its banks. This correlation is crucial as it might indicate a cultural continuity between the Harappans and the Vedic people. Today, the Saraswati is known as the Ghagghar-Hakra river, which flows seasonally during the monsoon.
Animal Bones and Domestication:
- A contentious point is the discovery of animal bones at Surkotada in Gujarat, which some believe to be of domesticated horses, as mentioned in the Rigveda. This contrasts with findings suggesting the bones belonged to wild asses, supporting theories that domesticated horses arrived in India post-1,800 BC.
DNA Evidence:
- DNA from a 4,600-year-old Harappan woman supports the theory of Indigenous Harappans, contrasting the idea of large-scale Aryan migration from Europe.
- Modern genetic analysis of 3,000 South Asians reveals significant genetic continuity with the Harappan woman, suggesting a common ancient ancestor for northern and southern Indian populations.
- DNA from Rakhigarhi woman indicates no Steppe or Iranian ancestry.
Implications:
- Historical Understanding: Establishing a link between the Harappan civilization and the Vedic age could reshape the historical narrative of ancient India, demonstrating a deeper cultural and genetic continuity. Understanding the precise period and context of the Rigveda remains critical to connecting textual descriptions with archaeological findings.
- Language and Culture: The potential Indo-European origins of Sanskrit and its relationship with Harappan culture could provide insights into the development and spread of ancient languages and cultural practices.
- Further Research: Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to solidify or refute the hypotheses regarding the Harappan-Vedic connection. This includes more detailed studies of Rigvedic texts, additional archaeological excavations, and further genetic analyses.
Conclusion:
Current evidence supports significant Indigenous continuity in South Asian genetic and cultural heritage. Translation of Vedic text will further help in establishing the relation. It will also require a more detailed study to firmly establish the relation.
