The Enigma of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa: A Clash of Historical Perspectives
The civilizations of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, collectively known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished from around 3300–1300 BCE. In contrast, the Mahabharata, one of the most significant texts in Hindu literature, is traditionally believed to have been composed much later, ranging from 400 BCE to 400 CE. This divergence in dates leads to an intriguing question: did the Indus Valley Civilization predate the epic events described in the Mahabharata?
The Indus Valley Civilization: A Bronze Age Mystery
Mohenjo Daro and Harappa were Bronze Age civilizations located on the banks of the Indus River, thriving from around 3500–1800 BCE. These cities are known for their urban complexity, sophisticated drainage systems, and advanced residential layouts. In contrast, the Mahabharata portrays the political reality of Iron Age India, dating from 1200 to 900 BCE. This time difference raises questions about the connection between these two eras and their respective societies.
The Destruction of Civilizations: A Theoretical Perspective
True History and Religion of India: An Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism proposes that the Mahabharata war in 3137 BCE devastated the Indian civilization of Bharatavarsh, leading to the disappearance of many localised civilisations and the disintegration of a coherent socio-political structure. According to the text, on the last day of the war, only Duryodhana remained on the battlefield, while the rest of the Kauravas and Pandavas were killed. The significant loss of life and infrastructure would have left the subcontinent in a state of abandonment and disarray.
The Emergence of New Cultures: A Linguistic and Cultural Shift
True History and Religion of India: An Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism claims that the post-war period saw the development of new cultures and languages, which could not be traced back to the mainstream Bharatiya culture. These local cultures developed their own languages and scripts, which evolved from a classical or locally spoken form of Sanskrit. Pali language, for example, was extensively used in the propagation of Buddhism and the Bhagwatam.
The Role of Brahmi Script and Pali Language
The emergence of Brahmi script and Pali language in India during this period is significant. Pali was used to write the tenets of Buddhism, and Brahmi script formed the basis for many subsequent scripts in the region. In contrast, the Harappan civilization, dating back to around 2600–2000 BCE, is believed to have been isolated from the main stream of Bharatiya culture. Its inscriptions on seals and tablets bear a resemblance to Phoenician and Semitic scripts, indicating a unique linguistic development.
A Candid Comparison: The Example of the Helicopter Riders
To understand the differing perspectives, we can draw an analogy. Imagine two people approaching India in helicopters. One lands and interacts with modern Indian researchers, while the other lands in a remote area where he encounters local tribal communities. The first person gets a contemporary view of India, while the second has a glimpse of a more ancient society. Both perspectives are valid but describe different eras.
Similarly, the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo Daro and Harappa) and the Vedic Civilization of the period before the Mahabharata can coexist as separate but interconnected parts of Indian history. The Vedic civilization, especially concentrated in regions like Mathura, Allahabad, and Varanasi, would have been advancing in its own unique way.
Historical Truth and Scriptural Sources
While historical records often strive to reconcile these different periods, scholars must recognize that the true history of Bharatavarsh is recorded in its scriptures and puranas. These writings describe the eternal wisdom of Sages, Saints, and Divine individuals who influenced the land of Bharatavarsh. The philosophical descriptions in these texts offer a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the entire history of the region.
In conclusion, while the historical timelines of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa and the time of the Mahabharata may seem to conflict, they represent different phases in the rich tapestry of Indian civilization. Understanding and appreciating both perspectives provides a more complete picture of the complex history of Bharatavarsh.