In the previous article, we tried to understand the nature of the ‘Aryan migration or invasion’ theory (AIT/AMT) as proposed by the Western thinkers. In this article, we will try to take an overview of the responses of some prominent Indian researchers and scholars about the above-mentioned theory. This will help to form an ideological framework. The outline and direction of the subject will be made much clearer before turning to the more explanatory articles subsequently.
Literature and Linguistics
The Western Scholars described the Aryans based on their reading of the Rig Veda. Through these descriptions, it is very evident that they believed to have a race called ‘Aryans’. It essentially means that they defined the word Arya as ‘genealogical’. In fact, in ancient Indian literature, the word Arya seems to have come to mean ‘an attribute’ at all places. According to this, to be ‘Aryan’ is synonymous to being ‘virtuous’, while being ‘non-Aryan’refers to being ‘vicious’ or ‘villain’. Therefore, based on the Western interpretation of the word Aryan, the research done in connection with other disciplines gave birth and refers to the terms ‘Aryan language’, ‘Aryan DNA’, ‘Aryan kingdom’, etc. every now and then. These terms ultimately mislead the readers by hammering that the word Arya is genealogical and mar the readers’ further inquiry. We will discuss this phenomenon in detail in the next few articles.
There is one more aspect that needs special attention. The so-called Aryans have a huge literary canon to their credit which includes – The four Vedas viz., the Rigved, the Yajurved, the Samveda, and the Atharvaveda; their offshoots; the Brahmanical Texts; the Aranyakas; the Upanishads; the Vedaangas. The popular Sanskrit Literary canvas apart from the above mentioned literary canon is even bigger with arch-epics like The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, the eighteen Puranas, the eighteen sub-Puranas, numerous Smritis, poems, epics, and plays. However, none of the above mentioned literary texts claims that the Aryans invaded (or migrated) from outside and defeated (or displaced) the locals of that time. According to the scholars, the Aryan invasion (or Migration) was a historical event of great magnitude. If it was such a glorious victory for the Aryans, would they ever fail to mention it? Does it not question the authenticity of these western scholars? Aryan literary canon depicts the wars and their warlords with great pride and candour but does not mention the historical event as mentioned by the western scholars. Did the Aryans forget the event then and left it to be perceived by the western scholars after a few thousand years?
Many European languages share striking similarities with the Sanskrit and Prakrit languages from India. Thereby it was irrationally concluded that the Aryans originated from Europe and invaded or migrated. Scholars all over the world still have arguments and counter-arguments to prove and disprove this claim. The linguistic disputes baffle the common readers thereby advising them to stay away from these arguments. There is no harm in keeping distance with these arguments. However, we must be cautious about the usage of certain words and phrases which are used in this connection.
Archaeology and Excavations
As mentioned in the previous article – There has been a universal conclusion that the Indus valley did not have horses and chariots until the Aryans brought them to the valley. We also checked the proofs supporting this conclusion. However, shreds of evidence to prove otherwise have surfaced through excavations. The relics of toys, skeletons of animals and remnants of chariots confirm what the Western, as well as some west-oriented Indian scholars, are not yet ready to accept. They turn a blind eye as soon as the counter-arguments start pouring in.
Some aspects of the theory seem entirely unbelievable and conspicuous, as there is no stuff in it but only chaff. The effort of this write up is to portray the glorious history of India with authentic/genuine pieces of evidence and the same can be expected from the readers as well
The same is true of DNA research too. If the DNA of an Indian matches the DNA of an Iranian, these researchers feel ecstatic. And if it does not they fret the specimen to be statistically inadequate for any research. Disparage what cannot be achieved by any means. As stated earlier, the linguistic disputes baffle the common reader but we must strive to take cognizance of certain words and phrases used in this context.
Twisting of Time Chronology
We will go through the commendable efforts taken by the Indian researchers and scholars to determine the chronology of Indian History. The western researchers and scholars see to it that no other history or civilisation be proved to be older than theirs. To achieve this, they do not just tend to conveniently revise Indian but other cultures as well. They also make sure to plant the researchers favouring their perspective in curriculum designing committees in schools and universities.
In other words, this theory sounds nothing but fishy. Some aspects of the theory seem entirely unbelievable and conspicuous, as there is no stuff in it but only chaff. The effort of this write up is to portray the glorious history of India with authentic/genuine pieces of evidence and the same can be expected from the readers as well. The upcoming articles will study the different aspects of the Aryan Invasion Theory and try to counter the claims.
(To be continued…)
(The writer is a scholar of the ancient history, culture, art, literature, philosophy of India – i.e. Bharat Vidya or
Indology from Pune, Maharashtra)
(Translated by Dr Pranavkumar Ratnaparkhi, an assistant professor of English at HPT Arts & RYK Science College, Nasik, Maharashtra)
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