Misinterpretation of Cultural Shifts as Invasions: Weaponizing Confusion and Ignorance through the Aryan Myth

Misinterpretation of Cultural Shifts as Invasions: Weaponizing Confusion and Ignorance through the Aryan Myth

 

    Cultural Shifts are a natural phenomenon noticed in any longstanding civilization, since it is natural for a living civilization to undergo shifts based on environmentally, economically, and socially favorable conditions. It is a necessity for any society to adapt to move forward to continue to survive millennia. The Indian Subcontinent has seen many such cultural shifts during the early historic period. The paleolithic phase is mainly noticed in coastal and mountainous regions, while Mesolithic is noticed near plains. The Cultural shifts become even more obvious with the move to more settled civilization beginning with Bronze, Chalcolithic, and Neolithic phases. This phase of civilization is dated variously between 15000 Years Ago (YA) to 12000 YA. At some early archaeological locations, the Mesolithic phase co-exists with the Neolithic or Megalithic phase. Sometimes it is said that Megalithic followed the Neolithic phase, but Mesolithic tools are found in Megalithic tombs, which indicates continuation from the Mesolithic phase. Cultural shifts are noticed in moving one type of early culture to another culture in the same region or to a different, but more far off place are noticed sometimes.

Such peaceful movement of people from one end of the Subcontinent to another end of the Subcontinent is recorded in archaeological evidence as well as India’s oldest texts the Vedas. Later part of Vedas note one such cultural shift in which people have moved from Northwestern India (Saptasindhu region) toward the East. But it is not a violent takeover. In fact, no large amounts of weapons indicating violent take-overs during any phase of the early civilization of India are noticed in any region of the Subcontinent.

There is also the movement of people from the Northern end of the Subcontinent to the Southern region. Tamil text Agattiyam records such arrival of sage Agastya and his pupils to the Southern tip of the Subcontinent. The history of Andhra Pradesh records the arrival of the Andhaka tribe from northern India. Numerous such movements and settlements are recorded in texts datable between 1500 BCE (about 1700 YA) to 1000 BCE. Lack of largescale weaponry in any historical location across the Subcontinent for the period between 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE only indicates that these movements could be classed as only as Cultural Shifts rather than invasions/migrations of some unknown/alien tribes. If in fact there was any invasion and migration that should have been noticed in archeological record with the presence of lots of weapons indicating war, and abrupt disruption to the existing culture, which should be replaced by a new culture. But no such weapons or abrupt disruptions or displacements are noticed anywhere in the Indian Subcontinent in the archeological record. Continuation of different phases of civilization together simultaneously indicates coexistence rather than a takeover. Many megalithic sites in Southern India also show cultural assemblages resembling Harappan culture. This leaves us the conclusion that Indian civilization is a continuous and longstanding civilization since the foundations 80000YA. It was only the Cultural Shifts and movements of populations across the Subcontinent that enriched India with immense multiplicity marked by pluralism unlike any other civilization in the world.

Colonial history misconstrued the evidence of internal Cultural Shifts as violent Invasions and takeover of native civilization by outside tribes. Colonial constructions of the early history of India verges on the mythical theories rather than utilizing ground facts and known from ancient classical texts and archeological data of India. Therefore, Indian history created between the 1880s to 1940s included in all the textbooks of India and taught to the colonial subjects of the British Empire perpetrate the single agenda of invasions by a superior race, occupation, and suppression followed by replacement. This constructed history of India had not been corrected but continued in textbooks under the successive governments of independent India.

To take their agenda forward colonial historians, linguists, sociologists, and anthropologists set to work with support from East India Company initially followed by the then British Imperial governments. Linguists, especially Max Mueller, construed a theory in such a way that it might suit the purpose of colonial master in misreading and misinterpretation of the texts to twist and construct the mythical history of India. The colonial state employed immense mechanism to create and apply the Aryan invasion/migration theory to change Indian history and society beyond recognition.

The Brahmins were doubly affected by this colonial agenda. In the constructed new social history of India Brahmins became high caste but branded as manipulative keepers of texts on the one hand, while on the other hand they were branded as enemies and oppressors of all other people identified as the descendants of invading mythical Aryans. Thus, the few members of the Indian society who are learned in the Vedas were silenced into submission for fear of facing repression from the state-power, while also simultaneously facing rejection from their neighbors as descendants of Aryans. As one section of Indian society was thus silenced, British Anthropologists are appointed as Census Directors began categorizing, re-organizing, and dividing Indian society into myriads of castes. The administration set out to declare anyone opposing or questioning their new ways of administration and classification as criminal caste.

This is another way to silence powerful Kshatriyas and rebel groups and used as a framework to suppress opposition. A notable example of such categorization is notable in each region the British administration is extended. Some castes classed as criminal tribes lived in British territories lived as peaceful members of the Princely state in their neighborhood and they were never branded as such in the Princely state of India. Thus the British sociologists and anthropologists created a new universe of Hindu social system on an all-India scale instituting the British policy of ‘divide and rule’. British rule altered Indian society by recasting otherwise peaceful people as criminal tribes, marshal races, or a variety of castes divided and arranged hierarchically as upper and lower.

Close to three-quarters of a century later it is the duty of every member of Indian society to correct this British record of history and bring the true history of India forward.

Part II. No Aryans: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 #NoAryans 

 

1.     Does Archeological record or genetic record support Aryan invasion/migration?

 

The archaeological record does not support it. The crux of the Aryan theory is that an outside group of people spuriously named as Aryans (no race of this name is ever known in India) came from the Central Asian Steppes and took over India to change it beyond recognition. “They came, they conquered, they changed,” is how it is presented in books. This robs India of civilizational continuity and superimposes a racial divide that did not exist prior to the arrival of the British.

For this theory to work three points of evidence are necessary.

A.   Weapons and destruction on the path of their supposed arrival: It is said that Aryan destroyed Indus valley cities and then proceeded to India. Indus valley cities merely declined due to ravages of the environment. No largescale destruction or weapons are found at any excavations of Indus valley cities.

B.    An equally complicated and sophisticated civilization to that of the Indus Valley Civilization on the Steppes is not found. For an outsider civilization to send a substantial amount of its population out to conquer there should be sufficient development and stability within its own civilization. No such strong civilization that could rival or conquer Indus Valley Civilization was in the Steppes, the supposed home of mythical Aryans.

C.    No genetic evidence of the arrival of largescale human groups is found in India datable to the supposed Aryan period (2000-1500BCE). The male and female genetic heritage of almost all Indians is derived from Founder genetic heritage (80,000 Years Ago) which evolved in India. Please check the answer for Question 3 for more information. 

 

2.     What about Greeks and others who came from time to time to India and made India their home?

 

That may be so. These are historically attested small migration and they haven’t destroyed the existing civilization or imposed themselves to bring changes to the living culture of India. What we are considering here is the supposed Aryan arrival (2000-1500 BCE), occupation, and replacement, which did not happen.

There might have been small migrations of populations that came to India and finally became part of the cultural mosaic of India. The issue we are discussing here is about the invasion/migration of hoards of horse-riding outsiders, who conquered, destroyed, and altered India from the original culture and civilization. The problem is that this theory posits the indigenous culture of India, Hinduism, and original texts the Vedas as brought into India by these outside invaders/migrants. As discussed above in the answer to question 1 there was no evidence for such invasion/migration in genetic or archaeological records.

 

India always welcomed people that lived peacefully and contributed to the cultural ethos of India. In addition, they did not migrate to such large groups to affect change in demography or culture. In fact, the Greeks being polytheists appreciated and received the Indian culture well. Greeks are the first people to record authentic tales of India and Indians. Some of the Greeks assimilated and absorbed the culture of India. In fact, one of the earliest Bhagavata inscriptions is issued by Bhagavata Antialkidas, Greek ambassador, as noted in the Vidisa/Bidisa inscriptions. Early Indians and Greeks also lived and traded together in the Mediterranean. The archeological record shows long-standing relations of mutual respect and admiration between India with Greece and Rome. It is probable that some of the westerners may have lived in India and similarly, some Indians may have lived in their territories.

 

3.     My friend told me there is genetic evidence for the arrival of Aryans.

 

No. Whatever your friend might have told you this view is only a vestige of the older theory of Aryan invasion/migration, which is not supported by any historical evidence but imposed on Indian history during the British rule using vague linguistic theories. Now that this theory is proved baseless some lingering ideas are being circulated. It is your job to learn about the lack of evidence for that British-imposed-colonial theory and enlighten him/her.

 

This theory of a single race going around the world occupying, destroying, and completely replacing the native cultures is derived from theories of racial superiority. This has led to the Holocaust. In fact, the racist theory of Aryans is so fluid that any racist can adapt and use it in any way suitable for him to bring about utter destruction as it happened in the case of the Holocaust. That proves how dangerous this theory of Aryan migration/invasion is even though any evidence for it is completely lacking.

For more information on genetic information, which disproved Aryan migration and invasion please read my previous blog post and research publication provided in the link below:

https://manthratalk.blogspot.com/2020/08/noaryans-frequently-asked-questions-and.html

4.     There is a tribe called Aryans, what do you say about that.

 

We don’t really know who these tribes are, but it is a tourist phenomenon in recent years. It is a lucrative tourist attraction to label a tribe Aryan. These are found in nations spread between Central Asia to Indian Subcontinent. However, the issue being discussed here is about the supposed arrival of Aryan hoards that replaced the indigenous people and their culture on a large scale. I don’t think any of these tribes were responsible for any such destruction. Their tribal culture and folklore don’t indicate that.

 

5.     They told me there is a difference between Southern and Northern Indian genetic heritage.

 

Whoever is telling you this theory is assuming your naivete and continuing the colonial legacy. Colonial administration through historians assumed their subjects as silent passive receptors. This is a continuation of that colonialist outlook. They are assuming that you are not going to check for facts or evidence and silently accept what they are telling. This had been the case of Indian history for the past century. Change the status quo and find more information to counter anyone telling you these spurious theories.

 

6.     Could we consider Indus Valley/Vedic civilization as part of Indian civilization or is it considered outside civilization?

 

Yes. Indus valley civilization is part of Indian civilization. Indus Valley cannot be considered outside since for Ancient India the Subcontinent of India is considered as the civilizational zone. Indus valley is also the geographical region where the Vedic texts through their revelations locate the sacred geography of Hindus and other Dharmics (Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs). Symbols and practices associated with Indus Valley Civilization are noticed across India.

Continuity of Indus symbols, practices still persist in Indian culture, so what was assumed about their destruction is completely wrong. The decline of Indus valley civilization only indicated a cultural shift rather than sudden destruction.

Cultural Shifts are a natural part of history and do not decrease the continuity of a civilization. The long-standing Indian civilization is evolved from a mixture of practices and symbols derived from numerous such Cultural Shifts across the Subcontinent. Different geographical regions proved favorable for the evolution of Indian culture at different periods of time. The resulting Indian civilization is the long-standing multi-faceted, multi-linguistic, and pluralistic civilization, an amazing continuation from millennia ago.

#NoAryans Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 #NOAryans: FACTS & MYTHS

 

1.     What are Your Qualifications and Background on Early History of India Especially Prehistory and Early Settlements of India?

 

My research and academic presentations almost a decade ago focused on how genetic evidence disproves the Aryan invasion/migration theory. I also wrote an academic paper almost a decade ago, which was published in an academic book on Sindhu Saraswati Civilization. You can read my paper on the link here: https://www.academia.edu/7893126/Genetic_Evidence_of_Early_Human_Migrations_in_the_Indian_Ocean_Region_Disproves_Aryan_Migration_Invasion_Theories. Currently, my books on Indian History India, A New History and Early Settlement Patterns in India are under publication.

My Brief Academic Background

Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History in the Department of Social Sciences at Shawnee State University. Prof. Vemsani is awarded BOT (Board of Trustees) Distinguished Teaching Award  (2013) and Faculty Research Award (2020). She was awarded the South Asia Council of the Canadian Asian Studies Association's (CASA/ACÉA) Best Thesis Honorable Mention prize for her Ph.D. thesis at McMaster University. She holds two doctorates in the subjects of Religious Studies (McMaster University) and History (University of Hyderabad). Dr. Vemsani’s published books include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Lord of Many Names, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama in addition to numerous articles. India, A New History, and Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata are her upcoming books. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Academic journals including the International Journal of Indic Religions, Associate Editor of Canadian Journal of History, and Editorial Board of Airforce Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs. Dr. Vemsani delivered Keynote addresses as Honorable Guest at International Academic Conferences such as South Indian History Congress and Deccan History Society Joint Seminar on India and Iranian History.  Dr. Vemsani served as the President of the Ohio Academy of History (2019-20).

 

 

2.     Prehistory and Early Peopling of India: A Collaboration of Sciences and Social Sciences

 

As historians, we work to understand the history and the human journey on earth. – we mostly work with written records though. However, for understanding prehistory, we look towards experts in other subjects- such as archaeology, anthropology, geology, linguistics, etc. In this case, though the time span is so far out into the past, we are taking help from geneticists to understand the beginning of the human journey on the earth.

 

3.     What do we know about First Humans?

 

There are two Founder Events (Early Pleistocene Event and Late Pleistocene Event) in this world: the first is that of Homo Erectus (also called Homo Sapiens) and the second is that of Anatomically Modern Humans, AMA, (also called Homo Sapiens Sapiens). The earliest evidence for both founder events is noticed in Africa.

African Origins of Humanity:

•       All non-Africans female lines have inherited a subset of the L3 ancestral line out of Africa. African female genetic lines are different from non-African genetic lines.

•       Similarly, male African genetic lines are different from non-African male genetic lines. Male African Lines belong to A and B. Most of the non-African male genetic lines trace back to M1, and the derivatives C, D, and F. Based on Phylogenetic geography, it has been postulated that YAP (Y-Alu Polymorphism) also known as M1 arose in Africa from M168 and later this M1/YAP departed from Africa in an early dispersal event.

•       C & D- are Directly evolved from M1(YAP)

 

See Question #6-#8 for more information on female and male genetic heritage of India.

 

Similarly, two Founder Events are noticed in the prehistory of India: Australopithecus and AMA. Paleolithic in its three stages of Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic are found across India. This means that the initial founders Homo Erectus known by different names in India- as Siva Pithecus and Rama Pithecus- are spread across India. However, these first humans are replaced by the Anatomically Modern Humans by the Upper Paleolithic period. This second founder event of Anatomically Modern Humans is dated to 75,000-80,000 Years Ago roughly coeval with the Upper Paleolithic period noticed in archeological excavations across India. It is this AMA that is traced in the modern populations of all of India. We all derive our genetic heritage from these Late Pleistocene Founders.

Following this Upper Paleolithic foundational event in India, no Neolithic cultural disruption or displacement is found in either the Archeological record or genetic record to indicate the arrival of any new invaders or large scale migrations, which proves that there had been no new population in India since the foundational event 80 thousand years ago (KYA).

 

4. Does the late Pleistocene Founder's Genetic Heritage Continue in India?

Yes. The genetic heritage of these Late Pleistocene Founders is found in India. In addition, this is the earliest genetic heritage traced anywhere in this world. Hence, almost 95% of the Non-African world population trace their origins to these genetic lines.

The first evidence of AMA is found in Africa, but when they left Africa or what happened to them after they left Africa is not clearly known. Whatever may have happened once they left Africa, only a single genetic source is left, which is traced to India. Therefore, the consensus is that India is the first (Sub)Continent for the Non-African Foundational Event.

Some Geographers have offered the explanation that the Toba volcano eruption (75-73 KYA) may have caused the complete destruction of human species leaving only a few human survivors. Whatever may have been the explanation, it is true that India plays a central role in the Foundational Event.

 

5.     How does Archaeological Data Correlate With Peopling of India?

Paleolithic Culture is dated from 7 Million Years Ago. However, the Lower Paleolithic phase is widespread across India with disruptions noted in the Middle Paleolithic phase, while Upper Paleolithic is widespread and the emergence of more sophisticated stone tools across India. Archeologists and historians working on the Early Settlement Patterns postulate that the population replacement might have been complete by Upper Paleolithic Period. AMA is genetically traced to 74,000 years ago. Hence, this also coincides with the Upper Paleolithic period in India. Therefore, it can be said that the Australopithecine may have been the people of Lower Paleolithic and part of the Middle Paleolithic phase, but they may be replaced during this phase gradually to completely replace them by Upper Paleolithic Period, which is characteristically associated with AMA.

 

6.     What are the Origins of AMA and Their Genetic Heritage in India?

The earliest genetic evidence of the oldest AMA is traced to India indicates that India is the most important region in the Foundational Event.

Genetic Evidence:

The human genome holds genetic information encoded in the coiled DNA of the chromosomes, which is an immense document written in four letters. G, C, A, T (guanine, cytosine, adenine, and thymine). Both X and Y-chromosomes are sex-specific chromosomes, and haploid (that has only one combination of X or Y, with 23 chromosomes), while all the other cells have 46 chromosomes. The human Y-chromosome consists of a Non-Recombining Region (NRY), making up 95 percent of its length, flanked by autosomal regions, which is passed intact without a change in the male line except for mutations. Binary polymorphisms of the non-recombining region of the human Y chromosome preserves the paternal genetic legacy of humans that has persisted up to the present. While mtDNA is a female-specific gene passed through the female line from mother to daughter without change except for mutations, therefore permits tracking female heritage.

•       Genetic research shows that Anatomically Modern Humans (AMA) settled in India during late Pleistocene migrations marking a Foundational Event and continued to settle India and then migrate on to Australia and Eastern Asia and then on to West.

•       India shows very old female/mitochondrial DNA (female) with M, N, and R lines. These three founder lines originated in India itself.

•       India also shows very old Y DNA (male) heritage, which is also diverse in India

•       The female DNA Macro Haplogroup M dates to 80,000-73,000 Years Ago, while N and R date between 70,000-50,000 years ago.

•       The male genetic lines: M130 date to 70,000 Years Ago; CDF date to 50,000 years ago while R (from which arise a number of clades of R1a, Ra1a, Ra1a1a, etc.) dates to 43,000 KYA.

7.     What is the Female Genetic Heritage of India?

·      Scholars debated whether M originated in India or outside of India. However, oldest M lines and a large variety of M lines are found in India, hence many scholars favor placing the origin of M in India

·      There is a very young M1 clade in Ethiopia, but it was considered to have been a result of back migration

·      N and later R originated in India itself from M

·      The Haplogroups M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M18, and M25 are exclusive to India as well as M*, C, D, G, E, and Z are observed in Asia- Almost 23 lineages arising out of M trunk are found in India. About 60% Indians have M (58%caste, 42%tribe) genetic heritage

·      The N Haplogroup W is represented by 5% of the population, and the R Haplogroup is represented by its subclade U by its Indian specific branches of U2 (U2i: U2a, U2b, U2c) throughout India at 15% among caste and 8% among tribal population (Kaldma et al. 1999). U7 is noted in Punjab. The recently examined Rakhigarhi skeleton reveals U2b, which is specific to India.

·      Andaman and Nicobar Islanders also show similar genetic heritage although they were classed differently- They show M2 and M4 The British classified them into 19 ethnolinguistic groups upon colonization of these islands. All the people belong to a single genetic source of M from India (Oppenheimer 2004; Tangaraj 2005)

 

8.     What is the Male Genetic Heritage of India?

o   M130 date to about 70000 Year Ago

o   C & D- are Directly evolved from M1(YAP)

o   C&D along with O is commonly found in East Asia along with Oceania and Australia

o   24 Onge and 4 Jorawa of Andaman Islands showed M174 defined D Haplogroup also noticed in Tibet, Nepal, and Burmese population- as well as East Asia.

o   F probably originated (45,000 Years Ago) in India, gives rise to later mutations leading to K, O, P, Q, R.

o   R lineages derive from P1, which is a derivative of K (K2b2a): M45/P1 (k2b2a): R1 (M173), R1a (M17), and R2b (M269) originated in larger Indian Subcontinent

o   Overall the clades C, D, F contribute to about 95% of the genetic heritage of the Non-African World.

o   Y Chromosomal groups of initial settlement C/M130, D/M174, F/M89, and K, as well as several subclades of H, L, R2, and F, are commonly found in India.

o   Subclades of F (FGHIJK, LMN, O (O1-3), and P, Q, R also occur in India

o   The Haplogroups, C, D, F, are found in India and Oceania and places India in the Founder Event

o   No new gene pool datable to 12,000-4,000 years ago is noticed in India. Continuity of these ancient ancestor lineages across India places India in an important position in the founder event of the population of the world continuing from Late Pleistocene arrivals

o   Almost all the Indian population is derived from these male founder lines

 

 

9.     Ancient Skeleton from Rakhigarhi and What Does That Tell About the Population History of India?

It only establishes the continuity of Late Pleistocene genetic heritage definitively. The Rakhigarhi skeletal evidence provided definitive evidence for continuity of Indians in India from the foundation event 80000 Years Ago (KYA). Shows with evidence that India was the first (Sub)Continent founded after Africa and her place in the origin of all Non-African human populations are at the foundation.

The Rakhigarhi skeleton is a female skeleton that revealed U2b2 which originated in India and specific to India. This shows that Indians from Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) shared the same ancestry with the rest of Indians who have all derived from original founders 80,000 Year Ago (see Question # 6 and #7 above to read about the female genetic heritage of India). This genetic evidence is significant considering the fact that it also matched several other ancient skeletons identified as IVC and found across Turkmenistan.

You can read more about it here on the link below:

https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(19)30967-5.pdf#secsectitle0010

 

In addition no Neolithic migrations or cultural replacements are noticed in archeological excavations. Archeologica evidence shows the continuity and origin of agriculture separately in India 12000 Years Ago. No new Neolithic arrivals, but only continuity is noticed in settlements since 80000 Year Ago.

10.  What Can We Say With Certainty Now About Peopling and Cultural Development of India?

Indians are Indians. There are no Aryan migrations/invasions whatever colonial theories might have said. Genetic evidence definitely disproves any migration or invasion by new human groups anytime. The modern Indians carry the original Founder genetic heritage through genetic clades that evolved from them in India. Therefore, Indians can say with confidence I am Indian and my ancestors lived here since 80000 Years Ago. No occupation or replacement during prehistory.

11.  What About Linguistics?

Other linguists have to study this closely. But here is what I have to say about it.

India spoke a number of related Prakrit dialects, which gradually evolved into modern languages with the help of Sanskrit syntax and grammar. Tamil is one of the earliest languages to evolve as such, while Malayalam and Punjabi are some of the recent languages to evolve. All Indian languages are closely related to 80-95% similarity with Sanskrit through verbal roots. Another spurious fact popularized by colonial linguists is that languages such as Greek and Latin and a number European languages are close to Sanskrit even though these languages have less than 50% similarity with Sanskrit. It is also appalling that these same colonial linguists classified southern Indian languages as different to promote the racial divide in India although the southern Indian languages are closely affiliated with Sanskrit and have 80-95% similarity. Therefore, I encourage linguists of India to examine Indian languages closely and come up with a theoretical framework to explain the underlying affinity of Indian languages.

12.  What Do You Say About R1a? They Say It Is Evidence of Aryans.

No. That is a myth. Here is why: R or R1a  or any clades of R doesn't represent Aryans. It is found across the world and it is oldest and more diverse in India. The basal R originated in India itself (see Question # 8 for more details on the male genetic heritage of India).

•       R1/M 17 (later named M420) is one of the lines frequently found in India and Pakistan, but also across the Caucasus and Europe

•       R1a is also found in north Africa and Subsaharan Africa- including Cameroon. This is considered to be a result of back migration

•       M17 is found in high frequencies including caste and tribal groups across India

•       Since R1a/M17 and its subsequent lineages are found frequently in India as well as Eurasia, it was considered to support the Aryan invasion/migration 3-4000 years ago into India. M17/R1a was initially thought of a marker of “male Aryan invasion”

•       However, R1a is the oldest in India. R1a in India datable to 36000 Years Ago/Its occurrence in Europe could only be dated to 23,000 Years Ago

•       So its deep-rooting and diversity in India proves the contrary

•       Therefore, R originated in India and R1a is oldest and diverse in India, which shows India is at the base.

•       R: Origin and frequent

•       All R clades originate in India are more diverse

•       - R1/M173

•       -R1a/M420/M17

•       -R1a1a/M459

•       -R1b1a1/M269

•       -R1b1/L278

•       Presence of M17 widely across India and its long continuity in India disproves Aryan invasion/migration theories

•       Continuity of Human groups from Paleolithic period onwards is established by the presence of this Genome: 80-30% of Indian possess this gene spread across the nation regardless of caste, tribe or geographical location

•       The genome research supports the spread of R1a from India

•       In addition to this ancient gene flow the R1a is also noticed in the Roma populations in Europe

•       The European M17 is less diverse and dated to only 23,000 Years Ago

The Indian M17 is dated to 36,000 Years ago and hence deep-rooted and diverse in India

 

13.  Final Facts About India and Indians. Historic Origins

Genetic Heritage of India shows only continuity and not a replacement. Aryan migration/invasion is a myth.

 

•       Female and male genetic lines examined in this lecture show continuity of Late Pleistocene founder human groups that first settled the Indian Subcontinent about 80,000 years ago. 80,000 Years Ago marks the adjusted average time of when they may have reached India. Actual dates for Female lines date from 74,000 Years Ago and Male lines from 70,000 Years Ago.

•       Similarly, Male genetic lines related to R examined in this lecture also show continuity from 50,000 Years ago.

•       No population replacement is noticed- certainly, no Neolithic population replacement or discontinuity is noticed

•       No genetic differences between caste, tribe, or language groups is noticed- either in male or in female genetic heritage

•       This disproves any Aryan invasion/migration, let alone population replacement. Not even largescale population addition is noticed in the genetic heritage of India. The genetic lines continue unbroken since late Pleistocene

 

Implications for World History:

•       Continuing Aryan race theories in books does immense injustice to the history of India. It teaches neighbors to hate neighbors, because of language and looks. There is no place for race theories in school textbooks and scholarly literature. Although Indian languages were categorized into Aryan, Dravidian, and Austronesian languages dividing India into different racial groups, based on languages, superimposing Aryan theory, it is disproven, as all language groups share a common genetic heritage.

•       India struggled through millennia, but successfully preserved the longstanding continuous civilization in its people and culture

•       India is the Second region to be settled after Africa in the Foundation Event for Non-African Populations. Oldest population base- 73,000 Years Ago for females and 70,000 for male genetic lines is noticed in India.

•       Oldest Texts and Cultural sources- the oldest textual sources and oldest Paleolithic culture are noticed in India.

•       Oldest agricultural and settlement patterns- independent agriculture, domestication, and culture are also found in India.

•       India is at the root of human civilization- My research shows that India is the storehouse of early settlements and culture of the world, one of the true cradles of civilizations waiting to be explored fully- The first step is getting rid of Aryan racial theories from Indian history.

 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: After 500 Years the Dream Comes True

 Ayodhya Ram Mandir: After 500 Years the Dream Comes True

 

As the Prime Minister of India Modi laid the foundational stone for the reconstruction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, much misinformation is spread about it. However, examining the issue in historical context will clear much of the misunderstandings. Numerous sacred sites are revered around the world for millennia by people of indigenous faiths. The last millennium had been an era of forceful occupation and destruction of many monuments of indigenous faiths and monuments in India. However, the 21^st century is bringing new awareness and relevance about restoring and continuing the sacred sites of indigenous faiths. Ayodhya is one such sacred place recognized and revered as the birthplace of Rama for millennia. This new temple being rebuilt in the place of the destroyed original temple represents the historical memory dating back to millennia.

The birthplace of Rama, Ayodhya, is the epicenter of Ramayanam (Journey of Rama), A tale of love and sacrifice, which still resonates with more than a billion Hindus in India as well as across the world. Located on the banks of Sarayu river Ayodhya remained the civilizational center of India for thousands of years. Rebuilding the Ram temple in his birthplace begins a revival of this sacred center after a gap of about five centuries. Rebuilding Ram the Mandir is evidence that truth triumphs. There were many efforts to dismiss the existence of a temple at the site by vested groups when that was not possible due to the availability of massive archaeological evidence, these groups began offering alternatives such as building schools, colleges, or hospitals. Humongous efforts were launched by numerous media houses and vested groups to keep the place that is deeply revered by Hindus as the birthplace of Rama away from his devotees. The case dragged on in the courts of law for almost 50 years before finally drawing to a peaceful conclusion.

Rama’s story (Rama Katha) is embedded in the collective memory of India ever since the composition of Valmiki was sung by Lav and Kush, the twin sons of Rama. It is impossible for anyone growing up in India to say precisely when they first heard the name of Rama or Ramayana, for it is so deeply embedded within the invisible fabric of India that ties the populace of this vast land of India together. Spirituality is neither defined nor even forms part of popular conversation, but it is felt at every level each time the name of Rama is uttered or Ramlila is played. Ramnavami, the annual celebration of the birth of Rama marks a sense of this bond shared by all Indians. That deeper internal bond that one cannot name is Rama. The story of Rama has also traveled beyond the borders of India with strong storytelling traditions noticed in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Therefore, the foundation of Rama temple marks the revival of the community not merely in India, but across South and Southeast Asia. Every brick that is worshipped, wrapped and carried to Ram Janmabhumi in Ayodhya decades ago represents the hopes and aspirations of Hindus across the world. The wait had been too long.

Rama’s journey is the story of love and sacrifice. Rama lived the true spirit of ‘nishkamakarma'. Rama only considered wishes and happiness of all others, but never considered his own desires under any circumstance. Treated poorly for no fault of his own, Rama accepted every impossible challenge strewn on his path and emerged triumphant. At the tender age of sixteen, he was requested to guard the yagna of Vishwamitra from the destructive demons. Upon successfully guarding the Yagna, Vishwamitra comes to hear about the Swayamvara of Sita at Mithila. Here again, Rama triumphed by raising Siva’s bow, an impossible task, although the bow broke before he could string it.

Selected to rule the empire Rama prepared for the coronation by keeping the ceremonial fast. However, on the day of the coronation, he was asked to leave as the coronation is canceled on the wishes of Kaikeyi, his step-mother. Leaving the empire to Bharata, his step-brother (son of Kaikeyi) for the term of his exile of fourteen years, Rama traverses throughout India reaching Sri Lanka. However, throughout all his travels across India Rama never left Ayodhya in spirit as his brother Bharata ensured Rama’s rule in Ayodhya through placing the footwear (paduka) of Rama on the throne. From Mithila in the Himalayas to Ramsethu which links India to Sri Lanka Rama connected the Subcontinent through his footsteps. Now that the foundation stone laying ceremony is taking place in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020, this thread of harmony Rama created reverberates with resounding energy. The pulse of India quickens with this modern triumph of Rama.

The final year of exile was the toughest of Rama’s travels. Surpanakha arrives at their asram ultimately leading to the kidnapping of Sita. In search of his wife, Sita, Rama met new associates, the best of whom is Hanuman. Upon discovering the location of Sita through the assistance of Hanuman, Rama accomplished the impossible task of building a bridge, now called Ramasethu, to cross the Indian ocean reaching Sri Lanka. Rama emerged victorious with his monkey army over the well-prepared demon army of Ravana. Rama’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana and his just rule is legendary.

The second part Rama’s story is recollected in Uttara Ramacharita. Heeding the suspicion expressed by a citizen washer-man Rama sent his wife to Valmiki’s asram, an unfortunate event, considering the fact that Sita was pregnant at that time. However, as far as Rama, who took the vow of ekapatnivrata (monogamy) his joy left him as Sita left him. However, he never let that waver him from his duty of taking care of his subjects; Rama brought joy to everyone except for himself and his wife.

Rama’s journey is unique demonstration of victory against all historical odds. Ram Janmabhumi temple is reminiscent of Ram’s life full of triumphs and tribulations. Another aspect of Rama’s triumph is seen in the way the construction of the temple is manifested on August 5, 2020, after overcoming numerous legal and political hurdles. Reconstruction of the temple is a welcome move for India, a long-suffering civilization, which is yoked to caring for its long civilizational past as much as forging the path ahead.