Sanskrit: Online Educational Resources

 Sanskrit is one of the ancient languages of the world. Learning it is not only a historical journey, but also an experience, which is joyful and fulfilling at the same time. I am including some of the web resources here to learn, practice or continue to enrich one's Sanskrit language.

Beginner Sanskrit Tools:

University of British Columbia's web page has the most basic introduction to the language. This site also follows the Chapter layout of 'Devavani Pravesika," by Robert P. Goldman and Sally Sutherland Goldman, a most helpful introduction to Sanskrit language.
www.ubcsanskrit.ca

There are also a number of voluntary organizations dedicated to learning Sanskrit. Check the following links,

Samskritabharati: This organization offers classes at various locations, including summer camps, and other events.
www.samskritabharatiusa.org

Speaksanskrit: This website offers a fun and activity-filled learning resources for Sanskrit. This website also hosts Visvavani, a Sanskrit magazine with contributions from university students across the USA.
www.speaksanskrit.org

Samskritavarshini: This website offers activities, links to spoken Sanskrit videos hosted on youtube, and links to All India Radio news in Sanskrit, and Sanskrit Newspapers published in India.
Although parts of the video are in Hindi, this is the most comprehensive resource for improving
listening comprehension and practicing spoken Sanskrit.
www.samskritavarshini.org

Elementary Sanskrit Tools:
The following is a site hosted by Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sanskrit Department. It has stories, electronic tools for grammar.

http://sanskrit.jnu.ac.in/elearning/mainpage.html


The following site provides a very nice introduction to Sanskrit. A very good resource for anyone interested in improving their Sanskrit comprehension.
http://warnemyr.com/skrgram/



The following online site is hosted by IIT Madras. It follows a basic chapter layout to introduce Sanskrit, a useful resource for learning Sanskrit.

http://www.acharya.gen.in:8080/sanskrit/lessons.php

Intermediate Sanskrit Tools:

Advanced Sanskrit Tools:

The following is hosted by the University of Texas. It introduces and explains ancient Sanskrit very efficiently.

http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/eieol/vedol-0-X.html

Sanskrit dictionary App for IPad and iPhone
This is a paid app though, there are also other free dictionary services available.
The app, developed in the Harvard Innovation Lab, combines three major dictionaries that are commonly used by scholars of Sanskrit--Monier-Williams, Apte, and Macdonell. In addition, references from dhatu-patha (a collection of verbal roots with final forms) are also provided, when available. All words can be searched using a Devanagari keyboard.  Once downloaded, the app does not require internet access to operate.

More Information: http://www.tinyurl.com/sanskrit-app

If you missed the announcement about the classical Hindi app for iOS and Android, you can learn about it here: http://tinyurl.com/hindi-app 

For Translation of Sanskrit and learning grammar 

 https://dharmamitra.org

What is pushing SB403 : Blame Game and Propaganda

 What is pushing SB 403?

     Shifting-Blame game and propaganda are at the center of efforts pushing the SB403. The California bill known as SB 403 was put forth by California state representative Ayesha Wahab, an Afghani-American. The fact that this bill passed the state legislature even though with a small majority shows the lingering colonialist vestiges of social theories defining Indian society, in addition to propaganda. They have defined hard-working Hindus as discriminating folks under this Bill, SB403. 

    The colonialist and divisive understanding of Indian Americans became glaringly obvious in the cartoon published in some media articles when Parag Agarwal became the CEO of Twitter. He was represented in the cartoon as sitting on a sedan being carried by many people. This is a common image used to depict colonialist exploitation of the British Queen. Cartoons representing colonialist exploitation of the British empire frequently depicted the Queen sitting on a sedan being carried by her colonial subjects. Since when did hardworking Indians become oppressors from oppressed? It was an unfair blame game imposed on India by the colonialists. This is a vestige of the colonialist theory of Aryan invasions, which depicts higher caste populations of India as not belonging to India, but as initial invader-colonizers of India. This theory has been disproven due to a lack of evidence but continues to dominate popular propaganda on India and Indians. Depicting Indian Americans as similar to a colonizer rather than the oppressed people of India, which they were since historically large sections of Indians lived under colonial regimes. Almost all Indians, especially those in Silicon Valley who worked hard to accomplish something in their lives have come to America as graduate students. they worked hard despite the lack of any support structures to achieve something in life. Most of the Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs credit their success to grit and hard work. The case of hit and run accident case in Seattle that came to light recently is emblematic of the life of Indian students and indicates the precariousness of their life. Their belonging to a caste did not matter; bringing up caste in this atmosphere only shows the colonialist shifting of blame seen in Wilkerson's book, Caste. This shows a modern American's search for shifting the blame elsewhere for the social evils of American society. Stereotypes and parallels have been used to equate the American social system to that of Indian social practices, which is not based on evidence. Indian social system of complex, diverse, and completely different from the American experience. 

    Another reason that is pushing the SB 403 is the AntiIndia geo-political strategy of some South Asian groups. The AntiIndia activities frequently take the shape of AntiHindu activities outside of India pushed by groups that oppose rising India. These can be broadly categorized as Deep-state Pakistani elements and groups that are aligned with it covertly such as Khalistani groups, and the Marxist-Left-leaning political activists that oppose the rise of BJP in India and support its Opposition in India. These groups have been working covertly for a number of years opposing Indians, especially Hindus in America. At this juncture we can recollect a few examples such as the California textbook controversy, and more recently opposition to the celebration of Hindu festivals on American university campuses. Anti-India and anti-Hindu purposes of this legislation are clear due to lack of evidence. 

    The lack of ground evidence for the bill SB 403 within the Indian American community also demonstrates the false pretext with which this bill was brought forward. What is the point of passing this bill aiming at regulating Hindus with a law when there is no evidence of any discrimination reported from this community? The only legal case that was frequently shown as evidence warranting this bill in California was the now-dismissed CISCO case brought forward by CRD, which makes it inconsequential as the CISCO case was dismissed by CRD for lack of evidence. This case was brought by Equality Labs which was known to spread propaganda against Hindus. Another case that was shown was a case brought about by a left-leaning group about BAPS workers. This case was also dismissed as it was shown that these contract workers were tricked with promising benefits such as providing them immigration to America to complain about their employers. This leaves the tiny minority of Indians as the peace-loving, law-abiding, hardworking community in America. 

    Another source that was frequently cited in support of this legislation was a survey conducted by Equality Labs. Their methodology for the survey was not transparent and has been criticized for its methodological issues. However, there is another and much more comprehensive survey conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, which used a strong methodological and theoretical basis for its survey. The Carnegie survey is much more representative of the common attitudes and practices among Indians and showed the absence of discrimination as proposed by the previous Equality Labs survey. This leaves the proposal for SB403 with no factual evidence for its proposal and passage firmly places it in the category of discriminatory laws unfairly targeting a small minority of the population with the goal of hounding Indian Americans, especially Hindus for their lifestyle and practices. 

    The passage of SB403 unfairly targets Hindus. This will isolate Hindus through profiling. If passed this bill will subject Indians/Hindus to extra checks and make it difficult for them to obtain employment or founding a business for lack of raising funds. This will close all opportunities available to Hindus in any field for fear of being dragged to courts under SB 403. It is time for anyone who supports equality under the law to oppose this bill. Isolating and subjecting a small community of the population with a special law directed at them has historically proven to be counterproductive to any progressive society. 

    

Anti-Hindu Comments of Minister Stoke Hinduphobia/Genocide

 Anti-Hindu Comments of Minister U. Stalin Stoke Hinduphobia/Genocide

The incendiary statement made by Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, Minister of Tamil Nadu State Sports and Youth Affairs at a public meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Forum is highly concerning for the Hindu community in India in particular and the global Hindu community in general. In the speech delivered on Saturday, the Minister was seen using highly derogatory terms to describe Hinduism, also known as, Sanatana dharma calling for its eradication. He said, "Sanatana Dharma is like mosquitoes, malaria, dengue, and corona, it should be eradicated like a disease." This statement coming from a minister holding a responsible public position in the government of Tamil Nadu after taking oath on the Constitution of India is highly irresponsible. For his part, the minister remains unapologetic supposing that his calls for the 'eradication of Sanatana like a disease' do not incite genocide. However, genocides begin with blaming a group of people for their practices before finally isolating them for assaults. His direct calls to eradicate the religion bring the practitioners of that religion under attack, which is akin to calling for the genocide of Hindus/Sanatanis.

The minister remains nonchalant and hasn't made any efforts to release an official statement of apology. As minister of the Tamil Nadu government, he remains liable for conspiracy against Hindus/Sanatanis which is a punishable crime under the Constitution of India, which provides Freedom of Religion to all its citizens and gives equal rights to all its citizens to practice their religion without fear of attacks. The minister's answer supporting his statement was not satisfactory. As an explanation Mr. U Stalin said, he only called for the "eradication of the religion of Sanatana like a disease... and not the people." This is even more dangerous and cannot be condoned. Calling any religion as evil is prohibited under the Constitution of India. Calling a religion a disease will spread misconceptions and subject the practitioners of that religion to direct and indirect attacks. This has been proven by history. 

It is especially concerning that there is a fearful atmosphere for Hindus due to activities of anti-India elements attacking Hindus through name-calling and more across the world. AntiHIndu violence and attacks are rising across the world. In this atmosphere, it is highly objectionable for a minister of a state to speak such derogatory terms in his statements at a public forum. 

I conduct research on Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu elements in the academia and public sphere. The nature of Hinduphobia, which is spread as an undercurrent of public discussions is derived from colonialist theoretical constructions. Its recent spread is alarming. Theoretical constructions such as Aryan invasion/migration and caste constructions are weaponized to implicate Hinduism and Hindus as innately evil. Minister U. Stalin's statement should be understood in this context. Please check the article on Global Hinduphobia to gain an understanding of the threat his statement poses to the practitioners of Hinduism:  here: https://www.academia.edu/90219272/GLOBAL_HINDUPHOBIA_CONSTRUED_CONSTRUCTED_AND_UNLEASHED_FROM_THE_WEST

It's an anomaly that Hindus are asked to justify their faith in official and unofficial attacks like this one. Genocides always begin with identifying one group of people by blaming their practices, for example, faith, food, and clothing, as evil. The progressive attacks and isolation of a group of people are notable in the context of Tamil Nadu's history. In the not-too-remote past, a small group of Hindus has been attacked for their faith, food, and clothing. Goeblesian propaganda discusses this type of tactic (Vemsani 2022: 19-20) to isolate and attack a group of people which was successfully used during World War II subjecting 6 million Jews and 500 Roma to isolation and genocide. 

Anti-Hindu statements and activities do not remain limited to one region or group of people. Statements made by well-known personalities and people of high positions remain entrenched in public memory and are carried forward and spread widely. The impact of the statement given by Minister U. Stalin to the audience at a meeting of the Progressive Writer's Forum cannot be underestimated. 

The minister's statement certainly represents an alarming trend and the criminal intent of this statement cannot be ignored. This is a direct call for genocide of Hindus. Minister U. Stalin must be asked to resign immediately and stand trial for riling up his followers to go against another religion and its followers. 

King Charles Must Apologize

 

The Kashmir Files Stirs Nation into Recognizing Pattern of Genocidal Violence

 

Notes of my lecture at the symposium: The Kashmir Files, Moment of Reckoning, April 9, 2022, at 7 PM IST/ 9:30 AM EST

In today’s lecture I will focus on two of the important aspect brought out by the Kashmir files.

The Kashmir Files Represents Historical Human Rights Violations Amounting to Genocide

Unfortunately, contemporary discussion surrounding the recently released film The Kashmir Files represents what is wrong with our collective conscious; it went astray: The discussion is not about historical facts or historical issues, that everyone agrees, but aside from the issue all they want to discuss is either polarization, or politicization, which is traditionally used to distort facts in the past; moreover, it ignores the issues that perpetrated violence and punishes the victims with silence. Instead, If the historical event is discussed focusing on the brutal violence, the perpetrators, and the victims, it would lead to truth and reconciliation.

There are two issues with the way the public is misled in the current discussion in some media and academic sections:

1.     Misguiding the Historical issue

2.     Distorting the Human rights and Humanitarian concerns

What does it mean for contemporary history and for the future?

We must be ready to condemn violence, any elements perpetrating violence, and support the victims.

1.     History is constituted by: Facts, more facts, and all facts! For history nothing else matters.

I was surprised to read some articles about the Kashmir files hurting certain groups of people etc. How is recording historical facts hurting to somebody? If we go by that route, we cannot record any history, because no matter what its bound to hurt someone. Hurting or not hurting sentiments should not matter for history: the discipline of History is not the handmaiden of some activists or political theorists. History works independent of all these ancillary ideas. History should provide truth based on facts, that’s all it matters for history. In the case of Kashmir, as far as history is concerned the truth is hidden, facts of killings, maiming, and other atrocities committed in Kashmir did not see the light of the day or form part of the public discussion until now.

What happened on the ground is important for history, it should not be erased. hence as the Hindus of Kashmir has been requesting for a long time, a white paper should be released on the violence of Kashmir. The Kashmir files brings forward this moment of urgency.

 

Kashmir files stirred the soul of India by touching the Inner conscience of many across the country who have seen or heard of similar violence in the past not far from their home. There is an unmistakable pattern of violence of this nature seen across India.

 

1.     For many in India the Kashmir Files stirred emotions hidden inside the inner layers of conscious. Coming from Southern India the events of the Kashmir files had brought to life the stories of inhuman atrocities Razakars in Hyderabad state, that I heard from near and dear. It is the same: terrible atrocities killing innocent civilians including children, raping women, public terrorization of a group of people by chopping their limbs, gorging their eyes etc, for simply being different and practicing their faith; there is clearly a pattern---

How long will these genocidal massacred be ignored? How long will these atrocities remain suppressed? For what purpose? What is humanitarian response for these atrocities?

2.     Through its inaction not even condemning such acts, the Humanity’s soul is dead.

Human rights abuses even though partially depicted in the film form a large part of the film due to the nature of the issue on hand; these events are also imprinted on the inner conscious of Indian public, which stirred horrifying memories of previous events like these. It is important to understand the gravity of the issue, hence these events do not repeat.

Within all these discussions and debates, the Kashmir Hindus still await the recognition for their pain and suffering.

The Hindus of Kashmir face a dual curse in addition to their long struggles to get recognition for their trauma- first, they are victims of brutal violence, second, their victimization is being denied, which is worse than the abuse perpetrated 30 years ago. A film depicting their troubles is being termed Islamophobic- this is the irony. Hinduphobia within the Kashmir genocide is ignored and victim’s voices are suppressed by outrageous claims of Islamophobia. Silencing victim’s voices, suppressing history is the biggest crisis of our time! It’s not merely in the past, but continues in the present, and the future of this pattern of violence is embedded in it. This pattern of violence amounts to serious humanitarian crisis.

 

 

Why India Should Support Ukraine

 Why India Should Support Ukraine

One who stands with none stands alone. Standing alone has no merit as friends and enemies are part of geopolitics as is the case with life. India has already missed its opportunity to participate in geopolitical relations in a meaningful manner by being limited by the Nehruvian lack of future vision. It is time for India to end this NAM (Non-Alignment) mindset and enter the world with new vigour and mindful of its geopolitical role. How long is India going to plan its geopolitical participation based on the role of Russia and China, its powerful, but imperialist neighbours? If India remains quiet and fuels its growth further, it would be a threat to India’s sovereignty rather than help India in any manner. 

India never had an opportunity to shape its international relations independently. Some relations are based on the colonial background like participating in the Commonwealth. Some are shaped by threats from neighbours leading to NAM, which is a mistake. Therefore, it is important to disband these farmer organizations and move forward boldly with India-centric policy. An India centric policy must guide the future of Indian foreign policy and geopolitical strategy. I wrote an article about India’s foreign policy debacles previously. Check here: https://www.globalorder.live/post/india-s-foreign-policy-needs-to-escape-the-legacy-of-colonial-entanglements

I have long argued for establishing a new model of international relations for India based on its sovereignty and history. Arthasastra highlights the fact that the immediate neighbours cannot be trusted and would never be friends, but that a state should establish friendly relations that must be cultivated with farther neighbours. I do not say that we must follow this book written about 2,500 years ago, but what I am saying is that the state of India must take a closer look at its geopolitical strategy and shape it with guidance from tried and tested methods. As an important step in this direction India’s joining the Quad is impactful, but this role must also expand into other areas of India’s foreign relations rather than simply being symbolic. I wrote an academic article about it previously published in the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs. Please check it here: https://www.academia.edu/72480031/Connectivity_and_the_Quad_Powers_Revisiting_History_and_Thought

The Ukrainian crisis is one such situation, which demands India to go beyond its previous foreign policy debacles and vote in support of UN Security Council measures along with other world nations. It is important to stay strong and support the measures to end the war rather than stay quiet. India should support international measures to sanction Russia to end the war and support Ukraine, so as to help rebuild, the same way it is helping Afghanistan. This is India’s opportunity to show its stand on the international stage. 

Who decldes What is Hinduism in the West? A Handful of Academics or Practitioners?

 Who decides the Life of Hindus in the West? A Handful of Academics or Practitioners?

    There are two issues noted in the subject area of Hindu studies in the West. The academic study of Hinduism wields uncontrollable power and destructive behavior in its practices. Practitioner perspectives are somehow discounted as not valuable to understand true Hinduism even though a religion thrives on the practitioner’s belief. Some academic work focuses exclusively on disproving the practitioner's perspectives as well as denouncing their practices. Thus, denouncing the subject that they study closely. Silencing the subject peoples while creating theories of understanding about Hinduism, the academia displays destructive behavior if not entrenched superiority complex. This manifests in two ways affecting the academia and outside perceptions of Hinduism. Primarily this also leads to Hindu academics and Hindus to be held to a standard in which they are expected to deny their Hindu practices or become non-Hindus, which is not the case with practitioners of other religions. The practitioner’s perspective is somehow seen as jaded not conducive to research. 

    Religious practice is generally governed by long-held notions and received traditional wisdom. In this context, academic research matters little for a practitioner. However, in the case of Hinduism academic research and academic perspective impose themselves on the practitioners and try to silence their voices. Practitioner perspectives are actively discouraged as theoretical understanding developed in academia dominates the public and policy discourse. However, since the academic perspectives are developed without clear consideration of practitioner perspectives, this could often lead to problems in public perceptions of Hinduism. 

    While a religion thrives on the practice of its followers in the case of Hinduism it is being altered as academic theoreticians interject themselves within the tradition declaring what is right or wrong practice discounting the voices of practitioners at every step. The issue of Hinduphobia stems from this exceptional pressure placed on Hindus not from inside the practice, but from outside the practice through imposing the academic perspectives. Under these imposed perspectives simple practicing Hindus are depicted as fanatics and outliers by using less than respectable terms such as ‘Hindutva’. The problem with Hinduphobia in the West is that it stems from misrepresentations and half-truths concerning Hinduism. 

    Hindu history and culture are wrought with generalizations and simplifications in addition to misnomers and misinformation. However, its presentation outside of India had been very problematic, since out of context generalizations and public activism targeting a micro-minority has led to unforeseen consequences leading to vilification and persecution of these minorities outside of India. For example, how many in the general public know the infamous Nazi symbol has nothing to do with the Hindu symbol Swastika or that the Nazi symbol had never been called Swastika.

    Colonial beginnings of Hindu studies implanted suspicion of practitioners within the subject. The epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are reinterpreted to reflect the ‘invader vs. indigenous’ dichotomy. Even though the ‘invader vs. Indigenous’ paradigm based on the fictional theory of Aryans is disproven these narratives still continue to dominate Hindu studies. Symbolic representations of evil, the demons, are identified as Dalits even though internal evidence of the epics does not support such identifications. These narratives are then used to spread suspicions of the established practice and religion of Hinduism. Misunderstandings of Hinduism come from these misplaced identity constructs, which effectively disconnect the authentic practices from public perceptions. Scholars disproving this dichotomy of ‘invader vs. indigenous’ perspective through disproving the Aryan invasion theory are name-called. 

    Sacred texts of Hinduism, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana are reinterpreted with racial overtones. What is happening now is the ‘othering’ of Hindus using such misinterpreted tales of festivals, gods, and goddesses. Symbolic representations of evil or demons are identified with groups of modern society even though no such connections are seen in original texts or practices. For example, the festival of Holi is reinterpreted this way on college campuses in the recent past. Anyone opposing these misinterpretations or out-of-context generalizations is name-called or termed Hindutva. The issue is not with academic research but how it is weaponized out of context to discount practitioners.

    Appallingly, misrepresentations still continue to dominate public perceptions of Hinduism. Calling Hinduism ‘casteist' or Hindu festivals as ‘oppressive’ lacks ground reality as well as context. Therefore, the larger issue with the academia in the West is two-fold: first, denial of Hinduphobia and second, continually propping up the narrative based on ‘invader vs. indigenous’ perspective while denying the native practitioner voices, thus ignoring pluralism of practices within Hinduism. Unfortunately, some academics play a larger-than-life role in shaping this public representation of Hinduism in the West. For a micro-minority, the Hindus, in the West, this could lead to confusion, isolation, and subsequently targeted attacks. It is important that public discourse understands the religious beliefs of practitioners than interpretations of a few academics. 

    Vilifying Hindu practices, festivals, and lifestyles, sometimes with false equivalencies have become common across all spheres of academia. This trend is really concerning, since, this could lead to grave consequences for the practitioners due to misinformation put forward on numerous occasions across America. It is unfortunate that the very places of higher learning that are believed to foster knowledge, and pluralism of thought are becoming venues of hate incidents against Hindus. The number of hate crimes and violence against Hindus has gradually increased in the past two decades. Silencing practitioner’s perspectives is also a common practice. 

    The strange thing is universities had a number of hate incidents recorded against Hindus. It leads one to surmise that such misinformation can have disastrous consequences. The misinformation may have isolated and traumatized the Hindu students exposing them to targeted attacks. The trend is alarming. Hate incidents on college campuses are well documented, but similar reports outside college campuses may be meager. This might not mean the absence of hate crimes against Hindus but may indicate fear of Hindus in general for reporting such incidents. Therefore, we believe there might be underreporting also.

    It is important to counter such types of misinformation to integrate Hindus into American society.  It is also important to counter the suppression of news concerning attacks on Hindus. Awareness and balanced perceptions with concern for practitioners might help change the status quo of Hinduphobia and improve social harmony. 

Imperialist Categories Entrenched in the Academia/Social Sciences&Humanities

True History For New India

During the early nineteenth century, the imperialist governments began deploying an assortment of writers, called specialists to work in conjunction with imperial administrators to lay down frameworks for classifying, controlling, and administering their colonial territories. This left one of the lasting effects on the colonies by leaving the colonies forever bound by the colonial frameworks unable to free their mind/intellectual resource. Thus, the large imperialist machinery of false knowledge creation has spread its tentacles far and wide. Its effects are most egregious in the Indian academic study of society and culture. What is even more distressing is that these early imperialist theories still continue to dominate Indian academia still exerting immense influence. 

Assisted by the colonial administration and allowed to travel freely in the colonial domains, they used their intuition laying foundations for academic study in the areas of Social Sciences and Humanities, creating theories of races, languages. For the most part, their early work focused on discounting indigenous cultures and their traditions. They created terminology that labeled indigenous faiths (religions) as false faiths calling their repertoire of religious literature myths. The academic study of religions, Religious Studies, still uses this early terminology, which reeks of unbridled imperialist and racist tendencies of the origins of Social Sciences and Humanities. This tendency to discount indigenous peoples' understanding of themselves did not stop with falsifying their religion but spread into other subject areas such as sociology, anthropology, and history. Entire swaths of Peoples' languages and cultures were thus theorized to be alien through the creation of mythical theories such as Aryan invasion/migration. 

To bring out the clearer history of India, we should first clearly understand the stereotypical methodical process in which the Imperial history machinery created it. 

The following are some of the ways this imperial/colonial knowledge creation could be categorized and understood. 

The constructions are so outrageous that it almost needs no pointing out. One knows it when one sees it. Even though generations of scholars are aware of the many shortcomings of Indian history, many of these assumptions and constructions continued unchallenged even after the independence of India. 

There are a number of general patterns noticeable in the academic research on Indian history: 

1. Solving the Puzzle: subjects of Indian history and religion are mostly treated as a puzzle. Indigenous knowledge and understanding were never accepted as authentic. For example, the whole hoax of the Aryan invasion is created this way. Even though no native memory or textual memory indicates any such thing, the researchers insisted that the invasion happened through assembling puzzle pieces. 

2. Let’s make up a theory/ Apply A Theory: Indian history was frequently twisted by applying unrelated theories. The linguistic theory was appropriated, stretched, and applied to create race and regional divisions of history. Language is not a race and not a marker of race, however, that did not stop these theories and their application. Languages spread for a variety of reasons, race is not one of them in the ancient world. Another theory that was taken out of context and applied to Indian society is the psychoanalytic theory.

3. Philosophy or the semantics of language: even simple and clear terms are debated until they lose their real value. I recently came across a discussion- arguing the Pali sutta may have come from Sanskrit Sukta, instead of Sutra, which it was. Even though it was well established that Sutta comes from the Sanskrit word Sutra and it was also popularly known that another pali word suvutta is the equivalent of Sukta. Words are discussed and debated until they are completely embroiled in confusion and lose their original significance. 

4. Let me tell you about my intuitions: Most of the classical stories of the epics are interpreted this way. For example, the event of Bhishma’s defeat with the help of Shikhandin in the Mahabharata was interpreted by some academic works as Arjuna hiding behind his grandmother, even though it was completely imaginary and not mentioned in the text. This imagination springs from the past life story of Shikhandin, even though it had no connection to Arjuna as such. 

Another example of this is the speculative assumptions regarding the Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Balabhadra. Some scholars speculated that Subhadra in the Puri temple may have been Lakshmi, who had been later changed to Subhadra. Although there is no evidence that the Goddess in the Puri Jagannatha temple had been ever thought of as Lakshmi in classical texts or popular stories. The goddess of Puri temple is specifically known as Subhadra and worshipped as such always, which was established in historical research. Volumes are written arguing against widely held views in Indian society to judge Indian society as 'confused' about its own culture and civilization, while in fact, their agenda is clearly visible in the arguments/theories proposed, which are not based on fact, but only on intuition.

5. This historical figure was right: This type of historical research dominates Indian history, next only to theoretical constructions. Most frequently, works are written eulogizing this ruler or that ruler, for example, Ashoka, Akbar, and Aurangzeb, at the expense of other parallel historical events. This leads to twisted history as biographical sketches are presented as history rather than fact-based social and political analysis of historical India.

6. Tedious objection to an established view: lengthy works are written to argue the epic personalities of India such as Rama, and Krishna or the goddesses are somehow not what they were meant to be. This becomes even more stranger in analyzing the goddesses- they are called spouse goddesses as if being unmarried makes them less respectable. Outrageous claims on the goddess Durga Mahishasura Mardini under the disguise of research might be familiar to most of you. Unimaginable constructions and semantic exercises are undertaken to judge commonly held notions as baseless. 

And finally, let me add the most prominent category of all the misconstructions in Indian history: 

7. There is no evidence, yet I am sure it happened! Aryan invasion or migration theory is the greatest example of this category. Even though the recent genetic research has disproved any invasions/migrations from the Steppes some still continue to argue in support of Aryan migration. In this category of research, the most popularly used common words are lost language, lost population, etc. However, they began using the ghost population recently to refer to such imaginary constructions, which lack factual support. I have previously discussed my views on the lack of genetic evidence for Aryan migration elsewhere in my publications and lecture. Hence, I would not dwell on too many details here. 

Alright, let’s begin, what do we have in place of history in India? Numerous constructed theories and a couple of biographical skulduggeries. History writing has a very complicated history in India. There is a peculiarity in the way Indian history was discovered, presented, and written from the beginning. Hence India’s history had been narrated from numerous perspectives other than its own perspective. It was always written by the outsiders for the benefit of outsiders. Hence, only represents a haphazard history according to the needs of the colonizer.

It is strange, but History writing in India still remains under the control of western academia as it had always been an international affair. Even the smallest of the historical issue of India can make international news and controversy.

The result of all these above-listed exercises is a travesty of Indian history, which is merely mythical as it stands now and not representative of India and Indian culture. What we have as history currently is haphazard and lacks a holistic approach to India. Methodically it lacks sound approaches to history writing due to its beginning under colonialist/imperialist regimes. As India is crossing 75- years of independence nearing a century of independence soon, it is necessary to take a closer look at the history currently and work on finding authentic sources to rewrite the clearer and holistic history of India. 

(Based on Prof. Lavanya Vemsani's Lecture, "True History for New India," Delivered at Interdisciplinary Conference on Beyond Imperialism Categories, Joint conference of Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (Shimla) and Flame Univeresity, Pune, May 13-14, 2021.

International Relations on Indian Borders: On the Second Anniversary of Balakot Air Strike

 International Relations on Indian Borders: On the Second Anniversary of Balakot Air Strike

    On the morning of February 26, 2019, I had just returned to the US from a series of conferences and seminars held in India. Actually, I was in India a few days before the Balakot Strike and traveled between New Delhi and Southern India, Hyderabad. I participated in ARTH Seminar-conference at Indira Gandhi Center for the Arts in Delhi. Here, Union Minister Smriti Irani, Actress Ravina Tandon, and I – discussed Feminism in India on a panel about the historical and modern understanding of women. I then traveled to Hyderabad to deliver my lecture on historical methods as the honorary guest and keynote speaker for the Valedictory session of the South Indian History Congress at Osmania university. Hence, recently returned from India at that time I have understood the magnitude of the Balakot airstrike within India and its bearing on International relations on the borders of India.

    The Balakot Air Strike in the early hours of February 26, 2019, was brisk and destroyed a terrorist camp near Balakot in Pakistan. There is are numerous efforts on the Pakistan side to deny the occurrence of the Indian Air Strike in its efforts to limit the enormity of Indian action. However, as a longtime Indo-Pacific policy analyst, I trust the statement of the Indian Military that an airstrike was launched that day, which attacked and destroyed a terrorist camp in Balakot, Pakistan. Soon after the Air Strike Indian administration briefed international diplomats sharing information about the Air Strike and its goal of destroying a terrorist camp of JeM (Jaish E Mohammad), which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack in Kashmir earlier that month. This is a major military operation launched to attack terrorists in Pakistan, since the last attack launched by the US military SEAL forces killing Osama in May 2011.

    In this type of military operation, it is difficult to know the exact number of casualties, discrepancies always exist. The death toll ranges between 250-450 people depending on who you are talking to at any time. However, it should range between 300-350 as a rough estimation based on the size of the camp. However, it could be said that no civilian casualties are reported from the nearby town of Balakot. The Air Strike targeted and destroyed a terror camp on the hills without affecting anything nearby. 

    The Balakot Air Strikes leave India and the international community with many impacts. However, most importantly, India took control of highly strategic locations; shows India’s commitment to secure borders. To this day, the terrorists have not been able to launch another attack that demonstrates security on the Indian borders.

    And furthermore, this shows India’s commitment to open and honest warfare. India’s commitment to open and honest warfare is known for millennia. In the Arthasastra (Book VII chapter 13) Chanakya discusses how open and honest warfare is preferable to covert tactics. India’s open and honest sharing of data following the Air Strike is appreciable. India’s commitment to lasting peace also comes to the fore in this effort. 

    The Balakot Air Strike also leaves a lasting impact on the Indian region as well as Indo-Pacific regional cooperation. India balances its western borders with Pakistan and eastern borders with China. Both of which have previously cooperated and shared Indian territory of occupied Kashmir. Hence, international relations in this high mountain region are complex. It is important to establish peace in this region by supporting the only strong and large democratic nation in this region. It is important for the international community to maintain peace in this region. 

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.