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Topic : Deciphering Rigveda
GS-1 Mains : Ancient History
Revision Notes
Aim: Establish a link between the Harappan civilization and the Vedic people.
Rigveda Analysis & Archaeological Evidence:
- Understanding Rigveda: Deeper understanding of the Rigveda text is crucial to correlate it with archaeological findings.
- Fire Worship: Ritual platforms and fire altars unearthed at Rakhigarhi (Harappan site) correspond to fire worship mentioned in Rigveda.
Dating the Vedas:
- Current Debate: Origin of Vedas placed between 1500-2000 BC (some historians) or further back at 2500 BC (4500 years ago) by others.
- Genetic Evidence: The 2500 BC date aligns with genetic evidence from a Harappan woman’s remains at Rakhigarhi.
Saraswati River:
- Rigveda Mentions: The river is mentioned over 70 times in the Rigveda.
- Archaeological Discoveries: Most Harappan settlements were found along the Saraswati riverbanks.
Iron Use Absence:
- Rigveda Omission: The Rigveda doesn’t mention iron, so correlation with later iron-using settlements (2400 years old) near the Ganges and Deccan is unlikely.
South Asian Ancestor Theory:
- NCERT Revision: Contrary to the Aryan migration theory (large-scale migration from Europe to Central Asia and then South Asia), the revised NCERT textbooks suggest Harappans were indigenous to India (dating back to 10,000 BC).
The Vedic Age (1500-600 BCE):
- Vedas: The Vedic Age is characterized by the composition of the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures.
- Society & Culture: Largely pastoral and tribal, with Aryans as the dominant group.
- Religious Practices: Composed hymns and performed rituals centered around gods like Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Soma.
- The Four Vedas:
- Rigveda: Collection of 1028 hymns (oldest compositions, depicting early Vedic life).
- Samaveda: Verses from Rigveda arranged for singing.
- Yajurveda: Two recensions (Black & White) with public and individual rituals.
- Atharvaveda: Collection of magic spells and charms.
End of Vedic Age:
- Marked the beginning of the later Vedic period, with a shift from rituals to philosophical inquiries (Upanishads).