Indus Valley Civilization:

Que. Critically examine various views regarding the Vedic-Harappan relationship in light of the latest discoveries. [UPSC CSE-2017]

Approach:

(1) Explain briefly the Vedic Harappan relationship.

(2) Mention the potential elements of continuity in the Vedic-Harappan relationship.

(3) Mention the significant differences between these two civilizations.

(4) Conclude by stating it requires careful consideration of archaeological, linguistic, genetic, and textual evidence.

Introduction:

Harappan and Vedic cultures both made significant contributions to Indian history. After the end of Harappan culture, Vedic culture emerged in Indian history. Archaeologists believe that the Aryans, who were more powerful, ended their society by defeating the Harappans. The Harappan culture lasted from 3500 to 2200 BCE, whereas the Vedic culture lasted from 2500 to 1000 BCE. Both cultures represented two distinct races.

The question of continuity between the Vedic and Harappan civilizations is a topic of ongoing scholarly debate. While there isn’t definitive evidence to establish a direct relationship, some elements of continuity have been proposed based on archaeological findings and cultural comparisons.

Aspects that Scholars Have Highlighted as Potential Elements of Continuity in the Vedic-Harappan Relationship:

(1) Ritual Practices: Some archaeological sites associated with the Harappan civilization have revealed fire altars and sacrificial pits, similar to those described in Vedic texts. This suggests a possible continuity in ritual practices related to fire worship and sacrifices.

(2) Urban Planning and Architecture: Certain architectural and urban planning features, such as the presence of standardized brick sizes and the grid-like layout of streets, show similarities between Harappan cities and descriptions in Vedic texts. However, these features could also be indicative of broader cultural practices of the time.

(3) Religion and Symbolism: Some symbols found in Harappan artifacts, such as the “swastika” and “lingam,” have parallels in later Vedic and Hindu traditions. This has led to discussions about the potential transfer of symbolic elements from the Harappan period to later cultures.

(4) Linguistic Traces: While linguistic evidence is complex and debated, some scholars have pointed out linguistic similarities between certain Harappan place names and Vedic terms. However, the Harappan script remains undeciphered, making linguistic connections speculative.

(5) Agricultural Practices: Both civilizations were agrarian societies, and certain aspects of agricultural practices, such as irrigation techniques and crop cultivation, could have been shared or adapted over time.

(6) Cultural Continuity: There might have been a gradual cultural transformation and adaptation as the Harappan civilization declined and regional societies evolved. This could have contributed to some aspects of cultural continuity.

(7) Trade and Interaction: Trade networks and contact zones between the Harappan and post-Harappan cultures might have facilitated the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, leading to some degree of continuity.

(8) Mythological and Literary References: While Vedic texts do not explicitly mention the Harappan civilization, some scholars interpret certain myths and narratives as potentially reflecting echoes of earlier cultural memories.

While there are some potential elements of continuity and interaction, there are also significant differences between these two civilizations.

Key Differences Between These Two Civilizations:

(1) Chronological and Geographic Differences: The Harappan civilization (also known as the Indus Valley civilization) flourished around 3300 to 1300 BCE, while the Vedic period spans roughly from 1500 to 500 BCE. The Harappan civilization was primarily concentrated in the Indus Valley region, covering parts of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The Vedic civilization emerged in the northern and northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent.

(2) Urbanization and Settlement Patterns: The Harappan civilization is known for its well-planned urban centers with advanced drainage systems, grid layouts, and standardized brick sizes. The Vedic period saw the emergence of rural settlements and pastoral lifestyles, with fewer prominent urban centers.

(3) Script and Language: The Harappan script remains undeciphered, and its language is unknown. In contrast, the Vedic period is associated with the development of the Sanskrit language and the composition of the Vedic texts.

(4) Religion and Beliefs: The religious practices of the Harappan civilization are not well understood due to the lack of deciphered texts. In the Vedic period, religious practices centered around rituals, hymns, and sacrifices described in the Vedic texts. The Harappan civilization does not have clear depictions of deities. In the Vedic period, deities like Indra, Agni, Varuna, and others were prominent. 

(5) Economy and Trade: The Harappan civilization had extensive trade networks, indicated by artifacts found at distant sites. The Vedic period saw more localized economies and self- sustaining communities.

(6) Art and Iconography: Harappan art is characterized by seal carvings, pottery, and figurines displaying a distinct style. Vedic art is represented in the form of temple architecture and sculptural depictions of deities.

(7) Social Structure: The Harappan civilization had evidence of urban hierarchies, possibly reflecting social distinctions. In the Vedic period, society was divided into varnas (social classes) based on occupation.

(8) Writing and Record Keeping: The Harappan civilization had a script that remains undeciphered, while the Vedic period produced a large body of written texts, including the Vedas and Brahmanas.

(9) Technology and Craftsmanship: The Harappans were skilled in city planning, water management, and craft production. The Vedic period saw developments in metallurgy, architecture, and other technologies.

(10) Cultural Continuity: While some elements of the Harappan culture might have influenced the Vedic period, the transition between these civilizations marked significant changes in settlement patterns, socio-economic structures, and cultural practices.

Historian Views:

(1) Mortimer Wheeler famously remarked, “On account of circumstantial evidences Indra appears to be the convict.” He was equating Cemetery-H culture with the Aryan culture. A few skeletons with injury marks found at Mohenjo-Daro are cited as signs of conflict. Rig Vedic references to Indra as breaker of forts and mentioning of a city Hariyupiya were taken at face value. Archeology has debunked these claims, e.g. the skeletons found at Mohenjo-Daro belong to different cultural phases. Actually, only the urban phase of Harappan civilization declined; there are different reasons for this decline in different regions of the civilization.

(2) T.S. Ramachandran, K.V. Shastri says IVC was developed by Aryan, the same Aryan associated with Vedic Culture.

Conclusion: 

The relationship between the Vedic and Harappan civilizations remains complex and subject to ongoing research. While the latest discoveries, such as fire altars and genetic studies, have added nuances to the discussion, definitive conclusions remain elusive. The examination of this relationship requires careful consideration of archaeological, linguistic, genetic, and textual evidence, as well as an understanding of the complexities of ancient history and cultural interactions.