The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) in Shimla marked its diamond jubilee celebrations with a lecture that delved into the evolution of the Bharatiya Knowledge System, using archaeological evidence from the ancient site of Rakhigarhi as a focal point.
The lecture, delivered on the second day of the jubilee week, explored the pivotal role of archaeological findings in understanding India’s civilisational past and its knowledge systems.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that eminent archaeologist and former Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune, Professor Vasant Shinde, was the speaker. His lecture was titled “Evolution of Bharatiya Knowledge System: Archaeological perspective with special reference to Rakhigarhi.” The session was presided over by Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director of IIAS.
Professor Shinde underscored the critical importance of archaeological research in reconstructing the historical trajectory and cultural development of ancient societies. He specifically drew attention to Rakhigarhi, a key site associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation, as a case study for understanding these processes.
He articulated the necessity of examining various forms of evidence, including literary sources, historical records, and archaeological discoveries, within their appropriate contextual frameworks. This holistic approach, he argued, is essential for developing a comprehensive and accurate understanding of bygone eras. Professor Shinde also noted that a comparative and evidence-based methodology enables researchers to interpret historical events and trends with greater precision.
“Archaeology is a significant discipline for understanding the past,” Professor Shinde stated during his address. He elaborated on how excavated remains, including settlement patterns, material culture, and artefacts, offer invaluable insights into the daily lives, societal structures, and cultural practices of ancient communities. The systematic analysis of these findings, he explained, aids in comprehending the technological advancements, social organisations, and developmental trajectories of earlier civilisations.
The lecture highlighted how archaeological sites like Rakhigarhi provide unique opportunities to investigate the organisation of ancient settlements and trace the evolution of civilisations over extended periods. It was emphasised that the interpretation of historical knowledge is an ongoing process, subject to refinement as new discoveries are made and research methodologies continue to advance.
The academic session served as a crucial platform for fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnections between archaeology, history, and the Bharatiya Knowledge System. Its inclusion within the IIAS Diamond Jubilee Week programme underscored the institution’s commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research as a means to explore and appreciate India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage.
The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan civilisation, flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE. It was one of the world’s earliest urban civilisations, characterised by sophisticated city planning, drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures. Sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa in present-day Pakistan, and Rakhigarhi in Haryana, India, have yielded extensive archaeological evidence of this advanced ancient society.
Rakhigarhi, located in the Hisar district of Haryana, is considered one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Excavations at the site have revealed well-planned streets, a sophisticated drainage system, burial grounds, and a variety of artefacts, including pottery, seals, and terracotta figurines. The ongoing research at Rakhigarhi continues to shed light on the social, economic, and cultural aspects of this ancient civilisation, providing crucial data for understanding India’s deep historical roots.
The Bharatiya Knowledge System (BKS) refers to the vast corpus of traditional knowledge, wisdom, and practices developed in India over millennia. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda), linguistics, statecraft, and the arts. The study of BKS aims to understand the foundational principles and evolutionary trajectory of Indian thought and its contribution to global knowledge.
The IIAS, established in 1965, is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, dedicated to advanced research in the humanities and social sciences. Its diamond jubilee celebrations aim to commemorate its legacy and highlight its contributions to academic discourse and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.
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