[ The Hindu ] Archaeologists, Sanskrit scholars tie up to decipher Rigveda text

The article titled “Archaeologists, Sanskrit scholars tie up to decipher Rigveda text” discusses a collaborative effort between archaeologists and Sanskrit scholars to decipher the text of the Rigveda. The goal of this research is to potentially establish a relationship between the Harappan civilization and the people of the Vedic age.

Key points from the article include:
– Archaeologist Vasant Shinde, former Vice Chancellor of Deccan College, Pune, is leading the research. His work is focused on testing the hypothesis that Harappans and Vedic people were the same.
– The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) recently added to the Class 12 History textbook, based on DNA evidence from the 4,600-year old remains of a woman, indicating that the Harappans were an indigenous people.
– The team found evidence of ritual platforms and fire altars at the site of Rakhigarhi, which is mentioned in Rigvedic texts.
– There is a debate about the period of origin of the Vedas. Some historians believe the Vedas originated between 1,500 BC and 2,000 BC, while others, including Mr. Shinde, believe that the Vedas date farther back to 2,500 BC — or 4,500 years ago.
– The Rigveda’s description of life along the Saraswati river co-relates to the archaeological evidence of Harappan settlements.

This research aims to provide a clearer understanding of the Rigveda text and how it can be co-related with archaeological evidence.

Source: Conversation with Copilot
Archaeologists, Sanskrit scholars tie up to decipher Rigveda text.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/archaeologists-sanskrit-scholars-join-hands-to-decipher-rigveda-text-seeking-evidence-that-harappans-and-vedic-people-were-the-same/article68240285.ece