Aryans Revisited

by Ramendra Nath Nandi

This book on Rgvedic history underlines the need for considerable fresh thinking in Vedic research, rigorous stratification of textual materials, new methodology and discarding of notional ideas derived from a selective view of the data. The book dispels the myth that the Aryans destroyed Harappan cities, that they were unfamiliar with the high-seas and seafaring and that the term arya always signified a fair-complexioned people. Myths of a different kind resulting from barbic mix-up of unrelated informations also need careful shifting of date for delineation of historical or semi-historical episodes, related characters and geographical areas. Existing generalisations on polity also need questioning in view of valuable evidence bearing on territorial states and rituals legitimising territorial sovereign.

About the Author:

RAMENDRA NATH NANDI who is already known for his incisive work on Religious history of early India has to late been coming to grips with issues in Vedic history. In 1984, he presided over the Ancient India section of the Indian History Congress. At present, he is teaching history in the Patna University.