ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTOANCIENT INDIAN CIVILIZATIONS BEFORE ARYANS

सार

India’s pre-Aryan past represents one of the most fascinating yet underexplored chapters in human history. Long before the advent of the Indo-Aryans and the Vedic age, the Indian subcontinent was home to a
diverse range of cultures, communities, and technologies that evolved independently over thousands of years.
Through archaeology, we now have a clearer picture of these early civilizations, whose contributions have often been overlooked in conventional historical narratives. This paper investigates a series of key archaeological sites—such as Bhimbetka, Mehrgarh, Bhirrana, Keeladi, and Dihar—to understand the depth and diversity of pre-Aryan India. The evidence from these sites reveals significant advancements in agriculture, urban planning, pottery, metallurgy, trade, and spiritual life, indicating the existence of well-organized societies with their own cultural identities and developmental trajectories.
Findings such as the Neolithic tools of Dihar, the sophisticated city layouts of Keeladi, and the ritual practices suggested by Junapani’s megalithic burials collectively highlight a highly complex and multi-layered pre-Aryan past. These discoveries not only push back the timeline of Indian civilization but also challenge the long-standing assumption that the development of Indian culture began with the Aryans. By grounding our understanding in material evidence rather than textual tradition alone, this study advocates for a revised and inclusive view of early Indian history—one that acknowledges the contributions of these early, indigenous cultures in shaping the subcontinent’s rich and diverse heritage. The paper underscores the urgent need for continued archaeological research to further unravel the origins of Indian civilization. This paper explores key Archaeological sites and findings that shed light on India’s ancient history,
challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the complexity of its early civilizations