DALIT

 During earlier colonial times it was thought that the Aryans 'civilised' India, but this has long since proved to be wrong. Indus Valley culture which started with village settlements some 8000 BCE flourished between 2300 to 1700 BCE over nearly a million square kilometers. Some of the achievements that belong to this civilisation are city planning, pictographic script, standardised weights and measures, seals, pottery, ornaments, cultic artwork, secular artwork, baths and drainage system and much more. Scholar now believe that there is even evidence of silk manufacture at Harappa.  Dalits can be justly proud of their forefather's and foremother's achievements.

Indus class system

This high degree of sophistication was only possible with a highly developed class system. Many different types of workmen must have existed at that time. This society clearly had its have and have nots. Astronomy was a specialised skill possibly monopolised by "priest king" rulers. Scholars have even postulated the existence of slavery.

It has been thought that although this civilisation has classes, large scale signs of class conflict were not found. Most scholars are of this opinion to this day. Extrapolating backwards, it was even suggested by no less than the scholar D D Kosambi that religion had such a powerful effect on the population that the never thought of rebelling. However we know that far from being peaceful, unchanging and stagnant, later Indian history had numerous conflicts many of which although were not full blown revolts were nevertheless subversive in nature.

Not only was Indus Valley Civilisation a class ridden society it has also been suggested that some of the later Brahminic priesthood also had its roots in the "priest king" rulers of Indus Valley civilisation.

Decline of the Indus cities

Current historical thinking points to a gradual ongoing deterioration of the Indus cities due to a number of diverse factors such as the changing river courses, flooding, tectonic movements etc. The only thing that can be said with any degree of certainty is that there were no Aryan hordes who destroyed the Indus Valley citadels and cities.

Having said the above, it is time for Dalits to rewire some aspects of Dalit history so as not to be left behind the 21st century thinking. Outdated thinking only helps anti-dalit forces.

Internet Resources:

1.UNESCO World Heritage Site video -Archaeological Ruins at Mohenjodaro.

2. Mohenjo-Daro Slide Show 

3. Slide Show from Harappa Com

4. The Indus Civilisation - Resources

5. The Indus Civilisation from Harappa.com

6. Harappa Com educational resources -  children's educational resource page.

7. Colouring book for children.

8. A selection of academic books on Indus Valley Civilisation.