Conjectures
after the Harappa Excavations:
Whatever might be the merits and
demerits of this Aryan invasion theory, it was accepted by a large
number of scholars by the end of the 19th century. Next came the
excavations at Mohenjodaro and Harappa (1922 AD). The well developed
urban civilization was dated as belonging to some period between
3000 BC to 2500 BC. Because of the proximity of the Indus river, it
was named Indus or Sindhu civilization. The date of this
civilization went prior to that of Aryan invasion date i.e., 1500 BC
and hence it was regarded to be different from the Aryan
civilization. Thus, the presently taught chronology of ancient
Indian history began from Indus civilization 2500 BC Then came the
Aryan invasion in 1500 BC, the Vedas in 1200 BC, the Nirvana of the
Buddha in 433 BC and the coronation of Chandragupta Maurya in c. 320
BC These are the main props on which the present ancient Indian
chronology stands.
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