The Nagas, like most of the other native tribes had the serpent as their totem. They also used to worship the serpent and considered them to be their protective deity. They also used to wear artificial hoods of cobra on their heads at certain occasions. The tradition of Naga worship of totem was in prevalence in Babylonia, Assyria, Palestine and Iran from ancient times and it was brought to India along with migration of Sumerians and Assyrians and Dravidian race. There are enormous evidences of seals and seal impressions found from
Indus towns to show that Indus Valley people also used to worship this serpent deity. In Rigvedic account, there is a mention of Nagas or Ahi (serpent) race, Naga warriors or Naga kings; among them, Ahivritra is prominent, who was sworn enemy of Indra, the Aryan god and militant leader. In Atharva-Veda there are some hymns, which describe serpents named Iligi and Viligi. According to B.S. Upadhyaya, these were names of father and son in the genealogical table of Assyrian kings. This proves that serpent (Naga) race and its tradition of serpent worship came from Western Asia. On the basis of findings of pottery type from Ahar and its proto-type from contemporary sites in Anatolia, Assyria and Iran, Dr. Sankalia has reached a conclusion that new immigrants came from the above mentioned region. Archaeological evidences were recovered from the excavation of Prabhasa, a site of B&R Ware culture in Kathiavar. It has been proved by scholars that users of this pottery were Yadavas of Mahabharata fame. These Yadavas were original inhabitants of Western Asia and Continued on back-flap.
Continued from front-flap Iran. Racially, they were round-headed Alpine or a blend of Alpine or Dravidian race. These people, according to Rigveda, were non-Sanskrit speaking non-Aryans whose mother tongue was Souraseni, which has been described as Mlechchha language in Purans. They are also called Dasas in Rigveda. Krishna, the black hero of Yadavas. in addition of his being an incarnation of Vishnu was also a son of Vasudeva and great grand son of Aryaka who was a Naga chief in origin. Baldeva or Baldous the elder brother of Krishna is said to bö reincarnation of SeshaNaga, hence he was always under the protection of many hoods of cobra. At his death, his soul- came out of his mouth in the form of a large cobra. They developed a guild based industry and trade system and at one stage, their every village was turned into an industrial state. The base of their military system was nation-in-arms which made them the most powerful and invincible people of the ancient age. Republican system was base of their ruling system, which is said to be behind modern development of Europeans. In short, these people were wealthy workers and warriors who believed in equality and brotherhood and knew no caste. They were followers of Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, their sword was not for violence but for maintaining peace. They were architect of urbanization of ancient India second time after the fall of Indus cities and their ultimate achievement was the “Golden Age” of Indian history. Thus, the Naga culture was of great produce which made them great. On the other hand, Aryan culture was non- productive which became the main cause of downfall of the nation at later stage.
PREFACE
Before I begin to write a preface to the second volume of multi-vol- umed ‘Research-Project’, I wish to quote a most interesting, legendary event as cited by learned British scholar J. P. H. Vogel in his famous work titled “Indian Serpent Lore’-“King Nagpal, when ruling chief of Kashmir, betook himself to Delhi, in the days of Akbar, the great Mughal. There, as a result of a quarrel arosen at the well in between the water carriers of king Nagpal and Akbar, he was summoned in the royal court, to explain why his servant had humiliated the royal Maski and thrown him in to the well. King defended his servant’s behaviour by saying that, the water, he wanted, was intended for the worship of Basuki Nag and that it would have been polluted if the royal Maski had been allowed to draw first.’…….. Emperor asked, who this Basuki Nag Was? And was he mightier than himself ? One next day when king appeared again before the emperor, a five headed snake, issued from his turban and threatened to ascend the throne. Then Akbar became very much afraid and promised him a boon if he would take the snake back. So the king did and obtained the privilege of the royal-drum (Naubat), which is still present and beaten in the temple of Basuki Nag at Bhadarvah.” In fact, according to a tradition, the king Nagpal of Kashmir, after whom the royal family took its name, was born from Basuki Nag and the princess of Kistavar, who had become widow six months after her marriage with prince Bisambar Pal. Although, the above legend does not seem to reveal realistic history, we can reasonably conclude from this event that Naga kings were existing and were in power in the age of emperor Akbar (1556-1605AD) But aforesaid event gives rise to many questions of immense interest such as; who were these Naga kings? where have now they and their prog- eny gone? Were they ethnically related to the Naga tribes of North-East of modern age? The present research work is an answer to any of such like questions. If we cast a glance at the historical scenario, we will be astonished to know that most of the Indian scholars are in a habit to see Central Asia as the centre of most of the human activities, giving rise to his progress and pros- perity in historic and prehistoric age. But, quite contrary, this has been the centre of producer of savage tribes like Aryans, Scythians, Kushanas, Huns, Mongols etc, who, destroyed most of their contemporary human civilizations of Eurasia, which were raised after thousand years of hard labour of mankind. But, quite inversally, Western Asia can be given the credit of being the cradle of the blooming of many great cultures, in a time, while other races
(ii) Nagas, the Ancient Rulers of India, their Origin & History the world were still in their early stage of civilization, as far ascredit of ten thousand years before present, goes to this land. Not only this, the tech producing first human civilization of the world at Catal Huyuk and Jericho, nique of potting, weaving2, producing copper and iron’, art of house-build- ing and writing system, (pictograph and phonetic both) republic system of rule, guild like system of trade and industry, great religions like Christianity and Muslim (Buddha and Jain religions also got inspiration from Meg reh gion of Sumer), which have been the basis of great push to the human progress and prosperity, also took their birth in Western Asia. Although, infilteration of human population from Western Asia to In- dia has been a general practice due to trade activities or any other reason, yet their three mass movements took place in the main: The first one (of Medi terranean people) in Neolithic Age, these were the people who founded Indus Valley civilization in the north-western region of India. Another wave of Mediterraneans and Alpines came through the passes of north-west, from the same region. They reached Indus Valley at about 2000 BC, the mature Harappan Age and added much to the culture of Indus Valley. Owing to capture of western Asia and overwhelming raids of Assyrians, another third migration took place through land and sea routes both in about 1000-800 BC. They brought with them Iron and the Megalithic Culture and Phonetic type of writing system. As a result of these three mass movements, the tradi- tion of serpent worship, cult of mother goddess, Megalithic system of dis- posal of dead bodies also reached India, which made their roots in Indian soil and later spread in every nook and corner and initiated a new shraman reli- gion based social, political and economic revolution during the post Mahabharat age, which was native and non-Vedic About one and a half century back, it was not possible for anyone to think of any sort of rich civilization or heritage among the ancient native non-Aryan population, but T. W. Rhys Davids, a British officer, was the first 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Bottero, Cassin and Vercoutter, “The Near East, The Early Civilization” PP 16-17 Hawkes Jacquetta, “The First Great Civilization” P-115 Hawkes Jacquetta P-113 (a) Buhler G., “Indian Paleography” PP 31-32 (b) Rapson E. J. C. HI IP-55 (a) Chapelkar M. Nalinee, “Ancient India and Iran” P-33 (b) Fergusson James, “Tree and Serpent Worship” P-78 Swell and Guha, “Memoirs Anthropological Survey of India No. 35” (1932) PP 56-81 Wheeler R. E. M. “A I” Vol III (1947) BASI PP 83-85 MB Adi Parva-67 F
(iii) scholar, who, in the middle of nineteenth century, after an in depth study of Buddhist Pali literature, concluded and unveiled the secret that in ancient time the native republicans were most civilized. What was the reason of putting the facts behind the curtain is expressed by Rhy Davids T. W. He, passed a remark to this effect in the introductory part of his most valuable venture titled “Buddhist India” which, being most important, is being re- produced below in full- “It is significant that this important factor in the social condition of India in the sixth and seventh century B. C. has remained hitherto un-noticed by scholars either in Europe or in India. They have relied for their information about the Indian peoples too exclusively on the Brah- min books. And these partly because of the natural antipathy felt by the priests towards the free republics.” Thus the republic or Sangha system was a creation of non-Aryan non- Vedic native peoples, which was basis of their economic, political and reli- gious life. James Fergusson was the first scholar, who wrote an important book on the origin of Naga-worship and Naga people titled “Tree and Serpent Worship” which was published in 1868 A. D. Fergusson has put in a very hard labour in writing this book. He has collected most valuable, yet un- noticed information, from myths, hearsays, inscriptions, ancient art and literary records of very high value, archaeological rare findings from different Eurasian countries, for compilation of his valuable venture. Humankind will remain indebted to him for this imparallel contribution to his knowledge. He scientifically examined human figures, formed, in the statues and bas-reliefs of Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and Amaravati and expressed his opinion on the ethnical identity of people represented in them and concluded that people, bearing cobra-hoods on their heads, are alike Meenas, Gonds of central Province and some of them resembled those sculptures, found by him at Taki-Bahai North of Peshawar or of present Pakhtoons. It means, according to Fergusson, they were native Dravidians and Alpine type or their blended race. Further ahead, J. P. H. Vogel, compiled his book on this subject titled “Indian Serpent lore” in about 1901, which throws light on the distribution of serpent worship and worshippers in India. He has given detailed informa- tion of Naga temples and shrines and hearsays, myths attached to each one of them, where, periodically, fairs are held even in modern age. Later on, Colonel Oldham, a medical officer of British Army, took this task in his hand and wrote a famous book titled “The Sun and the Serpent”, adding fresh knowledge on the origin of Naga race & Naga worship and revealed that, origin of serpent worship took place in Western Asia, which was later transferred to Indian soil by the Dravidian people, alongwith their migration, thus disclosing the secret that Dravidians were also racially Naga people. 1. 2. 3. Davids Rhys T. W. “Buddhist India” P-1 Fergusson James PP 224-25 Fergusson James P-122
iv) Nagas, the Ancient Rulers of India, their Origin & History Prof D. R. Bhandarkar, of Calcutta University and a renowned scholar of early twentieth century, has contributed one of his important works to the knowledge of humankind titled “Lecture on the Ancient History of India” in 1919 AD and opening the secret, of origin of Sangha or republican system in Ancient India. Although, Sangha or republican system was originally in troduced by native people, but on account of his feeling of antipathy against them, he could not do justice to them. As far as, he has tried to prove origin of some of the well known Naga royal families of South like Chera, Chola and Pandya from Aryan race. This is the secret of his higher scholarship and fame. In 1933 AD, renowned and one of the most sincere scholars K. P. Jayaswal, broughtout one of his famous unique work titled “History of India” which is the first of its kind and provides real historical account of different Naga dynasties viz Nagas of Vidisa, Bharsivas of Padmavati and Kantipuri, Yadavas of Mathura, Vakatakas of Purika and Ikshwakus of Sriparavata etc. He has made use of Puranic accounts, inscriptions, coins and other archaeological evidences of historical importance to establish his theories and facts of history. But he also could not do justice to the Vakatakas owing to his inherent feelings of antipathy and has tried to prove them (Aryan) Brahman. But on the basis of solid evidences I have disproved his theory on chapter XII of this book. After a very long gap of period Prof V. V. Mirashi of Nagpur University compiled his work on the origin of Vakataka royal family in 1964 titled “Vakataka Rajbansha Ka Itihas Tatha Shila-lekh” His work is also highly commendable but he also has followed the foot-steps of Jayaswal and taken a stand that Vakatakas were Brahman (Aryan). But I have proved that they were of Naga origin follower of institution of Rajrishi or God kind or non- Aryan priest or Brahman. In fact Brahmanical historians are committed to ignore or minimise the role of Native Indians in making the Indian history, that is why they are inclined to distort historical fact deliberately, where fact goes against their proud or proud system (Varna) or political motive in modern age. For achiev- ing their goal, they have been using every possible tact. If the native kings were most important and it was not possible to wipe them out from the pages of history, then their origin was made controversial or shown from some demigod like sun, moon, serpent and Vayu etc. Similar was the attitude of native non-Aryan kings, either they refrained to expose their origin or caste likewise Guptas, Satavahanas or they claimed their origin from Aryan race, although, there was not even a single drop of Aryan blood in their veins.’ In modern age the situation has become more pitiable. The modern scholar, either try to make the origin of native kings controversial or does not touch their history at all. Exactly this has happened to the history of Naga race. Although thousands of books are being written every year yet not a single on Naga History. In fact, after K. P. Jayaswal, no scholar has come forward to work on their history, that is why, I have been pressed to pickup my pen to work on this subject.
(v) In modern age, however, on getting inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar’s book titled “The untouchables”, H. L. Kosare of Nagpur has brought out at unique book under title, “Prachin Bharatatil Nag” in Marathi-language, which was published in 1989. While his work was still in progress, he came in my contact and became active member of Indian National Historical Re- search Council. Although his work is a landmark on the history of Nagas, yet the field of his work remained confined to the Maharashtra state only. While propounding the theory of origin of Nagas, he has followed in the foot-steps of Dr. Ambedkar viz from the Aryan Kshatriyas, which is an outdated theory in modern age. On the other hand, he remained in confusion about their ethnical identity. But the historical data collected and reproduced to explain the complicacy of origin and history of natives, is in fact a great endeavour which has helped me a great deal in compiling this research work, in the absence of which, it would not have been possible for me to create such an authentic piece of work, as it is now in our hand. In conducting this research work, Dr Pradeep Kumar Meshram, Prof and Reader, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Nagpur, has been kind enough to forward his all sort of help and co-opera- tion without which, perhaps, it would have not been possible for me to complete this work. Dr. Meshram from the very beginning, remained at- tached to the Indian National Historical Research Council, and provided research paper and books related to the subject, of immense value and help, from his own resources, as far as, he provided me a copy of Hindi translation of research work of Sh. H.L. Kosare, which became a basic help to complete this work. I am sure, if Dr Meshram had not come forward with his helping hands and co-operation, it would have not been possible for me to give this shape to this research work. I am gratefully indebted to Dr. Meshram as well as to late Shri H. L. Kosare. Prof R. D. Tiwari of D. A. V. College Jalandhar, Prof Iqbal Singh, Head of the Deptt of English at Lyallpur University Amritsar, have been kind enough to read my script and improve its language. Simi- larly, Dr. L. R. Parwana, Chairman, Indian National Historical Research coun- cil, S. Rajendra Singh former DySecretary ministry of Communication govt of India, Major J. S. Rishi advocate Jalandhar, D. S. Jassal Senior vice Presi- dent Panjabi S. A. Ludhiana, Dr Darshan Singh Kaul D. M. F. C Lundhiana and Usha my wife have always been at forefront to guide, help, and inspire me to complete this tough and arduous job. Ashok kumar, my son helped me in preparing index of this work. I am indebted and thankful to all of them. Babu Parmanand Ji, His Excellency Governor of Haryana, has been taking keen interest in the research project of our council, while deeply understanding the importance of this work for the upliftment of indigenous.
He was kind enough to forward a grant for publication of this work. I am much thankful for this help, encouragement and act of kind ness. Dr. Naval Viyogi Indian National Historical Research Council, 518-Sit a Nagar Ludhiana (PB) 25-4-2002 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am sincerely thankful to the authors and publishers of the following works from which I have frequently quoted matter and put maps and figures in my humble venture : Ashthana Shashi, History and Archaeology of India’s contact with other countries, B. R. Publication (1976) Delhi; Banerjee N. R., Iron Age In India, (1965) New Delhi; Bhandarkar D. R., Lecture on the Ancient history of India, University of Calcutta (1919); Bhandarkar R. G., Early History of Deccan, Chakravorty Chaterjee and Co (1928) Calcutta; Bottero, Cassin and Vercoutter, The near East; The Early Civilization, Weiden field and Nicolson (1967) London; Chanda. R. P., The Indo-Aryan Races, Indian Studies, Past & Present (1969) Calcutta; Chapelkar M. Nalinee, Ancient India and Iran, Ajanta Publication (1982) Delhi; Chopra P. N. and others, History of South India “Vol-I S. Chand and Co. (1979) Delhi; Cunningham A., Ancient Geography of India, Indological Book House (1932) Varanasi; Davids Rhys T. W., Buddhist India, Sushil Gupta Calcutta; Deo S. B. Mahurjhari Excavation, Nagpur, Dixon B. Roland, The Racial History of man, Swat Publication (1989) Delhi; Fergusson James, Tree and Serpent Worship, Indological Book House Delhi; Gokhle B. G. Buddhism in Maharashtra, Popular Prakashan (1971) Bombay; Gopalachari K., Early History of the Andhra Country, Madras University Historical series No. 16 Madras’; Grierson G. A. Linguistic Survey of India, Vishveshwaranand Institute (1973) Hoshiarpur, Gupta S. P., disposal of the Dead and Physical type in Ancient India, Orient Publication (1972) Delhi; Gurdon PRT, The Khasi, Low Price Publication (1990) Delhi; Gustab oppert, The Original Inhabitant of India, Oriental Publication (1972) Delhi; Hawkes Jacquetta, The First Great Civilization, Hutchinson (1973) London; Hodson T. C., The Naga Tribes of Manipur, Low price Publication (1990) Delhi, Jayaswal K. P., Hindu Polity, Butterworth and co- India Ltd (1924); Jayaswal K. P., History of India, Moti Lal Banarsi Dass (1932) Lahore; Kosare H.L.; Prachin Bharatatil Nag, Gian Pradip Prakashan (1989) Nagpur; law B. C., Some Kshatriya tribes of Ancient India, Bhartiya Publishing house (1975) Varanasi; Madan Mohan Singh, Puratattva ki Ruprekha, Janaki Prakashan Patna; Mahajan V. D., Ancient India, (1981) Delhi; Mirashi V. V., Vakataka Rajbansh Ka Itihas tatha Silalekh, Tara Publication (1964) Varanasi; Mishra S. N. Ancient Indian Republics, (1975) Delhi; Pandeya Chandrabhan, Andhra Satavahan
(vii) Samrajya ka Itihas, National Publishing house (1961) Delhi; Rao K. P.. Deccan Megaliths, Sandeep Prakashan Delhi; Robert Briefoult, The Mothers, George Allan and Union London; Sastri Nilkant K. A., Age of Nanda and Maurya, Motilal Banarsidass (1967) Delhi; Saxena K. S., Political History of Kashmir, (1974) Lucknow; Tod James, Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Low Price publications (1995) Delhi, Vaidya C. V., History of Mediaeval Hindu India, The Oriental Book Supply Agency (1920) Poona; Vogel JPH. Indian Serpent Lore, Indological Book House (1972) Delhi; Roman Ghirshman, Persia from the Origin to Alexander the Great, Thomson and Hudson France; Sastri K. N. Newlight on the indus civilization Vol I Delhi; Wheeler M., The Indus civilization III Cambridge University press, I feel highly indebted to all the authorities on the subject mentioned above upon whom I have heavily drawn. I shall fail in my duty if I donot place on record my gratitude to them. Ludhiana Dr. Naval Viyogi 25 April 2002
