Special Talk on: Exploring the Deep History of the Indian Civilizationby Dr. Raj Vedam

A special talk on ‘Exploring the Deep History of the Indian Civilization’ was organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge systems in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Cultures on 29th October, 2024. The talk was attended by over 300 students, research scholars and faculty of the university. The session began by Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy, Director for the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems introducing the guest. Dr. Vedam brought into perspective, the idea that what is being learnt and taught even today in terms of Indian History is still a largely colonial idea of the land. He presented the idea that, except the linguistic model of tracing back Indian history, multiple disciplines and approaches of research can take back the existence and flourishing of the Indian civilisations by over 10,000 years. Dr. Vedam took the perspectives from various disciplines such as archaeology, genetics, agriculture, astronomy, trade records and others to show how history in India is much deeper than is commonly understood. He also challenges the Aryan migration theory through multiple sources including genetics. The lecture concluded with a question-answer session wherein the students received further clarity on the subject. In the end Dr. Banavathy presented Dr. Vedam with a token of appreciation on behalf of the centre and the University.