A Myth or a Lost River? River Saraswati

 Ishika Maity

For thousands of years historians, archaeologists, and mythologists have been captivated by the intriguing mystery of the river Saraswati. The Saraswati, a river that is revered in Hinduism and is mentioned extensively in ancient literature, is a subject of contention. Some people consider it to be a myth, while others think it was once a magnificent river that has been lost to the passage of time. This article explores the historical significance of the river Saraswati, how it is portrayed in ancient scriptures, and the continuous efforts to unearth its past to shed light on its mysteries.

                          

The Mythological Saraswati

In Hindu mythology, the river Saraswati is not merely a body of water but also a goddess, one of the holy trinities, together with the Yamuna and the Ganges (Ganga). The goddess Saraswati is hugely associated with rivers in Indian culture. She is considered the goddess of wisdom, music, and art. One of the world's earliest religious books, the Rigveda, describes the Saraswati River as a sacred and potent force. "A mighty flood, a divine river, a great and nourishing goddess," is how the Rigveda characterises Saraswati. It depicts a clear image of a river tumbling through a verdant setting, full of water. Nevertheless, there is no sign of the once-powerful Saraswati on the modern map of India.

Ancient Texts and Historical Accounts

The Saraswati River is mentioned multiple times in historical accounts, despite the difficulties caused by the shifting topography. The river is described in great detail in ancient Indian writings including the Mahabharata and the Vedas. In addition to mentioning the Saraswati, these works of literature link it to the great ancient civilizations and empires. The brilliance of the Saraswati River is described in the epic poem Mahabharata, which is among the most significant works in Hindu mythology. The river is supposed to have once run through Kurukshetra, the location of the famous conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Though some contend that these narratives are merely legendary and symbolic, these references are frequently used as proof of the river's existence.

Geological and Archaeological Evidence

Further evidence for the existence of the Saraswati River comes from geological and archaeological research. In northwest India, mostly in the states of Rajasthan and Haryana, old riverbeds that match the descriptions in the ancient scriptures have been found. These so-called paleo-channels imply the existence of a river that was once in motion. Finding the remnants of the Saraswati River has been largely made possible by satellite photography and remote sensing technology. These techniques have helped scientists and archaeologists pinpoint possible locations and areas where the river may have formerly flowed. The argument over whether the Saraswati was a historical figure, or a myth has been rekindled in light of these discoveries.

Hydrological Studies

The investigation of the Saraswati River is still underway, although hydrological studies have given it more depth. Scientists have analysed the ancient riverbeds using cutting-edge techniques to determine whether the area could have sustained a sizable river. These investigations imply that the geological features of the area were conducive to the existence of a river, as mentioned in the Rigveda. Interestingly, studies have also shown that the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers may have been tributaries of the Saraswati, influencing its course. This supports the existence of the Saraswati even more since it has been found in the old literature.

Scientific Investigations

Scientific studies have clarified the mystery surrounding the Saraswati River in recent decades. To ascertain the existence of the river, geologists, hydrologists, and archaeologists have conducted an extensive amount of research. They have made great progress in comprehending the Saraswati by combining satellite photos, geological investigations, and archaeological discoveries. The discovery of the Ghaggar-Hakra river system is one of the major arguments in favour of the existence of the Saraswati. This system is thought to be a relic of the old Saraswati River and is found in northwest India and some portions of Pakistan. The Ghaggar-Hakra, which dried up a lot of millennia ago, matches some of the descriptions in old writings and has the imprints of a once-vibrant river system.

Researchers have discovered archaeological sites along the banks of the Ghaggar-Hakra that indicate a thriving civilization in addition to geological data. The Saraswati River is said to have had a significant role in the development of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest urban societies in history. The Ghaggar-Hakra river's existence is further supported by the discovery of other Indus Valley settlements along its course.

The Debate of Saraswati’s Origin

The precise origin of the Saraswati River is a major source of controversy in the argument. Some believe it came from the Himalayas, but others say it was more of a seasonal river that drew water from the Himalayan foothill glaciers and the monsoon rains. The size, length, and importance of the river are interpreted differently as a result of these various hypotheses. According to the seasonal river theory, the Saraswati was a network of streams and rivulets that flowed during the monsoon season rather than a permanent river. Supporters of this hypothesis contend that by supplying irrigation water and fostering agriculture, the Saraswati was essential to the survival of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Connection to the Indus Valley Civilization

One of the oldest urban civilizations in history, the Indus Valley Civilization, owes much to the Saraswati River. This civilization's largest cities, including Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, are concentrated in what is thought to be the Saraswati Basin. The Saraswati River gains additional historical significance due to the existence of these ancient cities close by. Research and discussion surround the issue of whether the Saraswati River was still flowing during the Indus Valley Civilization's heyday or if it had already begun to dry up. According to some scholars, the Indus Valley Civilization may have flourished during a time of decreased river flow, while others contend that the Saraswati's decline aided in the civilization's downfall.

Climate Change and River Mitigation

Climate change is thought to be one of the main causes of Saraswati's departure from the landscape. Over the millennia, the Indian subcontinent has undergone substantial climatic change, which has affected the monsoon patterns and, in turn, the flow of rivers. The Saraswati River and other rivers in the area started to decrease as the weather grew drier and the monsoon rains became less dependable. People moved to locations with more dependable water supplies as a result of the river drying up and the water flow decreasing. It is believed that this process played a role in the Indus Valley Civilization's downfall.

Dating the Disappearance

The next thing that comes up is the question of when and why the Saraswati River vanished. Its demise has been explained by several theories, including tectonic action and climate change. The shift of monsoons towards the east is thought to have resulted in a decrease in rainfall in the Saraswati region circa 2000 BCE. One further reason thought to have hindered the Saraswati River's flow is tectonic activity, specifically the rising of the Aravalli Range. Some people think that a mix of these natural causes is what caused the river to dry up.

The Search for Subterranean Saraswati

The idea of a subterranean Saraswati is among the more intriguing and new speculations. A few hydrologists and geologists have suggested that the Saraswati River may have run underground in some places, hidden beneath the desert. Their argument is predicated on the existence of subterranean water routes and aquifers inside the area. Preliminary findings from exploration and drilling carried out in several sections of Rajasthan and Haryana suggest the existence of subterranean water sources that could be connected to the Saraswati's route. The search for the Saraswati has been revitalised by this concept, which opens up new study directions.

Supporting Evidence

·  Geological Surveys: According to geological investigations conducted in the area, there is a paleochannel, the remains of a dried-up riverbed that closely resembles the descriptions of the river Saraswati found in historical writings.

·     Satellite Imagery: Under the Ghaggar-Hakra empty riverbed, satellite imagery has shown the presence of a large network of river systems, suggesting the river's previous magnificence.

·      Archaeological Sites: Numerous archaeological sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, are located along the Ghaggar-Hakra riverbed, indicating a close relationship between the river Saraswati and the Indus Valley Civilization.

·  Hydrological Studies: According to hydrological studies, the area was once again conducive to agriculture and human settlements, most likely because of a more extensive and dependable river system.

Conclusion

Scholars, archaeologists, and fans are still fascinated by the question of whether the Saraswati River is a myth or a lost river. The Saraswati is a representation of India's rich spiritual and cultural history and is more than just a river. The Saraswati River may not be a myth after all, according to the historical, archaeological, and geological evidence that supports its existence. This is further supported by the current study and the Saraswati Revival Project.

The complete tale of the Saraswati is still unknown, but its discovery has advanced knowledge of India's lengthy past and the close ties that exist between hydrology, archaeology, and myth. The exact nature of the Saraswati, whether it was a potent river lost to time or a revered story that has persisted for millennia, may one day be revealed if research and investigations continue.

*Student, Semester V