Evolution of Life: A Review on Lord Vishnu's Dashavatar and Darwin's Theory
Riddhima Saha
Prelude:
For centuries
humankind has been fascinated by the idea of evolution, be it through science,
or through religion. This review focuses on a comparison between Charles
Darwin’s ‘theory of evolution’ and the Dashavatar, the ten incarnations of Lord
Vishnu in Hindu mythology. The primary purpose of this paper is not merely to
depict ideas but to offer a fresh and innovative approach by integrating
historical, philosophical, and scientific dimensions to reveal deeper
connections and unique insights. This kind of synthesis is rare as it focuses
on explaining how the major evolutionary stages stated by the British scientist
correspond with those of the Lord Vishnu’s ten manifestations. The previous writers
tell us how these two different perspectives find purpose in life’s
complexities regardless of the reliability of facts. Here comes the
differentiating factor of this review as it emphasizes on the comparative
analysis by providing new interpretations. Bridging the gap between ancient
wisdom and modern science, this paper offers readers a fresh lens to reimagine
the evolution of life, sparking curiosity and better understanding of
humanity’s shared narratives.
Introduction
Around 3.7
billion years ago, Earth witnessed the emergence of life. Simple organic
molecules gave birth to primitive cells. The early forms of life, under the
influence of natural forces for billions of years, shaped the vast array of diverse
species we see today. Science paves this journey of evolution, marked by
adaptation and survival, which has led to over 8.7 million known species on the
planet. Life evolved from aquatic beginnings to amphibians moving onto land,
reptiles living in ancient landscapes, mammals rising to prominence, and
ultimately, the emergence of humans. From the dawn of creation to the onset of
modernity, species have changed from single-celled organisms to the complexity
of multicellular life. Thus the ‘evolution of life’ is a tale of transformation
and resilience.
In this
context, age-old Indian scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas, which serve as the
foundation of Hindu religion, have narrated the origin of life with intricate
details. Indian mythology symbolised the evolution of life through Lord
Vishnu’s 10 incarnations (‘DASĀVATĀRA’). From the aquatic form of Matsya to the
crawling amphibian Kurma, the birth of the first mammal Varaha to the civilised
human Rama, these incarnations interestingly match with the stages of life as
categorised by modern science. The very essence of life’s progression stated in
the ancient texts, written thousands of years ago with narratives rich with
symbolism and illustrations of incarnations, completely aligning with the
evolutionary milestones predate some modern-day scientific findings and biological
theories.
Fast forward
to 1859, when Charles Darwin, an English biologist published his book ‘The
Origin of Species’ revolutionising the scientific world with the concept of
natural selection and the gradual evolution of life forms. His groundbreaking
observations of species' adaptations illuminated a natural progression from
simpler to more complex organisms. He also claimed that life on Earth started
in the primordial oceans. The sequence of different life forms as mentioned by
Darwin are strikingly mirroring the stages of Dashavatara. This prompts a question
of concern that is this affinity of ancient mythology and modern science purely
coincidental or not.
Delving
deeper into the co-relation between the two narratives, one centred around
mythology and other in science, will unfold a faceoff between symbolism and
observation. This review paper seeks the intriguing parallels between Lord
Vishnu’s Dashavatara and Darwin’s theory of evolution. Many compelling
questions such as have the Indians simply guessed what Western civilization was
to resolve three or four centuries later? Was Darwin unknowingly echoing the
philosophical depths of Hindu mythology or was modern science, in its quest for
truth, retracing the steps laid out by the ancients? Are these parallels merely
coincidental, or do they reveal a timeless, universal understanding of life’s
journey?
Methods
Review
Koonin et al. (2009) explained that the "Tree of Life" evolving into a "network or forest" of life resonates with the cyclical and interconnected narratives in the Dashavatar and challenges to the linearity of Darwin's theory align with the philosophical flexibility seen in mythological interpretations.
Relevance: This paper explores the theory of evolution through the eye of modern genomic research, which is very molecular-biology-based but its reinterpretation of Darwin's principles offers a strong scientific framework for this comparative analysis.
Casadesus
et al. (2013) discussed the philosophical basis of evolutionary theory, with
emphasis on epistemological genesis and development. The paper points out that
evolutionary theory, like all scientific theories, is influenced by underlying
philosophical ideas that determine its formulation and acceptance. Evolution
has always been a subject of controversy and interpretation, leading to various
contributions and critiques from other fields.
Relevance: This view is relevant to the comparative study of
Darwin's theory and Dashavatar of Vishnu since both the narratives include a
description of evolution from ground realities.
Ivanova
et al. (2017) stated that although both figures in eschatological descriptions
demonstrate differences and similarities between them, yet the image of Kalki
was still later created, but not unconditioned by the inclusive strategies of
the Vishnu tradition. Such analysis at the meeting point of Indian mythology
with the Theory of Evolution does show really exciting parallels concerning the
cyclical nature of life and evolution, on the eschatological plane of Hindu and
Buddhist traditions.
Relevance: All these
insights give valuable connecting links between mythological narrative and
evolutionary theory, both Kalki and Maitreya reflecting a larger cosmic cycle
similar to the processes of life evolution and renewal.
Do
Thu Ha et al. (2020) in their document dealt with the cycle of life and rebirth
according to Indian philosophy. Dashavatar of Vishnu indicates a progressive
evolution of human stages from aquatic life, that is, Matsya to amphibian,
Kurma to terrestrial animal, Varaha, half-human Narasimha, and to human avatars
like Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, and Buddha. Each one of these
evolutionary stages points toward biological evolution as described by Darwin.
The focus was to move from simple forms to more complex forms.
Relevance: The
reincarnation concept suits Darwin's idea of survival, adaptation, and gradual
change over time.
Palai
et al. (2022) in their paper described the philosophical meaning of Dashavatar
and its importance in human evolution. Matsya and Kurma represent survival and
establishing a base, which is in line with the first aquatic and amphibian
stage of development. Varaha and Narasimha symbolize strength and survival
through adaptation as living beings deal with new situations. Vamana introduces
intellect and human reasoning, which is necessary to take the evolutionary
process further. The later avatars (Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki) are concerned
more with social order and spiritual development, which shows the achievement
of evolutionary objectives regarding consciousness and morality.
Relevance: The story
provides a metaphysical complement to Darwin's materialistic outlook where the
growth of physical evolution along with ethical evolution is intricately
intertwined.
Singh
(2024) explained each avatar
as signifying a phase in the process of
evolution, starting from aquatic life (Matsya) to human civilization
(Kalki). It gives evidence of Hindu scriptures, such as Vishnu
Purana, to establish the interpretation of Dashavatar as an
allegorical framework of evolution.
Relevance: This paper
directly discusses the analogies between
Darwin's theory of
evolution and Dashavatar, which is most relevant in the
review. It contrasts Darwin's successive steps with ten avatars of
Vishnu and has argued that these ten avatars
are symbolic of analogues between mythology and science.
Mandal
et al. (2024) provided a comparative analysis between the two narratives and
provided a foundational base for the review paper. It objectifies in proving
the direct relation between sequential order of Avatars and Darwin's
evolutionary stages. It further questions the exactness of the theories cannot
be a mere coincidence.
Relevance: This
paper strengthens the philosophical argument for the convergence of
ancient wisdom and modern scientific
inquiry. Comparing Darwin's ten stages sequentially to the
ten incarnations of Vishnu, there can be
a symbolic link found between mythology and science.
Duhan
(2024) emphasized the value of cultural narratives in understanding scientific
concepts, providing a foundation for exploring the Dashavatar as an intuitive
precursor to Darwin's ideas.
Relevance: Cosmological
narratives of the Vishnu Purana and their parallels in modern
scientific theories like Big Bang nucleosynthesis are discussed in this
paper. It points out to allegorical depth in ancient Indian
scriptures, such as an interpretation of cosmic
entities or the fundamental principles involved through
such representation. This, thus, provides
a basis in cosmology and lays down a
methodology to link up myth with science.
Chauhan
(2024) compared the principles with its application in management and growth of
society. The paper also finds feminism in the later avatars such as Krishna and
Buddha, wherein the importance of inclusivity and non-violence has become more
prominent. Evolutionary undertones are seen in the way each avatar is crafted
to rebalance and mould itself according to the needs of the environment, thus
ensuring survival and progress.
Relevance: This
extends the scope of Darwin's theory to societal evolution, which focuses on
how values such as inclusivity and adaptability play an important role in
survival.
Zang
(2024) discussed the role of mythology in the formation
of scientific thought highlights the possibility of
Dashavatar as an allegory for the process of life.
The themes of myths and natural
phenomena resonate with the interpretation of Dashavatar as a
precursor to the science of evolutionary biology.
Relevance: This
paper concentrates on how
mythological tales have shaped scientific
understanding in terms of nomenclatures and conceptual
frameworks. It provides a wide scope of the
influence of myth on science, focusing on the
cultural value of stories such as the Dashavatar.
Discussion
For a long
time, till around 1800, humans were confused regarding the origin of life. This
mystification was dominated by a theory, called the Creationism Theory. Creationism
is a religious belief in which it is believed that the whole universe is created
by a superior power. The people who believe in this theory were called
Creationists and they were found in all religions.
In 1859,
Darwin published his meticulous observations on the emergence and
transformation of life in ‘The Origin of Species’. The book gained profound
fame as he had proposed the revolutionary ideas of ‘Theory of Evolution’ and
‘Natural Selection’. To sum it up in one line, Darwin stated “All the species
in this world, they’ve all come from one common ancestor and we’ve evolved
according to our own natural conditions.” Because of this theory, Charles
Darwin is considered as the ‘Father of Modern Biology’.
Here comes
the importance of this review paper, as the concept of evolution is not only 165
years old. Our India filled with Ved-Puranas has discovered and identified the concept
of evolution, thousands of years back. Hindu mythology's Dashavatar, the
embodiment of Lord Vishnu, give an account of the stories of 10 incarnations in
which the divine preserves cosmic order and brings the universe back into
harmony.
“yadā yadā
hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛijāmyaham”
(Bhagvad
Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 7)
This shloka
literally means whenever there is a decline in righteousness and rise of
sinfulness, Lord Vishnu manifest himself on Earth. These writings refer to the
incarnations of Lord on land. Many written scriptures and folklores are witness
to the divine order, from Matsya, first incarnation in the beginning of Satya
Yuga to ninth incarnation Kalki, yet to come in the end of Kaliyuga. The
uncanny resemblance of the two ideas is given.
Stage One:
Life started in the water (Matsya Avatar)
According to
modern biology, the first vertebrate on the planet was a jawless fish. Darwin also
claimed that first species which came into existence were prehistoric fishes
and he also believed that water is the most essential ingredient in sustaining
life. Similar idea is found in the myths too. In the dawn of Satya Yuga, Lord
Vishnu took the form of a fish to save his devotee Manu from massive flood. In
both the idea it is prevalent that life originated in water.
Stage Two:
Life moved from water to land (Kurma Avatar)
Lord
Vishnu’s second incarnation is Kurma, which is a tortoise. According to
post-Vedic purana, this avatar is related to Samudra Manthan. On an
evolutionary stage, this incarnation fits after the aquatic animals. And,
according to Darwin, at this time, organisms were coming out of water to become
reptiles. Kurma, also came out of water, and is closely related to dinosaurs,
primitive form of reptiles. After aquatic vertebrates, the most important
evolution is of amphibians, which is rightly resembled by Kurma.
Stage Three:
Adapted to live on land (Varaha Avatar)
Shift from
water to land and birth of the first mammal which can walk properly was
witnessed in this stage. Surprisingly, in both the cases, the next evolutionary
stage is a wild boar. Varaha emerged to defeat Hiranyaksha, who abducted earth,
Goddess Bhumi and hid them in the depths of the cosmic ocean. Hiranyaksha had a
boon that no animal can kill him (except boar). This point emphasized more on
the emergence of boar as the first mammal.
Stage Four:
Transformation from Animal to Ape (Narasimha Avatar)
The next
stage is a transition between animals and apes. The idea of prehuman without
well-developed brain is seen in modern theory. To protect his devotee Prahlada,
Vishnu descended as an anthropomorphic incarnation, Narasimha, with the body of
a man and head and claws of a lion. The interesting fact in this context is
that the fourth incarnation Narasimha had head (brain) of a lion. This avatar
resembles someone who could be the missing link between monkeys and humans,
maybe our extinct ancestor.
Stage Five:
Transformation from Ape to Human (Vamana Avatar)
In the
evolutionary charts, oldest form of monkeys, from where the humans evolved
where short in height as compared to today’s human. Next in the Dashavatar
series, to humble, the mighty demon king Bali, Lord Vishnu manifest on the
earth as a dwarfed holy man. If the physical characteristics of Vamana are
compared it matches with Homo floresiensis. This incarnation denotes the
complete transformation from animals to humans, and the start of intelligence
in humans.
Stage Six:
Emergence of Forest Dwellers (Parshuram Avatar)
Short monkey
like species ended up to become primitive man. On the other hand, Lord Vishnu’s
sixth incarnation is Parshuram. He was known for his ‘axe’, anger and acting on
a whim. He lived in forest, used primitive weapons (like Stone Age tools) made
of stone and wood. This incarnation depicts ‘survival of the fittest’ from the
Theory of Evolution, as he killed all the males of Kshatriya clan to establish
superiority of Bramhan. It also resembles the tribal mentality of Early Stone
Age Man.
Till the
sixth incarnation, Homo Sapiens had fully developed and Darwin’s ‘Theory of
Evolution’ stopped at this point. But Indian sages had more to offer to this
world. The avatars from now don’t depict the physical evolution but the social
and psychological evolution of humans, represent the journey towards
enlightenment.
Incarnation
Seven: Lord Rama (Civilised Human)
By
mentioning Sri Rama and Ayodhya, a civilised society comes to our mind, where
relationships are prioritised and injustice is fought against. Maryada
Purushottam Rama, the perfect man who abides by the rules of society. Śāraṅga
(bow of Sri Rama) also depicts the weapon development phase too.
Incarnation
Eight: Lord Krishna (Multifaceted and Emotional Human)
Lord Krishna
took birth in the family of cowman. This depicts the transformation from food
hunter to food producer. The society which is mentioned in Mahabharata is a
politically well-versed one. He is described as a philosopher, diplomat and
guide who help us to find the right balance between love, hatred and passion.
Lord Krishna can be rightly considered as a practical man with right blend of
all emotions.
Incarnation
Nine: Gautam Buddha (Meditative Human)
According to
many scriptures of Vishnu Purana, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism is the
ninth incarnation. In many other writings, Vitobha or Jagannath is considered
too. Apart from the controversies, Gautam Buddha was a compassionate teacher
who preached about ‘ahimsa’. He enlightened the four noble truths through his
meditation. This resembles that, in modern society, awakening inner self is
important to find the path of peace.
Incarnation Ten: Kalki (Mystical
Man)
Humans have
witnessed evolution till now, but our ancestors have predicted another stage,
the emergence of Kalki. The final incarnation of Vishnu is Kalki. According to
scriptures, when the minds of all the humans will be filled with jealousy,
hatred, lust, Kalki will appear riding on his white horse with his lazer-like
sword will end the world, marking the end of Kali Yuga. And then he will turn
the Chakra of Kaal and start the universe of Satya Yuga.
Concluding Comments
The review traces the similarity between the two narratives and
highlights the life’s evolution
both scientifically and philosophically. Here comes the comparison, Darwin’s
theory was able to explain life till now, but Indian mythology has gone far
from that with the tenth incarnation, Kalki, who might be very technologically
advanced from us. The theory Darwin propounded 165 years ago was framed
thousand of years back by Indian sages. Indian scriptures like Ramayana and
Mahabharata consists of both scientific and spiritual aspects, which helps in
making our way of thinking better. The fusion of these views should be included
in academic frameworks, integrating both science and humanities. Though there
are many criticisms from both philosophers and scientists, but in the end, it
can be concluded that, Darwin focused on ‘how’ the evolution of life took
place, but Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar symbolises ‘why’ the evolution of life took
place.
References
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P. (2024). Big Bang nucleosynthesis in ancient texts: Insights from the
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A. (2017). Eschatological content of the images
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Riddhima Saha B.Sc. Geography Batch: 2021-2024
*B.Sc. Geography (2021-2024)
Women's Christian College
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