Dating of The Rigveda: Mitanni Evidences

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The Rigveda-

We know that the Rigveda is the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text. It is the world's oldest religious text in continuous use as some of its verses are being recited even today during certain Hindu rites such as marriage ceremony.

Vivaha sukta: Rigveda
Source: Wikipedia 

There are many philological (related to the study of language) and linguistic evidences that indicate the composition of the Rigveda in Punjab region of Indian subcontinent. 

Dating of the Rigveda-

  • The philological and linguistic evidences date the composition of the Rigveda in the latter half of second millennium BC.

  • According to Max Muller core of the Rigvedic texts was composed between 15th and 12th century BC at the period of late bronze age. 

  • Iron is not mentioned in the Rigveda, which definitely ages its composition before 12th century BC. 

  • According to Thomas Oberlies, it was composed between 17th and 11th century BC.

The Archaeological Evidences of the Rigveda-

No archaeological evidence of the Rigveda was found in India. Its archeological evidences were found in recent days area of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)- the region of Iraq and Syria. Yes, in the old golden days of later second millennium BC, this region was known as kingdom of Mitanni empire. The Mitanni civilization was spread in the region of present day northern Iraq, Syria and Turkey. Some archeological evidences such as correspondence between them with Assyria and Egypt, and world's oldest horse training manual provide sufficient information about its prosperity.

Mitanni civilization was present between 1500 to 1240 BC. They called themselves 'Mariannu' and worshipped Vedic deities as Mitra- Varun, Indra and Nasatya (Aswin). The capital of the Mitanni kingdom was Vassukanni and located at the bank of river Habus, a tributary of the Euphrates river. Those persons were famous horsemen and charioteer. Their language was Hurrian but the names of their kings were in Sanskrit language. They had developed the ability of writing in the cuneiform script.

The Mitanni Evidences-

  • The word 'Mitanni' was itself derived from Sanskrit word '-mith' which means 'to unite.'
  • The Mitanni warriors were called themselves 'Maria-nnu'. In Sanskrit 'Marya' means young warrior.

  • Treaty Document-

A treaty document dated  around 1380 BC was found, written in cuneiform script. This treaty was held between king Sattiwaza of Mitanni kingdom and Suppiluliuma of Hittite kingdom about some problems between them since 20th century BC. According to some linguistics the name Sattiwaza in Hurrian language was pronounced as Satya-vac of Sanskrit.

In this treaty, there is description of Vedic deities Mitra- Varun, Indra and Nasatya (Aswin). These gods are described in the tenth Mandal of the Rigveda in the same order.

अहं रुद्रेभिर्वसुभिश्चराम्यहमादित्यैरुतविश्वदेवैः |
अहं मित्रावरुणोभा बिभर्म्यहमिन्द्राग्नीहमश्विनोभा ||
Rigveda- 10: 125: 1.
I travel with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Ādityas and All-Gods I wander.
I hold aloft both Varuṇa and Mitra, Indra and Agni, and the Pair of Aśvins.

  • Kikkuli's Horse Training Manual-

The horse training manual was written in 1345 BC by a Mitanni horse trainer named Kikkuli. This manual has 1080 lines in four tablets. This manual was written in Hurrian language having many Vedic Sanskrit words as 'aika' (one), 'tera' (three), 'panza' (five), 'satta' (seven), 'na' (nine), 'asua' (ashva) etc.

Rigvedic chariot 
Source: Flickr

  • Yurgan Tepe- 


It is another document in which different Sanskrit words were used such as 'babru-' or 'pabru-unni' for brown color (in Sanskrit 'babhru' means brown), 'parita' for grey (in Sanskrit 'palita' means grey) and 'pinkara' for red color (in Sanskrit 'pingala' for red).


  • The Mitanni Kings-


The names of many Mitanni kings are mentioned in the tablets found from Bogazkoy and El-Amarna. The names of the kings are in Hurrian language and derived from Sanskrit words which are described below for example:-

  1. Artassumara- in Sanskrit it is 'Artasmara' which means 'who thinks of Rta.'
  2. Biridashva- in Sanskrit it is 'Pritasva' which means 'whose horse is dear'.
  3. Priamazda- in Sanskrit it is 'Priyamedha' which means 'whose wisdom is dear'.
  4. Citraratha- in Sanskrit it is 'Chitraratha' which means 'whose chariot is dear'.
  5. Indaruta- in Sanskrit it is 'Indrota' which means 'helped by Indra'.
  6. Subandu- in Sanskrit it is 'Subandhu' which means 'having good relatives'.
......to be continued

References:-

Comments

  1. Fair CremationApril 12, 2022 at 9:54 PM

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2022 at 9:22 AM

    Thank you for this piece.

    You suggested that "No archaeological evidence of the Rigveda was found in India". In that case, can you discuss different rigvedic rivers and their identification in Iran, Iraq or Syria.

    Most of the scholars identify them in northern part of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    ReplyDelete
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  4. muskanDecember 12, 2024 at 3:43 PM

    Historical Insight: "The connection between the Mitanni civilization and Vedic deities is fascinating! It shows how far Sanskrit culture spread during that time."
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  5. abhayDecember 12, 2024 at 3:51 PM

    Linguistic Evidence: "The derivation of Mitanni from 'mith' is so interesting! It highlights the importance of Sanskrit in ancient civilizations."
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  6. amanDecember 12, 2024 at 3:52 PM

    Archaeological Depth: "I didn’t know Rigvedic traces could be linked to regions like Iraq and Syria. Truly eye-opening!"
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  7. Techno worldsDecember 12, 2024 at 3:52 PM

    Dating Controversy: "The absence of iron in the Rigveda is a strong point for dating it before 1200 BC. Thanks for explaining this!"
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  8. Nishi8171December 12, 2024 at 3:53 PM

    Religious Continuity: "It’s amazing how verses from the Rigveda are still recited today in rituals like marriages. Such a rich cultural continuity."
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  9. getindustrialproductsDecember 12, 2024 at 3:53 PM

    Rigveda in Mitanni: "The mention of Mitra-Varuna, Indra, and Nasatya in the Mitanni treaty is strong evidence of cultural links."
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  10. onlinepromotionhouse22@gmail.comDecember 12, 2024 at 3:54 PM

    Bronze Age Context: "The late Bronze Age timeframe aligns perfectly with the Mitanni kingdom. This historical overlap is crucial!"
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  11. SHUBHAMDecember 12, 2024 at 3:54 PM

    Horse Training Manual: "The world’s oldest horse training manual found in Mitanni is another incredible fact tying them to Vedic traditions."
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  12. shivaniwebdesigningDecember 12, 2024 at 3:54 PM

    Sanskrit Influence: "The kings' names in Sanskrit really stand out. It’s a testament to the spread of Indian cultural roots."

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  13. prachiDecember 12, 2024 at 3:54 PM

    Vedic Deities: "Why do you think Mitanni kings specifically worshipped Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Nasatya? Was it a cultural adaptation?"
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