Guest Opinion
“People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them’’ - James
Baldwin
Credits: PRINT-242
The Secrets of Sinauli is a historical docuseries, which recently released on 9 th February
on Discovery plus platform. Presented by the filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, directed by
Raghav Jairath and narrated by the versatile actor Manoj Bajpayee, the show depicts
what is believed to be the 'Discovery of the Century’, unravelling the mysteries behind
the excavations in the town of Sinauli.
Sinauli: A Path-Breaking Discovery
The series is about the archaeological site of Sinauli in Baghpat district, western Uttar
Pradesh. The excavations in Sinauli were conducted by Archaeological Survey of India
from 2005-2006, with the most recent excavations being done in 2018. The
documentary glorifies the discoveries made here during these excavations. The site at
Sinauli is believed to be the largest necropolis of the Chalcolithic period (2000BC to
700BC).The remains found here indicate that the site belongs to the Late Bronze Age
and was ascribed to the Harappan Civilisation (a Late Harappan Phase or Post
Harappan period) . One of the spectacular findings at Sinauli includes Ochre Coloured
Pottery Culture/Copper Hoard Culture, which was contemporaneous with the Late
Harappan Culture. The findings also indicate a contact with a pre Rigvedic wave of the
Indo Aryans coming to South Asia. This includes several wooden coffin burials, copper
swords and wooden carts with solid disk wheels protected by copper sheets.
Other Spectacular Discoveries
The artefacts discovered also include copper plated anthropomorphic figures having
horns and peepal leaf crowns engraved on the coffins which indicates a possibility of
‘royal burials’. For the first time in the history of the entire subcontinent, we have found
this type of coffin. The cover is highly decorated with eight anthropomorphic figures. The
sides of these coffins are also decorated with eight floral motifs. While coffins have been
discovered in the past during excavations at Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Dholavira;
never did they contain such elaborate copper decorations. All the burials excavated at Sinauli are surrounded by pottery around their body, big pots near their legs and small
bowls close to their head, indicating that the dead were laid down in the northwest
direction. The discovery of three pre-Iron Age chariots, also found at the site, poses a
challenge to the Aryan Invasion theory. The swords unearthed at Sinauli have copper
covered hilts and medial ridges making them strong and sturdy which suggests its use
in warfare. The chariots discovered have two wheels and these wheels are solid in
nature without any spokes.
Mythological Aspect of Sinauli
Many locals believe that Sinauli is one of the five villages that Lord Krishna
unsuccessfully negotiated with the Kauravas to avoid the epic war of Kurukshetra. The
Mahabharata carries many references of horse riding chariots, similar to those found at
Sinauli. In fact, a popular image of Lord Krishna is of him revealing the essence of the
Bhagwat Gita to the Pandava prince Arjuna, while sitting in his war chariot. However
this remains just a speculation as the excavator Dr. Manjul refuses this mythical story as
there is not any valid scientific evidence for it.
Excavations at Sinauli Raises Mysterious Questions than Answers
Were the swords found in the burials an indicator of warfare and violence or are they
simply a grave good? Who were the people connected with those swords and chariots?
Were the chariots run by bulls or by horses? If horses, then why due importance is
given to the Indo-Aryans invasion theory? Did this ‘royal burial’ indicate the presence of
a stratified society and to whom does this royal burial belong to? We don't know these
answers for certain but as the versatile actor Manoj Bajpayee says in the documentary
“This discovery will be an eye opener in many ways.’’ He further says that the “History
often gets interpreted in different ways through time. Hence important discoveries helps
us to understand a lot about our culture and our past”
Conclusion
Discovery of Sinauli is a blend of history, science, technology and mythology. India is a
country known for its rich culture and varied heritage. The recent discovery explores
and unearths new facts of our history in a more simple and precise form. Discovery of
Sinauli is indeed a turning point in our history as it unravels several aspects which are to
be kept in mind while interpreting ancient Indian history. It will also answer many
misconceptions people had about ancient Indian history, allowing us to revisit it. This
discovery will surely add more legacy to India’s past by its fascinating yet some
mysterious findings.
By Ruchi Shah (Guest Writer)
History Hons1st year