Tracing Ancient Indian Influence in Middle East: Unveiling Historical Connections (Part 2)

In previous article (Part 1), we discussed about the influence of Vedic Dharma in Middle east, and will continue to conclude the remaining part in this article. 

The Sumerians:

The Sumerians, considered early inhabitants of Mesopotamia in the Middle East, were believed to have originated from or been associated with Bharat Varsha. According to their accounts, the Sumerians migrated to the Euphrates and Tigris river valleys around four thousand years BCE, introducing well-developed aspects of civilization, including a written language and a legal system. While the exact location of their original homeland remains uncertain, several researchers have suggested that the Sumerians were connected to Vedic Aryan culture, indicating their potential origins in Bharat Varsha.

Sir Arthur Keith's extensive research led him to the conclusion that remnants of the ancient Sumerians can be identified among the populations of Afghanistan and Baluchistan, even extending as far east as the Indus Valley, located approximately 1500 miles away from Mesopotamia.

L.A. Waddell, as discussed in Proof of Vedic Culture's Global Existence, has also expressed the belief that the Sumerians were part of the Vedic tradition. Additionally, the discovery of inscribed tablets predating 3000 BCE revealed Sanskrit names of Sumerian kings in Babylonia. Some of these names corresponded with the names of significant figures from the Puranas, who were either kings or esteemed sages. This correspondence further suggests that the Sumerians belonged to the Indo-Aryan lineage and migrated from the region of ancient Bharat Varsha to Babylonia. Therefore, names like Indaru (Indra), Baragu (Bhrigu), Kush, Mana (Manu), Dasaratta (Dasharatha), Kashipu (Kashyap), Varen (Varun), Barama (Brahma), and others are found on these Sumerian tablets.

According to the book titled "The Sumerians," published by Oxford, it is stated that the Sumerian civilization can be traced back to the Vedic Aryan civilization. The presence of archaeological evidence, such as remnants of the Sumerian language, leaves no doubt regarding the strong influence of the Vedic Aryan civilization on the origins of the Sumerian language.

The Kassites:

The influence of Vedic culture in West Asia becomes evident through various instances, such as the presence of the Kassites in Mesopotamia around 1750 BCE, who worshipped Surya (the sun). It is believed that other Vedic groups also resided in the intermediate region of Iran, which consisted of diverse ethnic groups, including the Elamite and Turkic populations.

The Kassites, who were Indian immigrants, arrived in Babylonia around or prior to 1760 BCE. The initial presence of the Aryans is indicated by the usage of the Sanskrit word "suryas" to refer to the sun by the Kassites in Babylon.

The discovery of clay tablets at Boghazkoi in Asia Minor in 1907 revealed an interesting aspect. These tablets invoked Vedic gods, such as Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Nasatyau, as guardians of a treaty. The treaty in question was established between the Hittite king Shubbiluliuma and the Mitanni king Mittiuaza in the early 14th century BCE. This discovery provides significant insight into the expansion of the Aryan civilization in that particular region, approximately 1400 years prior to the Christian era.

Syria:

The presence of princes, towns, and gods in Syria bearing Sanskrit names or names derived from classical or Vedic Sanskrit suggests a strong likelihood of an Indian settlement in the region during that time period, or possibly even earlier. Another possibility is that Mesopotamia was once a part of the Vedic culture, and many of its inhabitants were followers of the sun god, Surya. This is believed to be the origin of the name "Syria," which was formerly known as "Surya" and derived from the tribes of sun worshipers who resided in the area.

The Mitanni and Hittite families, who were of Indo-Aryan origin, settled in Syria during that period. Among them was a prince named Dasaratha. The Hittites had been present in the Middle East since 2200 BCE. An additional king in the region entered into a treaty where the Vedic gods Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatya were invoked as guardians of the treaty's terms. This treaty was drafted at the beginning of the 14th century BCE. It is important to note that the effectiveness of invoking the gods in such a treaty relies on both parties holding allegiance to the deities being invoked.

Lebanon and The Druze:

Approximately 5000 years ago, the Druhyus ruled over the northwestern region of Aryavrata (ancient India). However, they were eventually defeated by the Purus and subsequently migrated to the northwest. As they moved through various parts of Central Asia, they carried their culture with them. The presence of Vedic relics in these areas can be attributed to the migration of the Druhyus. Over time, the influence of Islam greatly diminished their numbers. Nevertheless, they came to be known as the Druze and still maintain certain similarities with the Vedic tradition. Today, they can be found in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan.

The Druze community possesses a scripture known as the Kutub al-Hikma, or the Wisdom Books, which consists of a collection of epistles and correspondences among their prominent intellectuals. Among these writings is the Epistles of India, suggesting that some of their thinkers have Indian origins or connections. In their wisdom books, one can observe the influence of the Quran, Greek philosophy, and Vedic philosophy. Particularly, their understanding of a transcendent God and their acceptance of concepts such as the reincarnation of the soul and karma demonstrate the fusion of these philosophical influences.

Jethro is widely recognized among the Druze as one of their prominent prophets and a significant teacher figure. While some view him as the father-in-law of Moses, the Druze believe that Jethro was the guardian of Zipporah rather than her father. Nevertheless, Jethro held considerable influence over Moses. He belonged to the Kenite lineage, which was part of the Midianite tribe. The Midianites were descendants of Keturah's sons, whom Abraham had sent to the East, possibly including India. It is believed that the oral and written traditions of the Druze have their origins rooted in these regions. Furthermore, Jethro served as the teacher of Moses, suggesting that the Judaic traditions may have been influenced by the Vedic culture and philosophy of India through Jethro's instructions.

While the Druze are commonly recognized as an Arabic sect of Islam, they are considered unorthodox in their beliefs. However, it is worth noting that the majority of Druze maintain a belief in their roots tracing back to India. They can still find relevance and resonance with the teachings found in Vedic texts to this day. According to their own scriptures, the Druze describe a history that spans hundreds of millions of years, wherein Avatars of God periodically manifest in human form. The transmigration of the soul, or the belief in reincarnation, is also a central tenet of their philosophy.

It is notable that the late Kamal Jumblatt, a revered political figure and spiritualist within the Druze community, frequently expressed admiration for Lord Krishna, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Ramayana, and other Vedic texts and deities in his writings. He even spoke about the possibility of Druze individuals going to India and adopting the renounced order, such as sannyasa. Jumblatt himself followed a vegetarian lifestyle and eventually embraced the principles associated with retired order, as outlined in the Vedic system.

The term "Druze" was originally used by Muslims as a derogatory term for a sect led by El Drazi, who was considered a heretic nearly 1000 years ago. The name "Druze" was derived from "ElDrazi," which was used to mock and belittle the group. However, the Druze themselves identify as the Muwahidin, meaning the followers of the one, eternal religion, akin to the concept of Sanatana-dharma.

The modern manifestation of the Muwahidin, known as the Druze, traces its origins back to al Hakim Bi-Amr Allah, the sixth Fatimid Caliph who ruled Egypt in the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Some Druze individuals have claimed that the original language of their scriptures was Sanskrit, and that figures such as Lord Krishna and Buddha are mentioned therein.

Turkey:

According to B. G. Sidharth's research in his book "A Lost Anatolian Civilization: Is It Vedic?" (Research Communication, 1992), a significant discovery was made at the Nevali Cori site in Anatolia, present-day Turkey. Archaeologists, led by Professor Harald Hauptmann of Heidelberg, excavated a sculpture of a priest's head. Sidharth, who visited the site, was surprised to find that the sculpture bore a striking resemblance to the head of a Vedic priest commonly seen in India today. The sculpture depicted a clean-shaven head with a distinct plait or Shikha. Radiocarbon analysis revealed that this head dated back to a period earlier than 7000 BCE, indicating the presence of Vedic Aryans in the Anatolian region prior to that time.

In conclusion, we can say that, as the time passes the influence of Vedic Dharma got diminished and Vedic practices also vanished but historical evidences still telling the truth which has been buried by historians and main stream media.