Tracing Ancient Indian Influence in Middle East: Unveiling Historical Connections From ancient times, this region has maintained significant connections with India, extending westward. It is widely believed that this area was originally a part of the greater Bharat Varsha before the historic Kurukshetra war, which occurred approximately 5,000 years ago. The ancient epic Ramayana mentions that Valmiki described the region known as present-day Afghanistan as Gandharva desh. It was ruled by Pushkal and Taksha, the sons of Bharat, who was the brother of Lord Sri Rama. They defeated the Gandharvas and established their rule in the capital cities of Pushkalavati (known as Pukli in Afghanistan) and Takshashila, which is now located in Pakistan. Over time, Gandharva desh transformed into Gandhar during the era of the Mahabharata. It is interesting to note that a princess from Gandhar named Gandhari married a prince from Hastinapur named Dhritarashtra. After their defeat, the Gandharvas migrate...