Land of the Seven Rivers

 "Land of the Seven Rivers" by Sanjeev Sanyal is a captivating book that takes readers on a meandering journey through the rich history of the Indian subcontinent. Sanyal skillfully explores various landmarks and historical events, offering insights into the Harappan civilization, the Vedas, the reign of Ashoka, the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata, the cities of Delhi, the era of Mughals, the British colonial period, and the partition of India. The narrative also delves into contemporary developments, such as the rapid growth of Gurgaon as a center for the call-center industry.

Throughout the book, Sanyal raises intriguing questions and presents thought-provoking ideas. For example, he ponders the absence of lion depictions on Harappan seals, suggesting that the moist climate may have been unsuitable for lions and challenging the notion that the Vedic hymns were exclusively associated with the Aryans and not the Harappans. Another peculiar topic he mentions is the intriguing decline of the Harappan civilization, offering various theories on its downfall.

Drawing on recent genetic testing, Sanyal challenges traditional accounts of an Aryan invasion from Central Asia and proposes that Europeans and North Indians share genetic linkages dating back at least 8,000 years to a common ancestral region in the Persian Gulf. He suggests that the Harappans were a multi-ethnic society, akin to the diversity seen in India today, and posits that the Rig Vedic people could have been part of this diverse mix.

While the book claims to provide a history of India's geography, it is more of an impressionistic survey. Geographical aspects, such as rivers, roads, and cities, are mentioned but not deeply integrated into the narrative. The book lacks a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between geography, social structures, and political systems. Instead, Sanyal focuses on a selective set of questions that explore ancient legends, the origins of India's name, the perception of geography in the Iron Age, and other fascinating topics.

Sanyal's background as an economist shines through in his writing style, which is accessible to readers unfamiliar with Indian history. He navigates between different regions and civilizations with ease, ensuring that readers are not overwhelmed by the vast amount of material covered. The book also dedicates space to the extension of Indian civilization into Southeast Asia, shedding light on India's historical connections with countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Java.

One notable theme explored in the book is the shift in the Indian mentality from a risk-taking entrepreneurial culture that facilitated the establishment of Indian settlements overseas, to a more closed and rigid civilization by around 1000 AD. Sanyal argues that India's recent economic and social resurgence lies in its rediscovery of its earlier spirit of discovery, trade, and global communication. He highlights the importance of the Indian diaspora, which now maintains business, personal, and cultural links with India thanks to globalization and technology.

In summary, "Land of the Seven Rivers" offers a sweeping survey of Indian history, starting from the arrival of the first humans in the region and culminating in the modern era. While it lacks in-depth analysis and detailed insights into the lives and challenges faced by Indians in the past, it serves as an engaging introduction to the historical backdrop of contemporary India.

~ Deeptarka