Prehistory and Protohistory in India and Pakistan c5.s6: Beginning of Protohistory
Prehistory and Protohistory in India and Pakistan c5.s6
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Beginning of Protohistory
c5.s6.1
Surprisingly nobody had thought of a systematic search for tracing the beginnings of the historic archaeology in India. So for nearly 70 years—from 1860 to 1920—work continued in the historic field, until the Indus Civilization was revealed in 1917-20. For a long time it was assumed to be pre-historic, but it is now realized that several of its features entitle it to be called "Proto-historic." Though systematic attempts were made soon after its discovery to understand its spread and extent by N. G. MAJUMDAR, Sir AUREL STEIN and HARGREAVES, its origin remains obscure. The problem was freshly attacked by Dr. (now Sir) MORTIMER WHEELER in 1947 at Harappa and then at Mohenjodaro and significant details have been added to our knowledge of the civilization. To this a new chapter is being added by Shri S. R. RAO's work at Lothal.
c5.s6.2
Meanwhile, the work of the Universities and the Government of India and the State Departments has brought to light hitherto unknown cultures in the Gangetic Valley, Rajputana, Saurashtra, Central India, the Deccan and Mysore. These are often called "prehistoric," but are truly "protohistoric," as is understood here.
c5.s6.3
We may say, then, that the real foundations of pre- and proto-historic archaeology in India were laid between 1920 and 1930. It has since then flourished after the Second World War.