Which literary tradition (6th B.C.E) are you talking about ? Oral or written ? Kindly note, there is no written evidence of vedic literature from that period.



Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
Friend,

Trained historians, archaeologists, linguistics experts, adept numismatists, anthropologists and scientists have been busy in removing the mist from dark periods of history of mankind throughout the world. And lack of sources and data to reconstruct history of the antiquity is a problem throughout the world. The recorded traditions wherever available are being used to reconstruct history of ancient civilisations whether it is Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, Mesopotamian or Indian.

Prior to Alexander's invasion [327-325 BCE] not much recorded historical references from outside people about Ancient India have come to knowledge.

Moreover, before the initiation of Buddhism and Jainism in 6th Century BCE, the historians have to rely upon the sources provided by the Ancient literary traditions, in whatever form they are available, to reconstruct history by sifting chaff from flour with the help of either the archaeological remains or the comparative study of the Vedic literature with Puranas and the two ancient historical epics. In addition, the myths and traditions of various countries and continents have also been taken up for comparative study and to find out some clues of historical significance.

Much work has already been done on this front but much more work yet remains to be done.

The Indologists from India, Europe and America, for the last two three hundred years, have been engaged in reading and re-reading the ancient Sanskrit literature to prepare a fact based history and as a result of their persistent efforts, many a dark corners have been illuminated but several gaps still remain to be filled in because we are still groping in dark about the real events of such periods.

As regards, accounts of the foreign travellers as source of Indian history is concerned, yes ,they deserve due weightage. But no blind following of their accounts is warranted as their accounts have also to be compared and contrasted with other available indigenous sources and then and only then they could be used as authentic information.

Thanks and best wishes,