[Prof. Michel Danino's paper] Fabricating Evidence in Support of the Aryan Invasion / Migration Theory

[Megh Kalyanasundaram]

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Paper: Fabricating Evidence in Support of the Aryan Invasion / Migration Theory 

Abstract: While we are often told that the Aryan invasion /migration theory (AI/MT) is no longer a theory but a firmly established fact, making counter views a 'waste of time,' it is surprising that prominent scholars presenting evidence for the theory have so often had recourse to unethical scholarship. This paper presents cases involving (1) invention of nonexistent texts; (2) deliberate mistranslation of texts; (3) distortion of archaeological evidence; (4) invention of nonexistent archaeological evidence; (5) basic methodological flaws such as circular reasoning; (6) recycling long-discarded theories, such as racial ones; (7) misquoting, blanking out or demonization of scholars opposing the Aryan paradigm. This collection highlights how 'eminent' historians and linguists, apart from miscellaneous other writers, have indulged in such scholarly malpractices, some of which qualify as fabrication.

Note from author (Prof. Danino) found on page 1 pf the paper above: "This is a preprint version of a paper due to appear in a volume of conference  proceedings. Do not cite without the author’s permission."

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Related read: The A of ABC of Indian chronology: Dimensions of the Aryan problem revisited in 2017

Abstract: Whether posited as an invasion by or migration of Aryans, these variant forms—of an into-India hypothesis (supposed movement into India around the second millennium BCE)—are underpinned by one constant: the consequence that the earliest forms of Vedic culture and Sanskrit are not indigenous to India. Written in 2017, this paper examines, in three dimensions, whether such a hypothesis, given its startling consequence to Indic history, can remain a preserve of only one domain (linguistics) before demonstrating not only an absence of proof for such a consequence, amongst other related questions, in key Indic texts through a study of the terms ārya and drāviḍa but also specific problematics in the development of this hypothesis in historical linguistics. 

Excerpts from review comments received: 

Dr. Korada Subrahmanyam: "...both of you contributed a great deal of knowledge to many people, especially from the field of Linguistics, who have been of the view that it is the Western Linguists that deserve the appreciation for analyzing  Language at both micro and macro levels. The books chosen by you and the points you selected to refute - in fact bring out the truth - with regard to Language Science - is commendable.

We require more such Articles simply because we want to kill the inferiority complex of Indians thru the pen and open the treasure trove of knowledge that has been lying unattended for centuries. Hope you guide/encourage others also in this path ."

Dr. Subhash Kak: "Enjoyed reading your article. Very well argued."

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[Megh Kalyanasundaram]

An updated version of the paper has been uploaded: Fabricating Evidence in Support of the Aryan Invasion / Migration Theory