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Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization
In September 1924, John Marshall, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, informed the world about the existence of the Indus (Harappan) some 4,500 years old, as ancient as Mesopotamia, as grand as ancient Egypt, and a part of the Bronze Age trading network.
How did the Harappan civilization contribute to later Vedic and Tantrik thought?
Did the Harappans follow monastic ideals that later became part of Buddhism and Jainism?
Was their script like today's emojis, conveying ideas?
Why did they have images of rivalry but no images of war and no images of romance either?
Why did the cities disappear while the villages continued to flourish for some time?
An eventful century later, Devdutt Pattanaik uses the lens of mythology to reflect on this most mysterious of 'peaceful' civilizations, now spread across geographies in India and Pakistan. A medley of text and illustrations, Ahimsa draws attention to how much Harappan memory persists in our lives today.
How did the Harappan civilization contribute to later Vedic and Tantrik thought?
Did the Harappans follow monastic ideals that later became part of Buddhism and Jainism?
Was their script like today's emojis, conveying ideas?
Why did they have images of rivalry but no images of war and no images of romance either?
Why did the cities disappear while the villages continued to flourish for some time?
An eventful century later, Devdutt Pattanaik uses the lens of mythology to reflect on this most mysterious of 'peaceful' civilizations, now spread across geographies in India and Pakistan. A medley of text and illustrations, Ahimsa draws attention to how much Harappan memory persists in our lives today.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
18 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
290 books3,356 followersDr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 22, 2025
Devdutt Pattanaik has been under fire for staunchly standing against the narrative around India's Harappan ancestry. Ahimsa isn't your usual non-fiction, but a overview of various aspects of the Indus Valley excavations. And Pattanaik sides with the empirical data, not the speculations (but it isn't so simple. Read on to know why).
To me, this book comes at a very important moment. Pseudo-history in the Indian socio-political sphere is now being backed by officially employed academics with a long resume. They are riding on the bandwagon of hypocritical half-truths to serve a lie that tries to promote dangerous ideas like cultural homogeneity, historical superiority, racial/ethnic supremacy, etc, all a means to an end of distracting people from real national crises. With technology pointing towards the truth, these pretend-scholars try forcing the popular narrative to instill a false sense of pride. The Indus Valley Civilisation is India's pride, yet none of its nuance gets conveyed in popular narrative. This books seeks to undo some of that. It is linguisgically accessible, transforming complex historical ideas into easily understandable stories. It establishes the difference between what we know and what we don't, and that such gaps will always exist. We must navigate them with what we can discover. Within these pages I felt the greatest tragedy I know I will encounter for the rest of my academic life: those people, their stories, their little quirks, are gone, and they will never be back. The paper is turned to shreds, and many of those shreds dissolved; researchers can only aspire to find all the surviving bits to imagine the most accurate story of an ancient civilisation. The fact that this book can evoke such an emotion is its success in my opinion.
What stands out in Ahimsa is his acceptance that much of the information we have on this ancient civilisation is subject to interpretations. For example, the Pashupati seal. Is it Proto-Shiva, or simply Shiva himself? Or is it a character completely detached from any notion of the god? Pattanaik considers later documentations - Shiva did not exist in the Vedas, but Rudra did. Shiva is an amalgamation of Vedic, Puranic, and tribal figures that existed in the subcontinent, so to think Pashupati is an older version of the god isn't out of place. But to say this is Shiva himself, absolutely unadulterated in terms of what we know today, would be erronous. Since so much of their contemporary context is lost, we can only speculate. And in this informed speculation, one must strive to be unbiased.
Ahimsa's introduction makes it clear that bias is inherent in historiography. We all think based on the experiences we have had. To omit that bias has to be a conscious choice, and this is what has been an age-old problem in interpreting India's history. Pattanaik at once addresses the propaganda-driven British historians and modern Indian interpreters, making it clear that interpreting history through the lens of current socio-political situations would dilute our understanding of our past.
Every page of Ahimsa echoes this notion. For a historian or archaeologist, the greatest tragedy is being unable to know the true context of a historical artefact or data, and what we can do it try placing ourselves as close as possible to that. In the beginning I mention Pattanaik's preference for empirical data over speculation, but studying a culture's history is not simply so binaristic. It is partly true, but interpreting artefacts to piece back a culture requires extensive theorising. The difference between a layman's speculation and an expert's opinion is the process of arriving at it. The latter is informed, argued for by more objective evidence, considers alternate opinions (with equal backing), and open to scientific scrutiny. This is what Pattanaik does here, and makes clear what is provable fact and what is academic opinion in the book. It allows the reader to understand Indus Valley Civilisation more deeply.
Alongside the usual cultural component of Harappan seals and terracotta images, the book also talks about business, religion, study of scientific subjects, trade and material resources, arts and crafts, technology, and more in the IVC context. Each page is supplied with another page-full of illustrations. The reading experience is vividly visual.
I love this book because it is such a great model for studying any culture. I could imagine transforming each chapter with, say, ancient Bengal's features, or with Minoan history. It shows how simple yet succint the format is. The book shines not merely because it is an accurate historical study, but because it is a good book for the masses.
To me, this book comes at a very important moment. Pseudo-history in the Indian socio-political sphere is now being backed by officially employed academics with a long resume. They are riding on the bandwagon of hypocritical half-truths to serve a lie that tries to promote dangerous ideas like cultural homogeneity, historical superiority, racial/ethnic supremacy, etc, all a means to an end of distracting people from real national crises. With technology pointing towards the truth, these pretend-scholars try forcing the popular narrative to instill a false sense of pride. The Indus Valley Civilisation is India's pride, yet none of its nuance gets conveyed in popular narrative. This books seeks to undo some of that. It is linguisgically accessible, transforming complex historical ideas into easily understandable stories. It establishes the difference between what we know and what we don't, and that such gaps will always exist. We must navigate them with what we can discover. Within these pages I felt the greatest tragedy I know I will encounter for the rest of my academic life: those people, their stories, their little quirks, are gone, and they will never be back. The paper is turned to shreds, and many of those shreds dissolved; researchers can only aspire to find all the surviving bits to imagine the most accurate story of an ancient civilisation. The fact that this book can evoke such an emotion is its success in my opinion.
What stands out in Ahimsa is his acceptance that much of the information we have on this ancient civilisation is subject to interpretations. For example, the Pashupati seal. Is it Proto-Shiva, or simply Shiva himself? Or is it a character completely detached from any notion of the god? Pattanaik considers later documentations - Shiva did not exist in the Vedas, but Rudra did. Shiva is an amalgamation of Vedic, Puranic, and tribal figures that existed in the subcontinent, so to think Pashupati is an older version of the god isn't out of place. But to say this is Shiva himself, absolutely unadulterated in terms of what we know today, would be erronous. Since so much of their contemporary context is lost, we can only speculate. And in this informed speculation, one must strive to be unbiased.
Ahimsa's introduction makes it clear that bias is inherent in historiography. We all think based on the experiences we have had. To omit that bias has to be a conscious choice, and this is what has been an age-old problem in interpreting India's history. Pattanaik at once addresses the propaganda-driven British historians and modern Indian interpreters, making it clear that interpreting history through the lens of current socio-political situations would dilute our understanding of our past.
Every page of Ahimsa echoes this notion. For a historian or archaeologist, the greatest tragedy is being unable to know the true context of a historical artefact or data, and what we can do it try placing ourselves as close as possible to that. In the beginning I mention Pattanaik's preference for empirical data over speculation, but studying a culture's history is not simply so binaristic. It is partly true, but interpreting artefacts to piece back a culture requires extensive theorising. The difference between a layman's speculation and an expert's opinion is the process of arriving at it. The latter is informed, argued for by more objective evidence, considers alternate opinions (with equal backing), and open to scientific scrutiny. This is what Pattanaik does here, and makes clear what is provable fact and what is academic opinion in the book. It allows the reader to understand Indus Valley Civilisation more deeply.
Alongside the usual cultural component of Harappan seals and terracotta images, the book also talks about business, religion, study of scientific subjects, trade and material resources, arts and crafts, technology, and more in the IVC context. Each page is supplied with another page-full of illustrations. The reading experience is vividly visual.
I love this book because it is such a great model for studying any culture. I could imagine transforming each chapter with, say, ancient Bengal's features, or with Minoan history. It shows how simple yet succint the format is. The book shines not merely because it is an accurate historical study, but because it is a good book for the masses.
January 30, 2025
📘Ahimsa : 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization by Devdutt Pattanaik
The Harappan civilization, one of the world’s oldest, remains a mystery in many ways. Unlike Mesopotamia or Egypt, where kings and wars dominate historical records, Harappa leaves behind intriguing clues—well-planned cities, a script we still can’t decipher, and a culture that seems to have thrived in peace. Why did they have images of rivalry but none of war or romance? Why did their cities vanish, yet villages continued to flourish?
The author approaches these questions not just through archaeology but through the lens of mythology and philosophy, making the book a deeply engaging read. What truly sets this book apart is its format. Instead of dense historical analysis, it presents 100 short reflections, each accompanied by an illustration or diagram. This visual approach makes complex ideas easy to grasp, almost like flipping through a beautifully designed museum exhibit.
Let’s be honest—history books can often feel dry. But Pattanaik’s writing keeps you hooked by drawing connections between the Harappans and concepts that still influence Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism today. He even suggests that their script might have functioned like modern-day emojis, conveying meaning through symbols rather than full sentences.
This book is a must-read for anyone curious about India’s ancient past, mythology, or cultural evolution. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or someone who usually finds the subject dull, Ahimsa presents a refreshing, insightful, and visually engaging way to explore the Harappan world.
Lastly, A big thank you to HarperCollins India for sending me this review copy!
✍🏼Do check out my blog for a detailed analysis of this book.
🍁Follow @parthamandal_ for more book recommendations, book insight, and Book summaries.
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Hardcover 📚
Total Pages:
Overall Ratings: 4.8/5⭐
The Harappan civilization, one of the world’s oldest, remains a mystery in many ways. Unlike Mesopotamia or Egypt, where kings and wars dominate historical records, Harappa leaves behind intriguing clues—well-planned cities, a script we still can’t decipher, and a culture that seems to have thrived in peace. Why did they have images of rivalry but none of war or romance? Why did their cities vanish, yet villages continued to flourish?
The author approaches these questions not just through archaeology but through the lens of mythology and philosophy, making the book a deeply engaging read. What truly sets this book apart is its format. Instead of dense historical analysis, it presents 100 short reflections, each accompanied by an illustration or diagram. This visual approach makes complex ideas easy to grasp, almost like flipping through a beautifully designed museum exhibit.
Let’s be honest—history books can often feel dry. But Pattanaik’s writing keeps you hooked by drawing connections between the Harappans and concepts that still influence Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism today. He even suggests that their script might have functioned like modern-day emojis, conveying meaning through symbols rather than full sentences.
This book is a must-read for anyone curious about India’s ancient past, mythology, or cultural evolution. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or someone who usually finds the subject dull, Ahimsa presents a refreshing, insightful, and visually engaging way to explore the Harappan world.
Lastly, A big thank you to HarperCollins India for sending me this review copy!
✍🏼Do check out my blog for a detailed analysis of this book.
🍁Follow @parthamandal_ for more book recommendations, book insight, and Book summaries.
🚀Share © 👉 Follow 📩 save 💬 Comment
Hardcover 📚
Total Pages:
Overall Ratings: 4.8/5⭐
December 30, 2024
Ahimsa : 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization
Let's talk first about the cover. There are 2 things which will attract you to this book:
1. DevDutt Pattnaik
2. Hardcover Blue coloured book
The book’s cover is visually striking, featuring motifs inspired by Harappan seals and artifacts, which immediately sets the tone for a cultural and historical exploration.
Devdutt Pattnaik is known for this engaging exploration of Indian mythology. In this book, he interprets the peaceful yet mysterious Harappan society, offers a fresh take that blends mythology, archaeology, and philosophy. The book is also known for it's illustrations and provides a thought provoking journey into the civilization's legacy.
Author delves into the Harappan's structured way of life, emphasizing their apparent lack of warfare, which is a striking contrast to the rivalry depicted in their art. The narrative also explores unresolved mysteries, such as the disappearance of Harappan cities, maintaining a balance between evidence and mythological speculation.
For the readers, who are into mythology and Indian books, this book also invites readers to ponder questions rather than seek definitive answers. Although brevity of topics might leave some readers asking for more. Overall, Ahimsa offers a refreshing lens on the Harappan civilization, encouraging readers to reflect on how much of its essence persists in modern times. A must-read for those intrigued by the intersection of mythology and history.
Let's talk first about the cover. There are 2 things which will attract you to this book:
1. DevDutt Pattnaik
2. Hardcover Blue coloured book
The book’s cover is visually striking, featuring motifs inspired by Harappan seals and artifacts, which immediately sets the tone for a cultural and historical exploration.
Devdutt Pattnaik is known for this engaging exploration of Indian mythology. In this book, he interprets the peaceful yet mysterious Harappan society, offers a fresh take that blends mythology, archaeology, and philosophy. The book is also known for it's illustrations and provides a thought provoking journey into the civilization's legacy.
Author delves into the Harappan's structured way of life, emphasizing their apparent lack of warfare, which is a striking contrast to the rivalry depicted in their art. The narrative also explores unresolved mysteries, such as the disappearance of Harappan cities, maintaining a balance between evidence and mythological speculation.
For the readers, who are into mythology and Indian books, this book also invites readers to ponder questions rather than seek definitive answers. Although brevity of topics might leave some readers asking for more. Overall, Ahimsa offers a refreshing lens on the Harappan civilization, encouraging readers to reflect on how much of its essence persists in modern times. A must-read for those intrigued by the intersection of mythology and history.
March 5, 2025
I’d give it a 3.5.
The book contains one page each of 100 aspects of Harappan life including art, food, trade, daily life etc.
The information contained in that one page is based on references, findings, archeological evidence, speculations and some of it is pure guess work. The book covers the non violence part in bits and pieces.
This is a good read for someone with an elementary idea about Harappa civilisation but you don’t need to be an expert. The book will cover lot of areas by scraping the surface and not diving too deep in any of the aspects. So it’s a good short read but don’t expect deep insight out of it.
The book contains one page each of 100 aspects of Harappan life including art, food, trade, daily life etc.
The information contained in that one page is based on references, findings, archeological evidence, speculations and some of it is pure guess work. The book covers the non violence part in bits and pieces.
This is a good read for someone with an elementary idea about Harappa civilisation but you don’t need to be an expert. The book will cover lot of areas by scraping the surface and not diving too deep in any of the aspects. So it’s a good short read but don’t expect deep insight out of it.
April 2, 2025
This is an utter disappointment from Devdutt Pattnaik. I had very high expectations from the book as the concept was highly likable paired with one of the best mythological authors. He ended up presenting the known facts about Harappan Culture with no new analysis or perception. The book could have been shorter in length which is dragged to unnecessary length.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews