Face to face with the past: What Keeladi reveals about ancient Tamil civilisation
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News18
2 days ago
- News18
Dating The Mahabharata: A Cinematic Triumph Of Science, History, And Sanatan Dharma
What sets this documentary apart is its celebration of Sanatan Dharma's intrinsic scientific temper In an era where historical narratives are often shaped by fragmented evidence or ideological agendas, Dating The Mahabharata, a documentary by Prachyam, stands as a beacon of intellectual rigour and cultural pride. I was glued to the screen for so long after a long time. Directed with meticulous precision by Capt Praveen Chaturvedi, the founder & CEO of Prachyam Studios, and rooted in the groundbreaking research of Nilesh Oak, this film, available on the Prachyam OTT platform, redefines how we perceive ancient Indian history. By anchoring the Mahabharata War to 5561 BCE through astronomical evidence, the documentary not only validates the antiquity of Hindu civilisation but also highlights the unparalleled scientific temper embedded in Sanatan Dharma. Here we explore the film's brilliance, its significance for modern audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, and its broader implications for humanity's understanding of history. At the heart of Dating The Mahabharata lies Nilesh Oak's extraordinary research, which leverages over 300 astronomical references embedded in the Mahabharata text to pinpoint the war's date to 5561 BCE. Oak, a scholar with a background in engineering and a passion for ancient Indian texts, employs advanced astronomical software to map the positions of stars, planets, and celestial events described in the epic. The director meticulously presents this process, transforming complex scientific analysis into an accessible narrative that captivates both scholars and lay audiences. Oak's methodology is nothing short of revolutionary. By cross-referencing textual descriptions—such as the positions of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and, in particular, deciphering the special mention by Maharishi Ved Vyasa of Arundhati being ahead of Vashistha, with modern astronomical tools, he constructs a timeline that aligns with the Mahabharata's internal chronology. The film highlights how these celestial markers, preserved in the text for millennia, serve as a historical GPS, guiding researchers to a precise date. This is not mere speculation but a scientific endeavour that challenges conventional historiography, which often dismisses ancient Indian texts as mythological. As Oak asserts in the film, 'All evidence points to 5561 BCE," dismissing competing dates between 4000 BCE and 400 CE as lacking textual support. The documentary's strength lies in its ability to present this evidence with clarity and conviction. Through stunning visualisations of ancient skies, 3D animated recreations of celestial events, and Oak's lucid explanations, viewers are transported to the era of the Mahabharata. The film underscores that this dating is not an isolated claim but a collaborative effort, with living researchers uniting to validate 5561 BCE as the war's year. This collective scholarly pursuit adds weight to the findings, making Dating The Mahabharata a landmark in historical research. What sets this documentary apart is its celebration of Sanatan Dharma's intrinsic scientific temper. Unlike Abrahamic texts, which often rely on faith-based narratives or singular sources, Hindu scriptures like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas offer a tapestry of interconnected texts rich with empirical data. The film argues persuasively that the Mahabharata's astronomical references—detailing planetary conjunctions, eclipses, and comets—are not poetic flourishes but deliberate historical records. This precision, revealed only through modern scientific tools, positions Hindu Dharma as a civilisation far ahead of its time. The documentary poses a provocative question: 'Do any Abrahamic texts provide such precise astronomical markers for great historical events?" The implied answer is a resounding no. While texts like the Bible or Quran offer moral and spiritual guidance, they lack the granular historical and scientific detail found in the Mahabharata. The film illustrates how multiple Hindu texts converge on a single date, reinforcing the Mahabharata's historicity. This convergence, coupled with archaeological hints like submerged cities near Dwarka, elevates Sanatan Dharma as a repository of knowledge that transcends human intellectual comprehension. For viewers, this revelation is both humbling and empowering. The film underscores that Hindu civilisation was not merely spiritual but deeply scientific, with its sages encoding cosmic observations in texts that modern technology is only now decoding. This synergy of ancient wisdom and innovative science makes the film Dating The Mahabharata a testament to the enduring relevance of Sanatan Dharma. Prachyam's production quality elevates Dating The Mahabharata to a cinematic masterpiece. The documentary blends scholarly rigour with visual artistry, using high-definition animations, evocative music, and crisp narration to create an immersive experience. The Prachyam OTT platform, dedicated to Indic content, is the perfect home for this film, offering seamless streaming and a user-friendly interface that ensures accessibility for global audiences. Launched in June 2025, the documentary has garnered widespread acclaim on X, with users hailing it as 'one of the most brilliant documentaries ever". The film's pacing is impeccable, balancing technical discussions with emotional resonance. It opens with a sweeping overview of the Mahabharata's cultural significance, setting the stage for Oak's research. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into a detective story, where each astronomical clue builds toward the climactic revelation of 5561 BCE. This approach ensures that the film is both authoritative and engaging, appealing to audiences of all ages. Prachyam OTT enhances the viewing experience by offering supplementary content, an Extended Version in 4K with Dolby Digital Sound, as well as behind-the-scenes features and discussion forums, fostering a community of learners. The platform's commitment to preserving and promoting Bharatiya Itihas makes it an ideal medium for Dating The Mahabharata, ensuring that this gem reaches those eager to explore their heritage. One of the documentary's most compelling achievements is its appeal to younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. In an age where cultural narratives are often shaped by globalised media, Dating The Mahabharata serves as a clarion call for young Hindus to reconnect with their roots. The film's message is clear: they are inheritors of the greatest civilisation, one that harmonises spirituality, science, and history in ways unmatched by any other tradition. For young viewers, the documentary is both an intellectual awakening and a source of pride. It challenges the colonial lens that often relegates Indian history to myth, presenting instead a narrative of a sophisticated civilisation that documented its past with astronomical precision. The film's emphasis on modern technology—software that maps ancient skies—resonates with tech-savvy youth, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. By showcasing how Sanatan Dharma's truths are validated by science, it inspires confidence in Hindu identity. Moreover, Dating The Mahabharata is a call to action. It urges young Hindus to preserve and enrich their Dharma, not out of dogma but for the 'highest good of humanity". Legends like Nilesh Oak, whose dedication to truth shines through the film, serve as role models for a generation seeking purpose. Captain Praveen Chaturvedi's strong narration and voice have won many accolades. Ultimately, Dating The Mahabharata is more than a documentary; it is a movement. It rekindles pride in Hindu civilisation while challenging global historical narratives. By proving that the Mahabharata War—arguably the largest war ever fought—occurred in 5561 BCE, the film establishes India as a cradle of human history. It also underscores the resilience of Sanatan Dharma, whose truths have endured millennia and continue to inspire. top videos View all For every Hindu, especially the youth, this film is a must-watch. It offers a profound reason to live, cherish, and elevate Dharma, not as a relic of the past but as a living tradition that holds answers for the future. On Prachyam OTT, Dating The Mahabharata is a gem that sparkles with truth, inviting viewers to embark on a celestial quest for their heritage. As the stars of 5561 BCE still shine above, so does the wisdom of Sanatan Dharma, guiding humanity towards a deeper understanding of itself. Every Hindu must subscribe to Prachyam OTT, the first Hindu & truly Bharatiya OTT at Gopal Goswami, PhD, is a Researcher, Columnist & Social Worker. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : documentary film history Mahabharata myth view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 21, 2025, 18:03 IST News opinion Movie Review | Dating The Mahabharata: A Cinematic Triumph Of Science, History, And Sanatan Dharma Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Face to face with the past: What Keeladi reveals about ancient Tamil civilisation
The Tamil Nadu state archaeology department, which took over excavations at Keeladi from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2018, obtained 29 radiocarbon dates from US lab Beta Analytics. These range from 580 BCE to 200 CE and confirm the site is contemporaneous with the urbanisation of the Gangetic plains and is part of India's second urbanisation, which took place in the 6th century BCE. Archaeologists have pieced together — after studying residue in bowls and potsherds, skulls and bone fragments, and fossilised algae in terracotta pipes and ring wells — how people lived on the banks of the Vaigai some 2,500 years ago.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
5,500-year-old Polish ‘Pyramids' discovered, older than Egypt's Pyramid of Giza
In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, a set of 5,500-year-old megalithic tombs have been discovered in Poland, nicknamed the "Polish pyramids." They were found during a routine field survey in the Chłapowski Landscape Park in the village of Wyskoć, reports add. These monumental earth structures, reportedly, date back to the late Stone Age and shed new light on the prehistoric Funnelbeaker culture that once thrived in the region. As per the reports, a team from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and announced by the Complex of Landscape Parks of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship. The tombs are located in the Wielkopolska province and are some of the largest megalithic structures ever found in Poland. Remarkably well-preserved, they are believed to have been built by one of the region's earliest sedentary agricultural societies. Megalithic giants of the North The tombs, also referred to as "the beds of giants", are elongated trapezoidal mounds reaching up to 200 m in length and about 4 m in height. Constructed in a triangular shape, the front of each structure is several metres wide and gradually narrows into a 'tail' at the rear. Some of the boulders used in their construction weigh as much as 10 tonnes, an extraordinary feat for Neolithic builders using only primitive tools and manpower. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Read more: No more shoe checks: TSA updates airport screening rules; what flyers need to know The monumental tombs are oriented with impressive precision. The wider front end faces east, while the tail stretches westward, a design suggesting the builders had a sophisticated understanding of direction and possibly astronomy. According to archaeologists, this alignment was likely symbolic, with the rising sun associated with life and the setting sun with death. The Funnelbeaker culture's legacy The structures are attributed to the Funnelbeaker culture (4000–2700 BCE), a Neolithic society known for its large-scale burial architecture, early farming practices, and finely crafted pottery. Though these communities were largely egalitarian, special tombs were reserved for significant figures such as leaders, shamans, or priests. 'Although the Funnelbeaker cultures were quite egalitarian, these tombs likely held important figures — a leader, a priest, a shaman,' said Artur Golis from the regional landscape park association. These burials typically included a single skeleton placed on its back with legs pointing east, accompanied by grave goods. While skeletal remains may not have survived in the newly excavated tombs, archaeologists hope to recover ceremonial objects such as stone axes, hatchets, clay vessels, and possibly copper ornaments or opium containers. This is only the second time such megalithic tombs have been discovered in Wielkopolska — the first being in 2019. Until now, most similar finds were concentrated in the Kuyavia-Pomerania region, where they are professionally known as megalithic tombs of the Kuyavian type. Read more: 6 unmissable stops that make Chandigarh to Shimla hill tour worthwhile The newly discovered sites offer rare insight into the social, religious, and engineering capabilities of Neolithic societies in Europe. Their sheer scale and design not only rival other prehistoric sites like Stonehenge but also predate the Egyptian pyramids. "For thousands of years, people have needed the stones, so they have taken them, split them, hence the object has been quite heavily degraded," Golis said, noting the fragility of what remains. Currently, the site remains closed to the public to allow for careful excavation and preservation. A decision about public access will be made once research and protective measures are completed. These 'Polish pyramids' may not rival Giza in height, but they stand tall as silent sentinels of a lost civilization, offering a powerful connection to humanity's ancient past, right in the heart of Europe.
