Delhi – A Tapestry of Time: From Myth to Metropolis
Delhi, a name echoing through the corridors of time, stands as a testament to the enduring power and cultural richness of India. Its history, a layered narrative woven from archaeological discoveries, epic tales, and dynastic shifts, stretches back millennia.
The Dawn of Settlement: Prehistoric Echoes
The soil beneath Delhi’s bustling present holds whispers of its ancient past. Archaeological evidence reveals that the region was inhabited as early as 2000 BCE, during the Ochre Coloured Pottery culture, with remnants found near the Red Fort area. The subsequent Painted Grey Ware culture, dating to around 1200 BCE, aligns with the Vedic period, indicating a settled agricultural society. Further bolstering this narrative, significant prehistoric sites have been unearthed at Anangpur in Badarpur, and Harappan-era artifacts have been discovered near Nand Nagari and Narela, demonstrating a continuous thread of human habitation.
Indraprastha: The Mythic Foundation
The epic Mahabharata immortalizes the city as Indraprastha, established around 3 BCE. The narrative recounts how the Pandavas, after their marriage to Draupadi, arrived in Khandavprastha, a region inhabited by Nagraj Takshak and the demon Mayasur. This land, fraught with danger, was transformed into a magnificent capital.
Saga of Takshak : Lineage and Conflict
Takshak, a prominent Nagraj in Hinduism and Buddhism, is depicted as the son of Sage Kashyap and Kadru. His lineage, tracing back to the Ishvaku dynasty and Lord Rvama, according to the Shrimad Bhagwatam, underscores the ancient roots of this figure.
Western historians propose an alternative perspective, suggesting that the Takshaks were part of a nomadic tribe, the Huns, originating in Central Asia, betThis theory links them to the Shavi gotra, with migrations through Iran towards the Taka-shar region near Sialkot. Their influence extended to the founding of Shavistan (Siestan) in Iran and the island of Jatoli.
The Vishnu Purana further asserts that the Takshaks of the Shavi dynasty ruled Khandavban before the Pandavas, with Khandavprastha as their capital. Their protection by a boon from Indra Dev became a central point of conflict when Arjun, seeking revenge for the deaths caused by Takshak’s snake army, invoked Agni Dev to burn the Khandavprastha forest. The ensuing confrontation, involving Indra, Arjun, and Krishna, highlights the interplay of divine intervention, duty, and justice. Arjun’s respect for Indra, even while opposing him, led to the renaming of the land as Indraprastha, signifying its sanctification. Lord Vishvakarma then crafted a splendid palace for the Pandavas.
The defeated Takshaks retreated to Taxila (Gandhar), establishing Takshakkhad (Tashkand) and Takshaksthan (Turkestan). In the Kurukshetra War, Takshak’s son, Brihadbal, fought for the Kauravas and was slain by Abhimanyu. Today, the Takshak, Taxak, Tokas, Togas, and Taksham Jat gotras are found across India, Pakistan, and Central Asia, including in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Within Delhi itself, the villages of Mohammad Pur, Manirka, Katwaria, Shahpur, and Hauz Khas bear witness to their enduring presence.
The Dice Game and the Kurukshetra War: A Turning Point
To avert the catastrophic Kurukshetra War, Lord Krishna proposed the allocation of five villages—Svarnaprastha (Sonipat), Panduprastha (Panipat), Vyaghraprastha (Baghpat), Tilaprastha (Tilpat), and Khandavprastha—to the Pandavas. Duryodhana’s refusal led to the inevitable conflict.
Yudhishthir’s coronation in Indraprastha marked the zenith of the Pandavas’ reign. However, Duryodhana’s envy, fueled by Shakuni’s machinations, led to the fateful dice game, resulting in the Pandavas’ loss of their kingdom and their exile.
The Kurukshetra War, a battle between dharma and adharma, culminated in the Pandavas’ victory. The poignant clash between Karna and Arjun, two brothers on opposing sides, underscored the tragedy of the conflict. Arjun’s respect for karna, even while killing him, is a testament to the complex morality of the epic.
Vrishketu: The Legacy of Karna
Following the war, Vrishketu, Karna’s son, was crowned king of Indraprastha and Angdesh. He became a cherished figure under the tutelage of Arjun. Vrishketu’s role in the Ashwamedha war in Manipur, where he faced Arjun’s other son, Babhruvahana, further highlights his significance. He also mastered the powerful Brahmastra, Brahmasirastra, and Vaishnavastra, though Sri Krishna restricted him from passing this knowledge on.
Vrishketu’s reign, lasting over forty years, was succeeded by thirty generations of his descendants, ensuring the continuity of Indraprastha’s legacy.
Delhi’s Enduring Significance
From its prehistoric origins to its mythological foundation and historical transformations, Delhi has remained a pivotal center of power and culture. The city’s narrative, a confluence of archaeological evidence, epic tales, and dynastic shifts, offers a profound glimpse into India’s rich and complex past. Today, as a modern metropolis, Delhi continues to embody the spirit of its ancient heritage, a testament to the enduring legacy of Indraprastha.
Sources of References:
History of Mediaeval Hindu India
By C V Vaidya
प्राचीन भारत का इतिहास
वी डी महाजन कृत
