“Civilizations come and go; they conquer the
earth and crumble into dust; but faith survives every desolation.”
The above
quote, to an extent, defines one of the major themes of the historical novel, ‘The
Greatest Battle of Culture’ written by Panigrahi Bethi. Staged against the
Indus Valley civilization in the era of 1500 BC – the novel subtly but
poignantly explores as how cultures, heritage, and mindset of people shape any
civilization.
The novel
discusses the interaction and subsequent fate of two famous civilizations that
existed along the Sindhu River: Harappans and Aryans. Both existed there.
However, Harappans were leading, with a system of proper irrigation, tall
buildings, development, and equal rights to women. On the other side Aryans, slightly clever
with tenacity, were outsiders and underdeveloped before Harappans.
Aryans claimed
to be good with knowledge of Veda and Varna system. Philosophically, musically,
and artistically they were abreast than the powerful but diffident Harappans. By
highlighting and emphasizing their knowledge Aryans backseated Harappans,
subsequently seeds of being inferior were sown in the heart and mind of
Harappans.
The novel
chugs ahead with optimum pace, and keeps introducing important characters from
both sides. As it starts, we meet Purusha from Aryans, a warrior. He wishes to
have collaboration with Harappans to learn about their ways of development in
exchange of Aryans knowledge. The offer was declined.
However, the
love story of Purusha and Armita, daughter of Harrappan King Baguhara revives
the chances once again. But it ends in tragedy. After them both cultures
arrives together but not everything goes well when the shift of generation takes
place after the death of Maharudra, son of Armita…the king of Aryans.
It is a novel
that deftly explores the cultural exchange and to what extent its ramifications
can be seen. Yet in all senses, the story belongs to Harrappans. Through the
last but powerful character Indrasen, the king of Aryans, the novel plays the
victim card. ‘The Battle of Culture’ isn’t about competitions or showcasing
cultural superiority rather it is about dominance of social and economical
values that takes place gradually when one culture takes over another.
Aryans with
the help of Harappans grew so strong that their culture was imposed on others. And
an exodus took place. The story is rooted in very old civilization but it is
relevant even today. As India and many countries are reeling under the influence
of Western values and deeds. Well, Harappans were a different clan. They
fought, survived, moved to another place and existing even today.
The author has
brilliantly drawn the plot of the novel to show the nuances of cultural power.
No matter what you say about any civilization’s belief, the book asserts that
peace and love is the foremost aspect needed to keep any society sane and
functional. In the case of Aryans, it was noted that they counterattacked
everything that tried to underplay them or make them look puny. But Harappans
were trapped by their straightforwardness and naivety of being honest.
Other than the
facades of the Indus Valley civilization, there is much to learn and discover
from this brilliantly presented novel. The book rides high on cultural
narrative. If someone likes to read books on civilizations with light
philosophy and fictional characters, this is a must read. Beyond the fleeting
characters of the novel, lies a transcendental message for today’s civilizations
that are blinded by global growth but underneath churns something else.
The book is
available to buy from Amazon India.