Alright guys, I know this thread got off to a rough start due to an embarrassing error I made. It did not help that got banned AGAIN, which is kind of ridiculous(no offence to the mods). Anyway, I do want to move on to the Ganges region, which is where most of the good stuff happened in terms of South Asian urbanization.
Varanasi
Historically, Varanasi has been known by many names including Kashi and Benares. Varanasi was likely established during the bronze age as a part of the Ochre Colored Pottery Culture. Archeologists have dated ruins near the city as far back as 1800 bc. meaning the Varanasi area was likely established during the 2nd millennium BC(Probably around 2500 Bc). This makes it the oldest city in South Asia since the decline of the IVC, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Raj Ghat, which marks the historical entrance to Varanasi, has been dated back to as far as 1800 BC.
A close up view
Pottery shards excavated from Rajghat. These are similar to other pottery shards of the Ochre colored pottery culture.
The settlements of Varanasi developed into a major urban center, and soon became a major industrial center of the gangetic plains due to its silk exports. Around 528 BC, The newly-enlightened Buddha visited the cnearby town of sarnath and started to spread his teachings. They would eventually become known as the religion of Buddhism. Below are some of Sarnath's ancient Buddhist stupas
Dhamekh Stupa. Although the main stupa(The large cylindrical shaped one in the back) was completed by 500 CE, the first were built by Ashoka in 245 BC. Considered one of the holiest sites in Buddhism as it was built on the site where the BUddha gave his first sermon. The remnants of the original stupas are in the front.
Remnants of some of the older stupas
Various stupas ranging from 300 BC to 500 AD
Sarnath is also home to Ashoka's iconic Lion capital pillar, the national symbol of India, built by 250 BC.
Sites of the original pillars, circa 240 BC. Notice their excellent condition.
To conclude, here is a famous quote by author Mark Twain.
"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together" -- Mark Twain.
Allahabad- Once known as Kasuambi and than Prayag, Allhabad is another ancient Indian city that ranks among the oldest in South Asia. The earliest human settlements were dated to around 1500 BC, making it part of the painted gray ware culture. By 1000 BC, It was one of the most important cities in North India. between 700-300 BC, it was actually the capital of the Vatsa State, and an important city for Buddhists. Below are some ruins dating around 500 BC, now archeological sites run by the ASI. The ruins are also Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
By 300 BC, Vatsa was conquered by the Mauryans. In 230 BC, King Ashok built Allahabad's Ashoka Pillar.
Photo of Allahabad Pillar circa 1870.
TO BE CONTINUED
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