Former ISRO Scientist Proposes New Timelines for Ancient Indian Epics

Jijith Nadumuri Ravi, a former scientist with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a contributor to the Chandrayaan-1 mission, has presented extensive research aiming to synchronize ancient Indian epics with established historical timelines. His work, detailed in his multi-volume Geo-Chronology Series, seeks to bridge the perceived gap between mythological narratives and historical records.

Ravi's series, including titles like "Rivers of Rigveda," "Geography of Ramayana," and "Geography of Mahabharata" (Volumes 1 & 2), is the result of 25 years of research and five years of writing. His methodology involved analyzing over 110,000 Sanskrit verses, utilizing satellite and historical maps, and creating new cartographic representations to track the movements of ancient figures and civilizations. This research has led to over 100 new findings, including timelines that connect Vedic rulers with later dynasties such as the Mauryas, Sungas, and Guptas, thereby establishing a continuous narrative of Indian civilization.

Traditionally, Indian history is often considered to begin with the Mauryan period, with the epics frequently classified as mythological. Ravi's research, however, suggests that the figures and events within these epics were integral to a tangible historical progression. His work highlights that the Late Rigveda period, approximately 2600–1900 BCE, aligns with the Mature Harappan Period. During this time, the Rigveda mentions over 210 kings and 420 sages. Notably, around 2200 BCE, a significant 4.2-kiloyear event, a severe drought lasting over 12 years, impacted ancient cultures, including the Rigvedic and Harappan societies.

Furthermore, Ravi's research indicates that the historical periods of Rama and the Pandavas align with the declining Late Harappan Period, specifically the Rama Era (1950–1850 BCE) and the Pandava Era (1850–1750 BCE). This chronological placement suggests a close temporal proximity between these epic figures, with evidence indicating they lived in consecutive centuries. Ravi is currently working on a new book that explores Sanatana Dharma through the lens of ancient wisdom and contemporary science, aiming to connect enduring values with humanity's future, including space exploration. His books are also being adapted into distance learning courses for university students.

Prior to his literary endeavors, Ravi established the extensive AncientVoice website, featuring 25,000 pages, and the Dharma Digital platform, which includes over 100 AI-powered holograms of deities. He is also a frequent television panelist discussing space-related news concerning ISRO, NASA, ESA, and SpaceX. His contributions have received recognition from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, underscoring the significance of his work in mapping India's epic history through a blend of scientific methodology and ancient Sanskrit texts.