I have no expertise to attempt any write up on this book. My only credential is that Balakrishnan was my neighbour in Bhubaneswar decades back and that is where I came to know of his deep interest in serious academics and I became one of his silent admirers.
Now coming to the book. Journey of a Civilization: Indus to Vaigai by R. Balakrishnan is a thought-provoking and deeply researched exploration of the ancient connections between the Indus Valley Civilization and the cultural landscape of South India. A seasoned civil servant (IAS) and noted researcher, Balakrishnan weaves archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology into a compelling narrative that challenges conventional historical timelines and theories.
At the heart of the book lies the author's thesis that the Dravidian-speaking people of the Indus Valley migrated southward following the civilization's decline, leaving lasting imprints on the cultural and linguistic fabric of peninsular India. Drawing from a wealth of evidence — including toponyms (study of place names), cultural motifs, and ancient scripts — Balakrishnan argues for a continuum between the Harappan civilization and the Tamil cultural sphere, particularly along the Vaigai river.
One of the book's strengths is its interdisciplinary approach. Balakrishnan combines his expertise in ethnolinguistics with insights from archaeology and mythology, creating a multidimensional picture of civilizational movement and cultural transformation. His use of toponymic studies is especially noteworthy, offering a unique and underexplored method to trace historical migrations.
The book is richly illustrated with maps and tables that support the textual arguments, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers.
To sum up, Journey of a Civilization is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the origins and continuity of Indian civilization. It opens up new avenues of inquiry and encourages readers to question linear historical narratives. Balakrishnan’s work exemplifies how regional histories and languages can offer vital clues to understanding India’s ancient past.
One may add that some of the weaknesses pointed out by learned experts about the book are the so-called speculative nature of the arguments, it having a limited engagement with counterarguments, overemphasis on Dravidian continuity and absence of robust peer review.
Overall, it is a compelling and scholarly re-examination of Indian prehistory that bridges north and south through language, culture, and migration. Highly recommended for readers interested in Indian history, archaeology, and civilizational studies.
I would suggest the author to bring out a shorter and simpler version of the book keeping the main thesis intact.
I am of the view that had Balakrishnan been a European or an American, he would surely have been honoured with a Nobel Prize for this work. He is above all this and is possessed with the fire to search for knowledge and is not looking for any reward or prize.
The book is available on amazon.
