The Ancient Discoveries of India: Brushing Aside Vascoda Cama, Unveiling Megasthenes and Pluto

Often, when someone mentions the discovery of India or its early interactions with the world, the name Vasco da Gama comes to mind. However, there is a rich tapestry of ancient explorers who have been largely overlooked. Among these is the Greek ambassador Megasthenes, whose Indica provides fascinating insights into the ancient India, and Pluto, who introduced the concept of rebirth from the Western philosophical tradition.

Discovering India: From Megasthenes to Pluto

While Vasco da Gama is celebrated for his 15th-century voyage and the establishment of contact with the Indian subcontinent, the earliest references to India date back to as early as 300 BCE. The Indica of Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to the court of the Indian king Chandragupta Maurya, provides an unparalleled view into the socio-political, economic, and cultural landscape of ancient India.

Megasthenes and the Early Greek Accounts

Megasthenes' Indica is now largely lost, but its content can be reconstructed through the later works of his contemporaries, who directly quoted or paraphrased his original text. Through these works, we can piece together invaluable information about India's agricultural practices, cuisine, and social structures. Some of his notable observations include:

The Indians are assured of at least one of the two seasonal crops in most years, indicating a sophisticated agricultural system. A variety of exceptionally sweet fruits grow wild, and medicinal roots thrive in marshy areas. Rivers contribute to the abundance of food plants, which are nourished by the regular annual rainfall and the heat that ripens the marsh roots. India's warriors treated farmers and herders with deep respect and reverence, contrasting sharply with the attitudes of warriors in other cultures. Even during times of conflict, Indian warriors refrained from destroying farms or harming farm workers, and they avoided burning enemy lands or cutting down trees.

The Sea Routes and Trans-Trade

As the Islamic Caliphate rose, sea routes became crucial for trans-trade, as overland routes were blocked or heavily taxed. The geographically strategic position of India made it a pivotal hub for global trade, connecting different civilizations and cultures.

The Philosopher's View of Raja Rishis: Pluto

The philosophical tradition of Pluto in Western thought introduced concepts like rebirth and the importance of philosophical knowledge. In The Phaedo by Plato, he discusses the idea of Raja Rishis, or wise leaders, who govern with the utmost dedication to the wellbeing of their citizens rather than their own personal interests. Plato believed that only those who have achieved a high level of philosophical knowledge can truly understand what is good for a city and its inhabitants. This idea was central to his vision of a just city state.

Ancient India Beyond the Known

The history of ancient India extends far beyond the familiar story of the Maurya and Mogul empires. The contributions of figures like Megasthenes and the philosophical ideas introduced by Plato provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of the region's past. These ancient explorers and philosophers offer a deeper insight into the richness and complexity of ancient Indian civilization.

The knowledge and wisdom conveyed by these early accounts not only showcase the advanced civilization of ancient India but also highlight its profound impact on the world, both in history and philosophy.