THE ORIGIN OF FOLKLORES AND HARAPPAN RIVERS

Abstract

The rivers have played a vital role in the growth and development of ancient civilizations, shaping their economies, cultures, and societies in profound ways. River mythology holds major significance in ancient literature, philosophy, and rituals. Rivers are celebrated as goddesses, representing purity, fertility, and the source of life and played an energetic role to produce earliest folklores. This paper intends to examine the basis of folklores related to rivers and passing on these narratives through generations. The core aim of this research paper is to explore how the folklores reveal the deep connection between the people and their environment, and how they contribute to shaping the cultural and social identity of the Harappan Civilization. The relationship between folklores and Harappan Rivers are quite debatable due to limited understanding of the Harappan script and direct textual records. The historical evidences proved that Rivers were essential for agriculture, fishing, communal activities, transportation, and trade in Harappan society and their seasonal fluctuations may have been interpreted through mythological narratives. The researcher employs interdisciplinary approaches to study ancient Harappan Rivers and folklore, combining data from archaeology, geology, anthropology, linguistic and other fields to create holistic interpretations of past societies. The results of this study are expected to document the origin of folklores and trace the continuity and evolution of cultural practices over time across the different regions of Harappan Civilization . The study may have significance for those interested in the subject in general, and researchers who want to explore the topic further, in particular.