Since Central Asian nations opened up in the 1990s, they became sources of new archaeological discoveries. Buddhist discoveries were expected, but few expected a strong Hindu influence between 1st and 7th century AD or the Sogdian admiration for ancient India.
In this 🧵, some Sogdian-era findings from Tajikstan–Uzbekistan border region:
1⃣ Sogdians loved frescoes and art in their homes and public buildings. These included scenes from Panchatantra and Mahabharata.
2⃣The homes of elites and the site now called "Hall of the Ambassadors" of Panjikant in Tajikstan is full of Indian artwork, particularly Hindu art. These include Hindu gods, goddesses as well as Nana etc. Notably, Zorastrian gods are frequently depicted with Hindu motifs.
3⃣Maria Slautina writes, "When a Sogdian artist had to represent a very distant land, a fairytale land where only marvels are possible, he often chose India".
4⃣The Panjikant and nearby sites such as Samarkand were notable "melting pot" of different Asian cultures before 700 AD, exchanging goods and ideas. This is evidenced by the Hindu scenes presented along with Buddhist, Old Persian, and some from China. The medical literature found is in Sanskrit, written in Brahmi script. This region was on the Silk route frequented by traders and merchants.
5⃣Sogdian inscriptions have recently been discovered in west Kashmir and northwest Pakistan. Sogdians are probably the same as Sulikas (Chulikas) in the Mahabharata, which if true would attest to their ancient connections to India.
6⃣A few scholars had speculated before the 1980s that ancient Chulikas may have become the famous Chalukyas of Karnataka–Telangana region, their only evidence being that the names sound similar. But, recent discoveries suggest that Chalukyas have nothing in common with Sogdians. The Sogdian art is closer to Hindu art found in Kashmir–Gandhara.
7⃣Sogdian culture and art ended abruptly around 722 AD, after the region was conquered by an Islamic army. The artwork was mutilated, the wealthy towns plundered and destroyed.
In this 🧵, some Sogdian-era findings from Tajikstan–Uzbekistan border region:
1⃣ Sogdians loved frescoes and art in their homes and public buildings. These included scenes from Panchatantra and Mahabharata.
2⃣The homes of elites and the site now called "Hall of the Ambassadors" of Panjikant in Tajikstan is full of Indian artwork, particularly Hindu art. These include Hindu gods, goddesses as well as Nana etc. Notably, Zorastrian gods are frequently depicted with Hindu motifs.
3⃣Maria Slautina writes, "When a Sogdian artist had to represent a very distant land, a fairytale land where only marvels are possible, he often chose India".
4⃣The Panjikant and nearby sites such as Samarkand were notable "melting pot" of different Asian cultures before 700 AD, exchanging goods and ideas. This is evidenced by the Hindu scenes presented along with Buddhist, Old Persian, and some from China. The medical literature found is in Sanskrit, written in Brahmi script. This region was on the Silk route frequented by traders and merchants.
5⃣Sogdian inscriptions have recently been discovered in west Kashmir and northwest Pakistan. Sogdians are probably the same as Sulikas (Chulikas) in the Mahabharata, which if true would attest to their ancient connections to India.
6⃣A few scholars had speculated before the 1980s that ancient Chulikas may have become the famous Chalukyas of Karnataka–Telangana region, their only evidence being that the names sound similar. But, recent discoveries suggest that Chalukyas have nothing in common with Sogdians. The Sogdian art is closer to Hindu art found in Kashmir–Gandhara.
7⃣Sogdian culture and art ended abruptly around 722 AD, after the region was conquered by an Islamic army. The artwork was mutilated, the wealthy towns plundered and destroyed.
Here are some scenes from Mahabharata found near Panjikent. These are scenes from the Virata Parva. Panels show the exile of Pandavas, Arjuna's skills, the gambling scene, etc.
Sogdian art and torn pieces of old manuscript show significant Indian influence in ancient, pre-Islamic Central Asia.
Sources:
1. M Slautina, Sogdians – The Cultural Bees of Central Asia, Freer-Sackler Project
2. F Grenet, Iranian Gods in Hindu Garb (Bactrians & Sogdians), CNRS
3. N Sims-Williams, Sogdian & other Iranian Inscriptions of the Upper Indus
4. F Grenet, Last Days of Panjikent
1. M Slautina, Sogdians – The Cultural Bees of Central Asia, Freer-Sackler Project
2. F Grenet, Iranian Gods in Hindu Garb (Bactrians & Sogdians), CNRS
3. N Sims-Williams, Sogdian & other Iranian Inscriptions of the Upper Indus
4. F Grenet, Last Days of Panjikent
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