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An Ancient
Vishnu Idol in Russia
1. During Jan2007, there were reports in the media about the discovery of an
Ancient Vishnu Idol in Russia
2. There were some speculations that the discovery of an ancient Vishnu idol in
the Staraya Maina village on the banks of Samara, Ulyanovsk region may cause the
history of Ancient Russia to be re written.
I think such statements are shrill and exaggerated.
3. The discovery of the idol may only suggest that there were links between the
two old countries. Most likely the links were through trade than through
political domination.
4. Around the 6th century, Russia still had an open religious environment. The social structure was also
more open. Serfdom was yet to become a part of the feudal structure. The
peasants were free to move about the country side in search of farm lands and
work. The links with the other parts of the old world were still active and
alive.
5. It was only by 966 AD under Prince Vladimir that Russia accepted Christianity and all other religious practices were banned.
In the periods thereafter Russia went into a virtual isolation and was cutoff from Asia/India for a
very long time.
6. The period -6th to 7th century-also marked flourishing trade ventures by Indian rulers... Palas
in the North and Cholas in the South.
7. The links between India and Russia are definitely far older than the 6th Century; deep into the
unrecorded historic past .The discovery of the idol only suggests that even
during 6-7th centuries there were trade links between the two ancient lands.
The Indian traders/travelers could have had their own place of worship in the
Staraya Maina (as they did have in old Iraq , Afghanistan , Central Asia , Baku
etc.) because they had to be stationed there for fairly long spells .This is
quite possible since Staraya Maina was a major centre for trade and culture in
the old times. It is unlikely there were direct political connections between
Mid Volga region and North / Central India.
8. A call to rewrite pre Christine Russian history on the basis of this
discovery alone, to say the least, is unrealistic; unless further more
compelling evidences – say , in the form of edicts , records , excavations etc,
- come up.
9. But definitely, there is a need for further serious study.
A request to members on the Forum-
Do any of you have information on the following:
1. Are there any details of coins,
artifacts etc. found on the site? Has any study been made?
2. Is there an update about the proposed(?) ”International Conference "?
3. Can anyone please enlighten if such a conference was held. If so what was
the out come of it?
4. Is there a link on the Web detailing further developments on the issue of
proximity between India and ancient Russia?
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Give me a place to stand and I will move the world.