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Horse Domestication and Mobilisation
Context:
In a recent Genome analysis of 475 ancient horses and 77 modern ones clarifies timing of horse domestication.
Key Finding Of the Study:
- It revealed domestication occurred twice, with the first attempt being unsuccessful.
- The first time being a dead end and traced the rise of horse-based mobility to around 2200 BC in Eurasia, centuries later than previously thought.
- Initial domestication occurred in Central Asia, specifically northern Kazakhstan, by the Botai culture around 5,500 years ago.
- focused on obtaining meat and milk rather than mobility and did not spread widely.
- The second equine bloodline was domesticated roughly 4,700 years ago in the western Russian steppes.
- Horse-based mobility across Eurasia emerged about 4,200 years ago, originating from this second domestication event.
- All modern domestic horses trace their origins to this second domestication.
Shift in Breeding Practices:
- Genomic evidence indicates a shift in breeding practices to meet the demand for horses during this period.
- People doubled horse production capacity by halving the time between generations, from eight years to four.
- Close-kin mating was detected from this time onward, likely enforced by breeders to select for desired traits like increased docility.
Impact of Horse-Based Mobility and Human Migrations:
- It accelerated communication and trade across Europe and Asia.
- Chariots and cavalry transformed warfare, influencing the rise and fall of empires.
- This era marked increased global interactions, lasting until the late 19th century.
- Massive migrations around 3000 BCE spread Indo-European languages across Eurasia.
- Recent studies challenge the belief that these migrations occurred on horseback, indicating horses did not accompany early human movements.
Overview of Horse Domestication and Migration in Indian Subcontinent:
- Horses are not native to the Indian subcontinent.
- Horses were imported from northwestern regions: Arabia, Central Asia, and Eurasia.
- Indian kings were called Gajapati (elephant lords) due to their export of elephants.
- India exported elephants and imported horses.
- Mythical Origins:
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- Ramayana and Mahabharata: Horses emerged from the ocean.
- Shalihotra literature: Horses were originally winged celestial creatures, lost wings to serve Indra.
- Kings in northwest India (Gandhara and Madra) were called Ashwapati (horse lords) in the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Harappan Civilization and Horses:
- Limited evidence of horses from the Harappan (Indus Valley) civilization.
- Few remains, such as terracotta toys, figurines, teeth, and bone fragments, suggest sparse availability or domestication until the late Harappan phase.
- Recent excavations at Sanauli (2000–1800 BCE) revealed chariots that might have been pulled by horses.
- Aryan Invasion Theory:
- The theory posits that Indo-Aryans brought horses to India around 1500 BCE, using them for transport and warfare.
- The decline of the Harappan civilization coincided with Indo-Aryan migrations into the subcontinent.
- The Indo-Aryans’ use of horse-drawn chariots with spoked wheels was crucial in their spread across north India.
- Cultural Significance of Horses:
- The Rig Veda, one of the oldest Hindu texts, mentions horses 215 times, underscoring their importance.
- Horses were integral to Vedic martial ethos, depicted in hymns and used in ceremonies like the ashvamedha yajna (horse sacrifice).
- The ashvamedha yajna was a royal ceremony ensuring the sanctity of a king’s rule, involving elaborate rituals and the sacrifice of a specially selected horse.
- The horse was believed to ascend to heaven, bringing blessings and expiating the king’s sins.
- Evolution of Horse Use:
- Horses and chariots were prominent on battlefields until the beginning of the Common Era.
- By the seventh century, cavalry replaced chariots, becoming a vital part of India’s military, notably during the Mauryan Empire (early fourth to late second century BCE).
The Controversial Presence of Horses in the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization:
- Physical Evidence:
- Horse remains reported from Neolithic sites like Kodekal and Hallur, and late Harappan sites like Mohenjo-daro, Ropar, Harappa, Lothal, and others.
- A. K. Sharma identified horse remains at Surkotada, confirmed by Sándor Bökönyi as true, domesticated horses.
- Similar findings of horse remains have been reported at sites like Shikarpur, Kuntasi, Kalibangan, and the Chambal Valley.
- Early dates for horse remains, such as at Hallur (1500-1300 BCE), contradict the theory that horses were brought by Aryans around 1500 BCE.
- Depictions and Additional Evidence:
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- Horse figurines found at Mohenjo-daro and Lothal, as well as rock art, indicate the presence of horses in Harappan culture.
- The spoked wheel, once thought to be introduced by Aryans, has been found in Harappan sites like Banawali, Rakhigarhi, Kuntasi, Lothal, and Bhirrana.
- Conclusion:
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- The presence of horse remains and depictions in Harappan sites weakens the argument that horses and related innovations were introduced solely by Aryan invaders.
- The reliance on negative evidence and outdated colonial interpretations has skewed the understanding of the Harappan civilization’s relationship with horses.
