The Defense Systems of Sarasvati Cities: A Peaceful Civilization

The Seven Rivers Civilization, known for its well-organized cities along the Sarasvati River, intrigues many researchers. Although these cities were advanced, we find no trace of organized violence or warlike tools. In fact, peace seems to have reigned almost naturally, a rare phenomenon in ancient history.

No Trace of Conflict

Archaeologists, while exploring the ruins of these cities, have noticed a striking detail: no signs of battles or conflicts. Here is what they observed:

1. No weapons of war: Unlike other ancient civilizations, the Seven Rivers civilization left no swords, shields, or weapons intended for attack. Excavations have revealed only a few hunting tools, but nothing that suggests preparation for armed conflict.

2. No injuries on the bones found: The bodies studied do not bear marks of injuries, which are often found on the skeletons of other civilizations of this time. This suggests that the inhabitants of the region lived without major external or internal threats.

3. No signs of sieges: The walls of the cities, although strong and well-designed, do not show any signs of siege, such as arrows planted or stones broken by catapults. This indicates that they did not need to defend themselves against invaders.

4. Absence of violent scenes in art: The art representations and sculptures of this civilization do not show scenes of war or violence, unlike many other cultures of the same era.

The Role of Soma in Peacekeeping

According to some scholars, this peace may be linked to a sacred plant, soma. Used in spiritual rituals, soma is said to have allowed leaders and sages to rise above their own egos. It is believed that soma helped dissolve the feelings of power and domination that often lead to conflict. Without a strong ego to seek to impose itself on others, the leaders of the Seven Rivers civilization would have worked more for the common good, rather than for personal ambitions.

An Organization and Symbolic Defense Systems

The cities of this civilization were well planned and organized community life in a balanced way, with distinct neighborhoods and advanced water and sewage systems. Although their walls and fortifications were modest, they seem to have served more to demarcate neighborhoods than to defend against enemies. The true « defense system » of this civilization was therefore based on values of peace and respect, supported by the use of soma.

A Model Civilization of Peace

Ultimately, the 7 Rivers civilization, through its lifestyle choices and its absence of traces of violence, shows us that a society can evolve without the use of force. Through community organization, respect for spiritual values, and the use of soma to free the mind from the ego, this civilization remains an example of peace for humanity.