History is being distorted at the Institute of Archaeology, Red Fort, in Delhi.  The findings of the three coffins and skeletal remains, chariots, swords, etc, at Sanauli, Baghpat (UP) excavation site in June, are not linked to Mahabharata, but to something else. Pre-Iron or Bronze Age in 2000-1800 BC, should be seen through Ptolemy’s, Eratosthenes’ and Periplus’ maps. .

Both the Indian epics happened in Madhyadesha; Pali texts carry the names of the places which formed the geographical boundaries of Madhyadesha, same as Madhybhubana of Indian purans. ASIs archaeologist couple — Arvin and Sanjay Manjul should concentrate on this boundary places along with the river Saraswati before highlighting their findings in the media.

Perhaps, ASI’s archaeologists do not know that Hastinapura of the Mahabharata is same as Elephantine of biblical and classical literature. It is high time that Indian scholars should start seeing Hastinapura as same as Elephantine, and the river Tigris as same as the river Bagha of ancient Indian texts.

Golden chariots are also used by sethis of Vaisali during Buddha’s time; they should not be seen as an index to determine epic’s time. Other items of excavations depict normal tones and tunes of an archaeologist.

Geographical situation of ancient Ganga-Yamuna doab should be explained keeping in view the central position of Mt Imaos, same as Mt Meru of Indian puranas.

CT scan, X-ray and infra-red photography cannot generate an ancient world as noted in Ptolemy’s maps. ASI should be mindful of the ancient Saraswati river, Madhyadesha boundary, and Mt Imaos.