Reinterpreting Hinduism Through the Lens of the Indus-to-Ganges Migration

The transition from the Indus-Sarasvati civilization to the Ganges civilization marks a foundational transformation in Hindu religious traditions. This study proposes an Indus-Ganges migration framework as an alternative to Aryan-Dravidian model to explain the evolution of ritual, language, and mythology. Early Vedic yajña traditions and deities such as Indra and Agni gave way to Bhakti movements, temple worship, and the prominence of Shiva and Vishnu. Linguistic and textual shifts, including reinterpretations of dharma, yajña, and moksha, reflected broader cultural transformations. The Upanishads, Puranas, and epic literature encoded these changes, preserving continuity while embracing new religious structures. By integrating textual analysis, linguistic evolution, and archaeological insights, this study demonstrates how Hinduism developed through adaptation rather than racial or linguistic ruptures. Reframing Hinduism’s origins within the Indus-Ganges continuum offers a more nuanced understanding of its historical evolution.