Was Ayodhya A Mythical City?

Abstract

This paper explores the archaeological attempts to verify the historicity of the Mahabharata, an epic traditionally viewed with skepticism due to its extensive embellishments over time. Initial investigations focused on correlating material culture, specifically the Painted Grey Ware, with locations and events described in the epic, providing support for some historical basis. Additionally, the research extends to the Ramayana, attempting to locate and excavate the legendary sites mentioned in the epic, despite contemporary skepticism about their existence. Both projects highlight the challenges and implications of using archaeology to interpret literary texts, demonstrating the complexity of distinguishing historical fact from myth in ancient narratives.