Uncle Jazzbeau’s Gallimaufrey

I hate to say it, but in my experience linguistics, as practiced by Indians, is a morass of unscientific method awash in blatant nationalism of a kind that has not been acceptable in other parts of the world for a century or so (excepting the obvious totalitarian regimes). The fact that the hypothesis of a "monosyllabic Sanskrit" is taken seriously enough to refute is telling. I doubt that the Harappa script is decipherable unless bilingual texts are found.

Aw, come on now, LH, Panini wasn't that much of a nationalist, was he?

I hate to say it, but in my experience linguistics, as practiced by Indians, is a morass of unscientific method awash in blatant nationalism of a kind that has not been acceptable in other parts of the world for a century or so (excepting the obvious totalitarian regimes).

What is your basis for making such sweeping statements ?

Having been subjected to a lot of bad Indian linguistic writing. I'm not saying it's a universal truth, but it's my experience. But you're right, jim, things were different back in Panini's day.

I can't talk on linguistic matters, as I am not an expert on this subject.But I feel sorry when I find how the proponents of OIT & AIT abuse each other.This type of debate doesnot make environment for proper discussions,research and study.Both sides have some crucial points which the contesting side is not able to answer.While absence of Horse & chariots with spoked wheels in IVC goes in favour of AIT(immigration)supporters,the drying up Sarasvati goes in favour of OIT supporters.

However,there are certain suggestions which needs to be seriously considered. One such suggestion is whether Sarasvati of Rigveda is the same as that mentioned in later Vaidic text which mention drying up of Sarasvati.Some scholars have made a strong case that Sarasvati of Rigveda is actually a major river of Afganistan.Later on when Aryans migrated to NW India they transported some of the river names also including Sarasvati.

I myself, primafaci, donnot agree with the above view because I find it syprising that Aryans named a dried up river as Sarasvati which they held in such an exaulted position.Moreover,do we have evidence of settlement of comparative antiquity on the banks this Afgan river? Further,even if it is assumed that Aryans were still in Afganistan,they must have learnt about this massive Indian river Sarasvati as Afganistan was not far off from Punjab.Thus,to me this theory doesnot appear to be very attractive.But I feel that scholars should study and explore this theory.
The Indian river Sarasvati must have been a great river during IVC time as is evident from numerous sites of settlements identified along it's course.However,accuracy of it's time of drying up needs to be ascertained.Perhaps dates estimate on the basis of satelite pictures may not be that accurate.More accurate estimates are required.

Thanks
cps

cps-- Unfortunatelky, it's the sort of thing you see in academia and elsewhere all the time. Discourse quickly moves from reasoned argumentation to mutual abuse.