In an era where historical narratives are often shaped by fragmented evidence or ideological agendas, Dating The Mahabharata, a documentary by Prachyam, stands as a beacon of intellectual rigour and cultural pride. I was glued to the screen for so long after a long time. Directed with meticulous precision by Capt Praveen Chaturvedi, the founder & CEO of Prachyam Studios, and rooted in the groundbreaking research of Nilesh Oak, this film, available on the Prachyam OTT platform, redefines how we perceive ancient Indian history. By anchoring the Mahabharata War to 5561 BCE through astronomical evidence, the documentary not only validates the antiquity of Hindu civilisation but also highlights the unparalleled scientific temper embedded in Sanatan Dharma. Here we explore the film’s brilliance, its significance for modern audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, and its broader implications for humanity’s understanding of history.

At the heart of Dating The Mahabharata lies Nilesh Oak’s extraordinary research, which leverages over 300 astronomical references embedded in the Mahabharata text to pinpoint the war’s date to 5561 BCE. Oak, a scholar with a background in engineering and a passion for ancient Indian texts, employs advanced astronomical software to map the positions of stars, planets, and celestial events described in the epic. The director meticulously presents this process, transforming complex scientific analysis into an accessible narrative that captivates both scholars and lay audiences.

Oak’s methodology is nothing short of revolutionary. By cross-referencing textual descriptions—such as the positions of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and, in particular, deciphering the special mention by Maharishi Ved Vyasa of Arundhati being ahead of Vashistha, with modern astronomical tools, he constructs a timeline that aligns with the Mahabharata’s internal chronology. The film highlights how these celestial markers, preserved in the text for millennia, serve as a historical GPS, guiding researchers to a precise date. This is not mere speculation but a scientific endeavour........

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