From Sapth Sindhu to the Sands of Arab: Tracing Religious and Social Transitions Since the Indus Valley Civilization

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula are two cradles of civilization that have experienced profound and interconnected religious and social transformations over millennia. This research paper explores the transitions from the era of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Sapth Sindhu or the Land of Seven Rivers, to the emergence and rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. Through an interdisciplinary lens incorporating archaeology, history, sociology, and religious studies, this work examines the cultural foundations of the IVC, the Vedic transition, interactions with Mesopotamian and Arabian societies, and the dynamics of religious conversion in the Arab world. Emphasis is placed on understanding the socio-economic systems, trade networks, and religious institutions that facilitated trans-regional interactions. The spread of Islam and the conversion of various groups in Arabia are contextualized through historical, political, and theological frameworks. Further, archaeological discoveries from both regions are analyzed to trace evidence of shared cultural artifacts, maritime links, inscriptions, and religious symbols. The study concludes by reflecting on the enduring influence of these ancient exchanges on contemporary religious and cultural identities. This comprehensive approach aims to fill scholarly gaps by unearthing long-term connections between the Sapth Sindhu and Arabian civilizations, demonstrating how migration, trade, belief systems, and power structures shaped the religious and social landscapes we observe today.