TRANSLATOR'S FOREWORD When I first read the manuscript of `Vedancha To Arth', written by my childhood friend Ravindra Godbole, a number of thoughts emerged in my mind. The first was that the hypothesis propounded in this book was novel, logical and covered multi-disciplinary ideas. It was a path breaking spark of intuitive genius. It had the potential to bust many myths and challenge a lot of notions which were accepted as truths. Since, I was coming across most of the things written in the book, for the first time in my life; I was completely impartial and unbiased. I was not burdened with any pre-conceived ideas or schools of thought or isms; and hence as I continued reading, I found that there was an internal consistency in the entire narration. The trick was to understand that the core of the Vedas was the description of unusual celestial events, faithfully recorded by the Vedic seers and orally transmitted to the next generations. Once this paradigm was set in the mind, everything was simple to understand. The modern theory of Coherent Catastrophism, the unusual geographical formations like salt playas and Dhayya, the grey-ware pottery and faience objects found in the Indus excavations, the strange and often esoteric mythology about various deities and the mystery of Soma were then mere pieces in a jig-saw puzzle waiting to be rightly placed. I was equally convinced that the book written in Marathi will reach a limited number of people and the hypothesis definitely deserved to be made available to a larger number of readers. I tried to convince my friend to simultaneously publish this book in English and Marathi so as to have maximum impact. He in turn succeeded in convincing me to do the job of translating the book for him. An earlier book by Ravindra Godbole, `Indracha Janma' (The Birth of Indra) was published in 2007 by Deshmukh and Co. Publishers Pvt. Ltd. The present book is a continuation of the theme in that book. Since, the English translation of `Vedancha To Artha' did not have the advantage of `The Birth of Indra'; I requested Mr. Godbole to write an additional chapter on Indra in the English version of the book. After taking up the work of translation, I discovered that it was not as simple as it looked. Several nuances of language are very hard to express with the same force. Many words which carry a particular meaning in the vernacular language do not have apt counterparts in English. Also, with the average English language reader in mind, many ideas or concepts so easily understood by the Marathi/Indian reader; need a detailed explanation. I was very fortunate to have Ravindra Godbole to guide me at every stage of translation and have tried to put his thoughts in English to the best of my ability. We have worked together to avoid any distortion in meaning or dilution of the original text, due to language barriers. Even then I think that the English version is not a verbatim translation and in some parts does not reflect the Marathi text accurately. The responsibility is entirely mine. The title of the book needed an apt translation. The Marathi title is taken from a verse from the 17^th century poet-saint Tukaram and carries a special meaning. Tukaram is saying that the meaning of Vedas is known only to people like him who have received enlightenment. To convey that in the English title was no simple task. The English title `The Light from Vedas ... Ancient Indian History Revealed' requires some explanation. The light from Vedas is enlightenment itself. It may be the light of Soma, or the heavenly light of the falling meteors or the column of light from the Pravargya vidhi. It is not a light on Vedas; no claim is made to throw any light on these great scriptures. It is a light received from the Vedas which removes the dark ignorance from our minds. This light gives us clear understanding of the ancient times, people and traditions. This light has given the world a unique philosophy in the form of Upanishadas. The concept of Brahman which is without a beginning and an end, which is all-pervading, which is full of potential energy, which is without form and name cannot be perceived without this light. Modern science has explored the area between Zero and Infinity. Upanishadas go beyond that. The concept of Advaita, unity between Brahman and Jagat, between Atman and Paramatma is a most wonderful direction given to individuals for self exploration and self realization. The inner light from Vedas is indeed helpful while travelling on this path. I am very sure that this book will be read by the average readers and also the experts, scholars and research workers in the scientific fraternity especially in the field of archeology, astronomy, geology, linguistics etc. It would give me great satisfaction if this book will initiate further research in the related fields and several knotty issues about the ancient history of India are looked at with a new perspective. I pray that the correct and truthful meaning of Vedas is made available to the people without any bias, vested interests and ulterior motives. The Vedic seers will indeed be happy, if the present day humans will rise above petty squabbles and derive maximum benefit from the Vedantic philosophy. Subhash Shivram Phadke 403, `City Crown', Near Karve Statue, Kothrud, Pune 411038 Telephone No. 020-24545729, 9325088244 e-mail - subhashsphadke@yahoo.com