1. Background and Motivation
Tilak was deeply fascinated by ancient Indian scriptures and sought to understand:
- The astronomical phenomena described in the Vedas
- The origins of Vedic culture
- The relationship between natural science and ancient literature
While studying Vedic references to seasons, long days, and polar phenomena, he concluded that these descriptions aligned more with Arctic conditions than with those of the Indian subcontinent.
2. Core Thesis: Aryans Originated in the Arctic
Tilak’s central argument was that the Vedic hymns contain observations of natural phenomena unique to the Arctic, including:
- Six-month-long days and nights
- The delayed sunrise and slow movement of the sun along the horizon
- Long twilight periods
- Seasonal extremes described in Vedic verses
He believed these references preserved the memories of ancient ancestors who once lived near the North Pole.
3. Use of Astronomy and Vedic Texts
Tilak meticulously examined:
- Rigvedic hymns describing dawns and long nights
- Brahmana and Aitareya texts
- Astronomical cycles such as precession of the equinoxes
He calculated historical timelines based on celestial observations, proposing that:
- The Arctic home phase existed around 10,000–8,000 BCE
- Aryan migrations southward began as climatic conditions changed
His approach was unprecedented in combining modern astronomy with ancient literature.
4. Migration Theory
According to Tilak, climatic changes in the Arctic (such as the Ice Age shifts) forced early Aryans to migrate to:
- Northern Europe
- Central Asia
- Iran
- Eventually the Indian subcontinent
He argued that these migrations explain the linguistic, mythological, and cultural similarities found across Indo-European civilizations.
5. Scientific and Scholarly Debate
Tilak’s thesis sparked global debate because:
- It challenged traditional Indological assumptions
- It used astronomy as historical evidence
- It offered a new perspective on Indo-European origins
Modern scholars have offered mixed views:
Supporters highlight:
- Tilak’s innovative use of interdisciplinary methods
- Valid astronomical correlations
- Unique Vedic descriptions matching polar conditions
Critics argue:
- Vedic verses may be symbolic rather than astronomical
- Migration timelines remain speculative
- Archaeological evidence for an Arctic origin is limited
Despite debates, Arctic Home in the Vedas continues to be studied for its creativity and bold scholarship.
