Five thousand years ago, Kashmir was more beautiful than today — richer forests, purer rivers, more vibrant flora. Archaeological fieldwork proves it. And then the intellectual class was expelled.
Archaeologist Shri R. S. Fonia presents field research conducted through the lens of the Neelmath Purana and the concept of Kali Yuga — work that was dramatically interrupted when peak militancy in 1985-97 forced the suspension of excavations. His findings document Kashmir’s continuous cultural thread from Neolithic to the present, with evidence of copper, iron, bead trade, and Harappan connections via Jhelum river timber routes to Mesopotamia.
The ecological narrative is sobering: Kashmir’s natural abundance was systematically exploited for human comfort, leading to environmental degradation that mirrors the Puranic description of civilizational decline. The expulsion of the Kashmiri intellectual class — Fonia draws an explicit parallel with Chanakyas being pushed out of the valley — is framed as the defining Kali Yuga rupture. His plea is for continued archaeological investigation of the many undated sites and cultural gaps that still await systematic study in the valley.

About the Speaker:
Dr. RS Fonia, born in Chamoli, Garhwal, was inspired by the Himalayas to pursue a doctorate in their socio-economic and cultural studies. A noted researcher, he currently serves as Joint Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, and has held key roles in World Heritage, Exploration, Antiquities, and National Monument Authority. He has also represented India at major international conferences.