Discover the profound interplay between archaeology and religion in early Northwest India, a crucial region for understanding Indian history. This compelling study critically examines how ancient cultural narratives were reinterpreted to forge colonial and postcolonial Indian identities. It offers a robust theoretical lens and insightful case studies that champion the agency of ancient peoples. An essential read for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of South Asian archaeology and cultural heritage seeking deeper insights into the subcontinent’s past.