Kawi and Their Role in Statehood in Ancient Bactria during Formation Period

Abstract

This article seeks to illuminate the historical and cultural processes of Ancient Bactria by analyzing written and archaeological sources. It critically examines inaccuracies and inconsistencies in existing historiography while reconstructing Bactria’s history through an objective lens. Additionally, it underscores Bactria’s significance in the cultural and ethnic history of Central Asian peoples, drawing on a rigorous assessment of available sources. Historical conclusions were derived from a critical review of source material, with the primary criterion being the scientific validity of the interpretations used in prior research. The study also considers the influence of ideological factors, which significantly shaped earlier scholarship on Bactrian history. The analytical component of this research involved cross-referencing data on the Bactrian Kawian state from diverse written and archaeological records. Many earlier studies failed to provide an objective account of the region’s political dynamics before the Achaemenid period, often neglecting or overlooking pertinent evidence. As reflected in this article, the study proposes integrating new data into historical scholarship to enable a more precise understanding of Ancient Bactria during this era. The authors argue that persistent terminological inaccuracies have distorted interpretations of the region’s history and its underlying processes. Furthermore, this work attempts to clarify the role and legacy of the Bactrian Kawian state in shaping the ethnic groups that now inhabit various parts of Central Asia.