Knowtify 
India, a land of ancient wisdom and timeless traditions, is also home to some of the most intriguing legends. Among them, the story of The Nine Unknown Men stands out as a tale shrouded in mystery and secrecy. It is said that this secret society, formed over two millennia ago, guards knowledge so powerful that its misuse could doom humanity. The concept of The Nine Unknown Men is rooted in Indian folklore and was popularized by Talbot Mundy, a British author, in his 1923 novel, The Nine Unknown.
Origins of the Secret Society
The legend traces back to 273 BCE, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and one of India’s greatest rulers. After the brutal Kalinga War, which left around 100,000 dead and countless injured, Ashoka was overwhelmed with remorse. Determined to prevent such devastation from recurring, he embraced Buddhism and committed himself to non-violence.
However, Ashoka was also acutely aware of the danger that advanced knowledge posed if it fell into the wrong hands. To safeguard humanity, he supposedly established a secret society of nine brilliant men, each entrusted with a book of knowledge. These men were scholars, scientists, and sages, handpicked for their intellect and integrity. Their task was to compile, protect, and improve the immense scientific and philosophical knowledge accumulated through the ages.
The Nine Books of Knowledge
Each of the nine members was assigned a specific domain of knowledge, and they were instructed to keep their existence hidden while updating and guarding the content of their respective books. These volumes contained knowledge that could lead to unimaginable power or catastrophe if exploited. The subjects of the nine books were as follows:
- Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: Techniques to influence and manipulate public opinion.
- Physiology: Secrets of the human body, including methods of death by a simple touch, known as the “touch of death” or Vajra Mukti.
- Microbiology: Understanding and potentially weaponizing bacteria and viruses.
- Alchemy and Transmutation of Metals: Techniques to transform metals and understand material properties.
- Communication: Technologies related to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial communication.
- Gravitation and Anti-Gravity: Principles of gravitational control and levitation.
- Cosmology: Knowledge of the universe, time travel, and interstellar navigation.
- Light: Studies on optics, including bending light and invisibility.
- Sociology: Rules of evolution of societies and methods to predict their rise and fall.
Perpetual Guardianship
The members of the secret society were said to pass down their responsibilities through generations, ensuring that the wisdom never fell into unworthy hands. The Nine Unknown Men supposedly remained anonymous, interacting with the world only when necessary, often to guide scientific and societal advancements.
Evidence and Theories
Although there is no definitive proof of their existence, various conspiracy theories and anecdotes fuel the legend. Some claim that historical figures like Aryabhata, the ancient mathematician, and Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program, were connected to this secret society. Some even speculate that certain scientific breakthroughs, such as aviation and nuclear power, were influenced by the knowledge of the Nine Unknown Men.
Talbot Mundy’s Influence
In 1923, British author Talbot Mundy published The Nine Unknown, a novel that introduced Western audiences to this intriguing legend. In his story, the Nine are portrayed as guardians of forbidden knowledge, monitoring human progress and intervening when necessary. Although the novel was a work of fiction, it sparked curiosity about the secret society’s real existence.
Modern Connections and Speculations
In contemporary times, the concept of secret societies wielding immense knowledge is not unheard of. Comparisons are often drawn with the Freemasons or the Illuminati. Some theorists believe that modern scientific breakthroughs hint at the legacy of the Nine Unknown Men, suggesting that their knowledge continues to shape the world.
There are also speculations that the secret society is responsible for maintaining a balance between progress and destruction. For instance, when nuclear weapons were developed, some believed that the Nine allowed controlled progress to teach humanity a lesson about power and responsibility.
The Influence of Ancient Knowledge
The idea of The Nine Unknown Men resonates with the broader concept of hidden knowledge in ancient Indian traditions. The Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures often hint at profound scientific and spiritual wisdom that modern researchers are still deciphering.
A Timeless Mystery
Whether the Nine Unknown Men truly existed or continue to exist is a matter of speculation and belief. The legend endures as a symbol of humanity’s eternal struggle between the pursuit of knowledge and the dangers of its misuse. It reminds us that while knowledge empowers, it also carries immense responsibility.
The story of The Nine Unknown Men remains one of India’s most captivating mysteries, a blend of history, myth, and imagination that continues to fascinate and inspire curiosity across the world.
