Graffiti in Tamil Nadu linked to Indus Valley script
A Tamil Nadu study reveals that 90 per cent of graffiti from Iron Age archaeological sites parallels Indus Valley Civilisation signs, suggesting possible links. Artefacts and carbon-dated findings highlight ancient trade and cultural exchanges, though further research is needed to establish conclusive evidence.
News Arena Network - Chennai - UPDATED: January 6, 2025, 02:49 PM - 2 min read
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Nearly 90 percent of the graffiti marks discovered at archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu bear striking similarities to signs from the Indus Valley Civilisation, according to a study by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department.
The research, led by Professor K Rajan and Joint Director R Sivananthan, has digitised over 15,000 graffiti-bearing potsherds collected from 140 sites across the state.
The findings were revealed during the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation and suggest potential exchanges between Iron Age settlements in Tamil Nadu and the Indus civilisation.
Archaeological excavation underway at Keeladi near Madurai.
The excavation site at Keeladi.
Key discoveries from excavations
Artefacts unearthed from the Sivagalai site in Thoothukudi district include carnelian beads, agate, black-and-red ware, and terracotta items such as spindle whorls, smoking pipes, and bangles made of glass and shell.
The Sivagalai excavation site in Thoothukudi district.
Carbon dating has determined that paddy husk recovered from burial urns at the site is approximately 3,200 years old, establishing the antiquity of the civilisation.
Similarly, findings from Keeladi in Sivaganga district indicate that the site dates back 2,600 years. Other significant archaeological sites yielding graffiti-inscribed potsherds include Thulukarpatti in Tirunelveli, Arikamedu, Uraiyur, Korkai, Alangulam, Adichanallur, Kodumanal, and Kilnamandi.
Graffiti and cultural connections
The study suggests that Tamil Nadu’s ancient Iron Age settlements may have been contemporary with the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Researchers observed similarities in script, material culture, and evidence of trade and cultural exchanges.
“The comparative study showed that there could be a possibility of exchanges between the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Iron Age settlements. But more evidence is needed to conclusively establish the link, which is now being attempted,” the researchers explained.
This study marks a step forward in understanding the historical connections between Tamil Nadu and one of the world’s earliest civilisations.
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