Tag: Archaeology

National

2,000-Year-Old Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Discovered in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, Rewriting Ancient Maritime History

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A groundbreaking discovery may reshape our understanding of ancient maritime trade routes. Researchers have identified 2,000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit inscriptions within the high-security royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt — a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Pharaonic burials.

The findings offer compelling new evidence of maritime trade connections between ancient Tamilakam (present-day Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions) and Egypt, dating back nearly two millennia. The inscriptions are believed to belong to the period between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE — a time corresponding to the height of Indo-Roman trade.

According to reports, 30 inscriptions in Tamil-Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit were identified across six tombs in the Theban Necropolis. The site, located within ancient Thebes, is globally known for housing royal tombs including that of Tutankhamun.

The study was conducted during 2024 and 2025 by Professor Charlotte Schmid of the French School of Asian Studies (EFEO) and Professor Ingo Strauch of the University of Lausanne. The team documented inscriptions across multiple tombs, building upon the early 20th-century work of French scholar Jule Baillet, who surveyed the Valley of the Kings in 1926 and catalogued more than 2,000 Greek graffiti marks.

Commenting on the discovery, author and historian TS Krishnan noted that Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt are “not entirely unexpected.” He pointed to well-established maritime trade networks between ancient Tamilakam and the Mediterranean world, particularly Egypt, during the Sangam age.

Krishnan also referenced earlier discoveries, including a broken pottery shard bearing Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt, read as “Paanai Uri,” interpreted as “a pot hung by rope” or “suspended vessel.” The artefact is generally dated to around the 1st century CE.

The presence of Indian inscriptions inside royal Egyptian tomb complexes suggests that Indian merchants may have travelled deep into Egyptian territory, leaving behind tangible traces of cross-cultural contact.

If further authenticated and studied, this discovery could significantly expand the historical narrative of Indo-Egyptian relations and reinforce evidence of India’s extensive maritime networks during antiquity.

National

Keeladi Unearthed: The Ancient Tamil Urban Settlement Reshaping India’s Civilisational Narrative

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Hidden beneath the tranquil coconut groves of Keeladi village in Tamil Nadu lies a discovery that could rewrite Indian history. A series of archaeological excavations have unearthed artefacts and structures dating back to 580 BCE, revealing a sophisticated, literate, and urbanized civilization in South India—one that challenges long-standing assumptions about the origins and spread of ancient Indian culture.

Led by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, these digs have recovered more than 15,000 artefacts, including burial urns, coins, beads, terracotta pipes, and intricate brick constructions—all from just four acres of the 100-acre site. Central to the findings is the early use of Tamil Brahmi script, which some experts now argue predates the Ashokan Brahmi, previously believed to be the subcontinent’s earliest form of written communication.

Ajay Kumar, who heads the excavation team, describes Keeladi as a “literate, urban society” with evidence of planned habitation, industrial activity, and water systems. “This changes everything we thought we knew about urbanisation in southern India,” he asserts.

Yet Keeladi’s importance extends beyond archaeology. It has become a cultural and political flashpoint in the ongoing discourse around India’s historical identity. Traditionally, the Indus Valley and later Vedic civilizations—both rooted in northern and central India—have dominated the narrative. Keeladi upends this by suggesting a parallel trajectory of civilization in the south.

The implications are vast. Some believe Keeladi could be linked to the Indus Valley through shared graffiti symbols, hinting at a broader, interconnected civilizational past. Others, like Professor Ajit Kumar from Nalanda University, remain skeptical, arguing that such migration and cultural transfer were unlikely due to ancient travel limitations.

The political undertones intensified in 2017 when ASI archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishnan, who initiated the Keeladi digs, was suddenly transferred. The Tamil Nadu government accused the federal administration of undermining Tamil heritage. Subsequent delays in publishing his excavation report further fueled suspicions of cultural suppression.

Today, Keeladi stands at the crossroads of science, identity, and politics. It represents both a rediscovery of a proud Tamil past and a challenge to long-standing narratives dominated by the north. The open-air museum under construction will soon let visitors walk through trenches that could redefine Indian history.

As journalist and author Sowmiya Ashok puts it, “Keeladi reminds us that our past is not one-dimensional. It’s layered, shared, and more connected than we’ve been led to believe.”

Events in Goa

Unveiling the Secrets of Iconography: A 3-Day Workshop in Goa

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In a bid to promote cultural awareness and understanding, Secretary (Archaeology) Shri. Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, inaugurated a three-day workshop on “An Introduction to Iconography” at the Lecture Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto Panaji. The workshop, organized by the Department of Archaeology, brought together experts and enthusiasts to delve into the fascinating world of iconography.

The workshop aimed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the study of iconography, covering its principles, methods, and applications. Participants had the opportunity to engage with renowned experts in the field, including Director of the Department of Archaeology, Dr. Nilesh B. Fal Dessai, who was also present at the inauguration.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Learning

The three-day workshop provided a unique platform for cultural exchange and learning, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of iconography and its significance in understanding cultural heritage.

Promoting Cultural Awareness and Preservation

The initiative is part of the Department of Archaeology’s efforts to promote cultural awareness and preservation in Goa. By organizing such workshops and events, the department aims to create a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community towards preserving their cultural heritage.

As Secretary (Archaeology) Shri. Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, emphasized, “It is essential to understand and appreciate our cultural heritage, and iconography plays a vital role in this process. We hope that this workshop will inspire participants to explore and learn more about our rich cultural legacy.”