The language associated with the ancient settlement of Keeladi is Tamil, primarily evidenced through the discovery of Tamil-Brahmi scripts.
Keeladi, an archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, India, has yielded significant insights into the urban civilization that thrived along the Vaigai River. The extensive excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts, including pottery shards, personal ornaments, and various objects, bearing inscriptions that shed light on the language used by its inhabitants.
Evidences of Tamil-Brahmi Script at Keeladi
Archaeological excavations at Keeladi have consistently unearthed a wealth of artifacts inscribed with Tamil-Brahmi scripts and various forms of graffiti. These findings are crucial in establishing the linguistic heritage of the site.
- Abundant Inscriptions: Researchers have found hundreds of pottery fragments and other items etched with Tamil-Brahmi characters. These inscriptions often represent names, indicating the prevalence of literacy and personal identification within the ancient community.
- Historical Context: The presence of Tamil-Brahmi script places Keeladi within the timeline of early Tamil writing, linking it to the Sangam Age, a period of significant literary and cultural development in Tamil history. This script is considered an early form of the Tamil writing system.
- Graffiti Similarities: Artefacts with graffiti engraved on them have been found to have similarities in their nature to those seen in the Indus Valley script, particularly concerning early marking systems, although they represent different linguistic families and periods.
The Significance of Tamil-Brahmi
Tamil-Brahmi is an ancient script used to write the Tamil language. It is a variant of the Brahmi script, adapted for the phonetics of Tamil. Its discovery at Keeladi, unearthed during many seasons of excavations, is paramount for several reasons:
- Dating the Civilization: The script helps in dating the Keeladi settlement, often pushing its timeline further back than previously thought, suggesting an urban civilization thriving much earlier than commonly believed in South India.
- Literacy and Society: The widespread presence of inscribed artifacts suggests a literate society with organized social structures and possibly advanced administrative practices. The simplicity and commonality of some engravings point towards a degree of public literacy.
- Cultural Continuity: The findings underscore the long and continuous history of the Tamil language and its written form. It connects modern Tamil to its ancient roots, providing a tangible link to its rich literary tradition.
Key Findings and Their Linguistic Implications
| Artifact Type | Linguistic Evidence | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Pottery Shards | Tamil-Brahmi scripts | Evidence of everyday literacy, personal names |
| Graffiti Marks | Various symbols and scripts | Non-standardized writing, potential unique markers |
| Personal Ornaments | Engraved scripts | Personal identification, artistic and cultural expression |
The artefacts unearthed during the many seasons of excavations at Keeladi, particularly those bearing Tamil-Brahmi scripts and graffiti, provide concrete evidence that Tamil was the language of this ancient settlement. These findings are pivotal in understanding the linguistic and cultural history of the region. The upcoming museum at Keeladi is set to house these significant artefacts, further showcasing the ancient language and script of the site.
For more information on the archaeological findings at Keeladi, you can visit the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.
