1. Origin of ancient Tamil script
2. Historical significance of Tamil script’s origins.
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Chennai: Recent scientific breakthroughs in dating techniques have led to a significant revision in the timeline of the Tamili (Tamil-Brahmi) script’s origin, pushing it back by a hundred years to the 7th Century BCE. The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has been at the forefront of these discoveries, uncovering new insights into the ancient script’s history.
New Scientific Dates
Through the use of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating, samples collected from various archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu have provided fresh insights into the origins of the Tamili script. The AMS dates obtained from Beta Analytic Laboratory in Florida revealed intriguing findings.
One of the earliest dates obtained is from Sivagalai in Thoothukudi district, dating back to 685 BCE. Additionally, the urban industrial settlement of Keeladi near Madurai has been dated to 679 BCE, shedding new light on the script’s early usage.
Significance of the Findings
These new discoveries, published in an international journal, challenge previous assumptions about the timeline of the Tamili script. The findings have sparked interest and debate among researchers and historians, with Chief Minister M K Stalin expressing a commitment to re-evaluate India’s history through a scientific lens.
The implications of these findings extend beyond just the script’s origin. Carbon-dating of artefacts from Keeladi and paddy husks from Sivagalai have provided valuable insights into the region’s ancient history, with some items dating back thousands of years.
Implications for Tamil Nadu’s History
The revised timeline for the Tamili script has far-reaching implications for Tamil Nadu’s historical narrative. Prof K Rajan, a leading academic closely involved with TNSDA, pointed out that the new dates challenge existing theories about the introduction of Brahmi scripts during Asokan times.
Moreover, the widespread presence of Tamili inscriptions across various archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu indicates a high level of literacy during the Early Historic period. The uniformity in writing, grammar, and linguistic patterns suggests a sophisticated writing system prevalent in the region.
Future Research and Projects
As part of an ambitious project, the TNSDA is working to document and digitize over 15,000 graffiti and Tamili-inscribed potsherds for further research. By placing these materials in the public domain, researchers hope to decipher the ancient inscriptions and gain a deeper understanding of Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the key objectives of the project is to explore the possible connections between the graffiti marks and the Tamili script. By studying the evolution of these writing systems, scholars aim to shed light on the region’s linguistic history and its interactions with neighbouring cultures.
Conclusion
The recent discoveries regarding the origin of the Tamili script highlight the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and its contributions to India’s historical legacy. By leveraging advanced scientific techniques and archaeological research, scholars are uncovering new insights into the region’s ancient past.
Published on 03 June 2024, 00:04 IST
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1. Origin of Tamili script push
2. Fresh scientific dates Tamili script origin.
