Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions in Egypt

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Why in News?

Recent research (2024–25) identified Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit and Sanskrit inscriptions in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, providing new archaeological evidence of early historic trade and mobility links between India and the Mediterranean world.

Description:

Key Terms:

Tamil Brahmi: Early script used to write Old Tamil

Theban Necropolis: Ancient burial complex near Luxor, Egypt

Discovery:

  • Around 30 inscriptions identified.
  • Scripts found: Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit, Sanskrit
  • Location: Valley of the Kings, Egypt, Theban Necropolis tomb complex
  • Period: Mainly 1st – 3rd Century CE (as per study findings).

Nature of Inscriptions:

  • Mostly short inscriptions.
  • Typically contain personal names of visitors.

India – Mediterranean Trade Linkages:

RegionTrade Role
TamilakamSpices, pearls, textiles
Roman WorldGold, wine, luxury goods

Why Valley of the Kings Matters?

  • Royal burial site of New Kingdom Pharaohs.
  • Presence of Indian inscriptions indicates long-distance mobility.

About Tamil language:

  • Tamil was the first language in India to receive the status of Classical Language (declared in 2004). It is also one of the 22 scheduled languages of India.
  • It is one of the world’s oldest continuously used living languages (2000+ years).
  • It belongs to the Dravidian language family.
  • Sangam literature (c. 300 BCE – 300 CE) is its earliest major literary corpus.
  • It is an official language of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Sri Lanka and Singapore. It also appears on the currency notes of Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.

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