Introduction

Recent archaeological discoveries in North Kerala indicate that the area had cultural and commercial relations with the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) as early as about 3000 BCE. Renowned archaeologist and anthropologist N.K. Ramesh made this epoch-making discovery while interpreting inscriptions on megalithic pottery unearthed from Peringathur in Kannur district and Kakkur in Kozhikode district. This find has raised eyebrows in the world of historians and scholars alike, enlightening us all on Kerala’s past trade contacts and its importance during early times of civilization.

The discovery lay in understanding an inscription written on pottery with ‘Ga ra Ga ra Ga ra’ as it was translated into Prakrit, supposedly equating ‘Hara Hara Hara’ in Sanskrit. The writing, referred to as Indus Brahmi, was identified on megalithic pottery for the very first time. The text was cracked by Kovoor Raghavan, Director at the Centre for Indus Brahmi Script Research (CISR), Thrissur. That identical scripts found on the famed Edakkal caves of Wayanad form yet another strengthening point of North Kerala’s affiliation with the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Revealing the Connection

The finding of Indus Brahmi inscriptions in Kerala is strong evidence of North Kerala’s involvement in a trade network that spanned India thousands of years ago. The Indus Valley Civilisation, which was one of the earliest urban cultures, was famous for its advanced trade networks that reached as far as Mesopotamia, Persia, and other places. Mr. Ramesh opines that Kerala was included in this network, trading and exchanging cultures with North India and further afield.

Kerala’s strategic location, with its extensive coastline and nearness to prominent sea routes, made it the perfect center for early trade. Archaeologists have long believed that Kerala’s prehistoric societies were trading with far-off civilizations, exchanging products such as spices, minerals, and metals. The excavation of megalithic pottery inscribed with Indus Brahmi script further reinforces the notion that Kerala had a developed, networked economy even during prehistoric periods.

Impact of Indus Brahmi Script in Kerala

Indus Brahmi script is amongst the oldest scripts known, and it has roots in the Indus Valley Civilisation. Its presence on megalithic pottery in Kerala is a groundbreaking event in South India’s prehistoric studies. This discovery, say experts, disputes the earlier assumption that the influence of the Indus Valley Civilisation was only in North India.

The existence of Indus Brahmi script in Kerala indicates that the early residents of the state were not cut off but were actively interacting with civilizations of their times. The deciphered text, ‘Hara Hara Hara,’ indicates early religious or ritualistic contacts and provides indications of the propagation of ideas and beliefs. The fact that such inscriptions were found in Edakkal caves additionally supports the postulation that Kerala’s megalithic culture had profound connections with early urban civilizations.

Other Archaeological Evidence

Apart from the megalithic pottery, several other archaeological finds in North Kerala suggest its ancient commercial links. Archaeological excavations at various regions in Kerala have uncovered Roman coins, megalithic graves, and remains of prehistoric tools and buildings. These suggest that Kerala was not only a mere recipient of ancient cultural influences but an active partner in the prehistoric world trade system.

The rock carvings of the Edakkal caves have been of great interest to historians. The symbols and inscriptions on the caves closely resemble Indus Valley seals, and this is yet another indication of a potential cultural continuity. The fact that Indus Brahmi script has been discovered in the Edakkal caves further adds strength to the argument that the extent of the Indus Valley Civilisation spread beyond North India into the southernmost regions.

Vadakkan Keralam: Charithratheetha Kaalam Insights

Mr. Ramesh’s new book, Vadakkan Keralam: Charithratheetha Kaalam, promises to present a comprehensive account of these findings and how they affect Kerala’s history. The book explores several traces from the prehistoric period discovered in various sites across North Kerala, presenting fresh insights into early human habitation, trade networks, and the impact of the Indus Valley Civilisation on South India.

The fact that Indus Brahmi script has been found in Kerala, as per Mr. Ramesh, not only confirms trade relations but also indicates that ideas and knowledge traveled between regions. This contradicts the traditional view that ancient South Indian societies evolved independently of North Indian civilizations. Rather, it confirms that civilizations on the Indian subcontinent were interlinked through trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

Implications for Indian History

The discovery of Indus Valley connections in Kerala has significant implications for Indian history research. It indicates that:

1. Kerala traded early with North India and possibly other civilizations as well. The trade in goods, technology, and ideas was not restricted to North India but also included the southernmost parts.
2. South Indian civilizations were more integrated with the Indus Valley Civilisation than was thought before. This finding contradicts the long-held view that early South Indian history evolved independently of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
3. The dissemination of writing systems in ancient India was more widespread than believed. The occurrence of Indus Brahmi script in Kerala shows that literacy and written communication were widespread in South India much earlier than believed.

Conclusion

The find of Indus Brahmi writing on megalithic ceramics in North Kerala represents a turning point in the history of Indian archaeology. It presents irrefutable evidence of Kerala’s close cultural and trading connections with the Indus Valley Civilisation, going back at least to 3000 BCE. This finding re-writes the history of ancient Kerala and underscores the state’s significance as part of initial global trade links.

Mr. Ramesh’s studies, complemented by data from places such as the Edakkal caves, indicate that Kerala’s prehistoric societies were not cut off but were engaged in interactions with other sophisticated civilizations. With increased archaeological research, new evidence can continue to deconstruct the age-old linkages between Kerala and the ancient world.

The new book, Vadakkan Keralam: Charithratheetha Kaalam, will throw more light on these intriguing findings and provide new research avenues. This historical breakthrough highlights the importance of further exploration and conservation of India’s rich archaeological heritage.