The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), an ancient culture rooted in today’s India and Pakistan, has long been a subject of fascination for historians and archaeologists. The linguistic culture of the IVC has been under constant scrutiny, with researchers increasingly exploring its roots. Recently, a study has provided an enlightening perspective on the linguistic culture of this civilization, its dietary habits, and its interactions with other civilizations. This article unravels these findings in detail.
The Indus Valley Civilization’s Linguistic Roots
Recent research suggests that the Proto-Dravidian language, the forebear of modern Dravidian languages, had a significant influence in the Indus Valley region. A sizable population of the IVC is believed to have spoken Proto-Dravidian, or ancestral Dravidian languages. These languages had a prominent presence in northern India, including the Indus Valley region, before migrating to other areas. Further, the research asserts the existence of several languages in the IVC, possibly spoken by various groups within its vast one-million square kilometer expanse.
IVC’s Interaction with Other Civilizations
The study also unraveled fascinating insights about the IVC’s connection with other ancient civilizations. Some words in Akkadian, the language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia, are said to have roots in the Indus Valley. This linguistic connection can be attributed to the thriving trade relations between the IVC and the regions of the Persian Gulf and Mesopotamia. One of the sought-after commodities in these exchanges was elephant ivory, for which the Indus Valley was a primary supplier in the middle-third to early-second millennium BC.
The Indus Valley Civilization Overview
The Indus Civilization is recognized as the earliest urban culture of the Indian subcontinent, otherwise known as the Harappan Civilization. It is ranked among the world’s three earliest civilizations, along with those of Mesopotamia and Egypt. The IVC arose around 3300 BC, flourished between 2600 BC and 1900 BC, and declined around 1400 BC.
Geographical Extent and Important Sites of the IVC
The IVC spans across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Western Uttar Pradesh, reaching as far as Afghanistan. Major sites include Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Lothal, Dholavira, Rangpur, Surkotda (Gujarat), Banawali (Haryana), Ropar (Punjab), Harappa and Mohenjodaro (Pakistan).
Distinctive Features of the IVC
Known for their sophisticated urban planning, the cities of the IVC displayed a high level of advancement. They had a distinct hierarchy in society, evident in the division of cities into a citadel and the lower town. They also had well-developed drainage systems, weights for measurements, toys, and seals.
Agriculture and Trade in the IVC
The IVC was the first civilization to cultivate cotton. They domesticated animals like sheep, goats, and pigs, and crops such as wheat, barley, cotton, ragi, dates, and peas were common. Their trade partners included the Sumerians of Mesopotamia.
Metal Products and Art Forms in the IVC
Metal products were produced in the IVC, incorporating copper, bronze, tin, and lead. Artifacts of gold and silver were also found, but iron was not known to them. No structures like temples or palaces have been discovered, indicating their religious beliefs might have centered on male and female deities.
Dravidian Languages
The Dravidian languages, sprung from Proto-Dravidian, encompass a family of approximately 70 languages spoken primarily in South Asia. The most widely spoken Dravidian languages are Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Few Dravidian-speaking Scheduled Tribes like the Kurukh and Gondi are found in Eastern and Central India, respectively.