Seminar on Indus Valley Civilization Discovery Held at Government Museum, Chennai

Honorable Minister Mr. Thangam Thennarasu,
Honorable Minister Mr. M.P. Saminathan,
Honorable Minister Mr. K.S. Masthan,
Distinguished Tamil Scholar and Advocate of Tamil Culture,
Chennai Mayor Ms. Priya,
Legislators, Members of Parliament,
Archaeological Experts Mr. Muruganandam, I.A.S., Kevin Joseph and Mr. Udhayachandran, I.A.S.,
Historians, Researchers, and Guests from India and abroad,
My beloved brothers and sisters,
Esteemed friends from the media and communication sector,
and my heartfelt greetings to all of you.

In 2021, when our government was formed, we named it the “Dravidian Model Government.” We emphasized, “This is not just the government of a party; it is the government of the people.” This celebration today stands as a testament to that declaration. This event is a reflection of intellectual progress, as well as a thoughtful discussion about the maturity and advancement of research.

Today, we are proudly commemorating the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is notable that in no other state in India has such an event been held under the initiative of a government. This has been organized as a grand cultural and archaeological festival.

Our goal is to firmly establish Tamil Nadu’s place in the history of Indian civilization.

History, culture, archaeology, and Tamil Nadu’s pride have all come together to make this event possible. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Finance and Archaeology, Mr. Thangam Thennarasu, and the Principal Secretary of Finance and Commissioner of Archaeology, Mr. Udhayachandran, for organizing this remarkable event.

Both of you are true guardians of archaeology! From now on, anyone who steps into this hall will be able to learn about the Indus Valley Civilization. Your efforts have not only elevated the field of archaeology but have also brought immense pride to Tamil Nadu as a whole.

To celebrate the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization, the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology and the Roja Muthiah Research Library’s Indus Valley Research Centre have jointly organized this cultural seminar. This is a responsibility that our government is proud to undertake.

It is especially commendable that over twenty scholars and experts from both within India and abroad have come together to present their valuable insights at this seminar. This stands as a testament to the significance of this initiative.

The Indus Valley Civilization was first introduced to the world on September 20, 1924. This discovery was announced by Sir John Marshall, the then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, in the magazine The Illustrated London News. This revelation marked a turning point in Indian subcontinent history and fundamentally altered our understanding of the past. Before this discovery, many believed that the origins of Indian civilization were rooted in Aryan and Sanskrit traditions. However, John Marshall’s research demonstrated that the Indus Valley Civilization predated the Aryans and was likely Dravidian in nature—a theory proposed a century ago but still debated.

The Indus Valley showcased a highly organized and developed society, evident through its well-planned urban infrastructure and numerous archaeological findings. The civilization was centered around “kamalakal” (bullock carts), which are recognized as part of Dravidian heritage. This connection extends to regions like Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu, renowned for its bull-taming tradition. References to such practices are found in ancient Tamil literature, where they are described as “embracing the bull with valor.”

Artifacts from the Indus Valley reveal sculptures of bulls and depictions of human figures attempting to control them, symbolizing strength and courage. Additionally, elements like advanced urban settlements, reverence for mother goddesses, and the worship of sacred symbols connect the Indus Valley to Tamil Nadu’s Keeladi site, reinforcing the idea that the ancient Tamils had their roots in this civilization.

Sir John Marshall’s findings were widely published and supported by renowned researchers like Dr. Ambedkar, who, in 1948, praised Marshall’s groundbreaking contributions. Furthermore, in 2010, during the World Classical Tamil Conference, Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi reiterated the deep cultural ties between Tamil civilization and the Indus Valley, emphasizing the enduring legacy of this ancient heritage.

The concept of “Compassion for all living beings,” as reflected in the Tamil Kural, finds a connection in the Indus Valley seals, which have been documented and celebrated.

At a significant conference, esteemed scholars such as Asoka Parpola, Iravatham Mahadevan, and R. Balakrishnan delivered in-depth research papers highlighting the cultural synthesis between the Indus Valley Civilization and Tamil traditions. These discussions underscored the shared heritage and importance of both civilizations.

As a continuation of this legacy, the Dravidian Model Government of Tamil Nadu is organizing centenary celebrations for the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization. A symposium will be held to explore its relevance, and a book titled Indus Valley Findings and Tamil Nadu Symbols: An Archaeological Study will be released. As a tribute, a memorial for Sir John Marshall, who brought the Indus Valley Civilization to light, is being erected.

Sir John Marshall’s discovery not only reclaimed a forgotten chapter of history but also connected it to Tamil culture, making his contributions invaluable. Recognizing this, Tamil Nadu celebrates both the Indus Valley Civilization and Marshall’s achievements as pivotal to Dravidian heritage.

Today, the ongoing excavations at Keeladi and related sites have garnered global attention, confirming their historical significance. Recent archaeological studies have revealed that the Tamiraparani River civilization, identified through findings at Adichanallur, dates back over 3,200 years, supported by scientific research.

To preserve and showcase this heritage, museums at Keeladi and along the Tamiraparani are being developed. Excavations at eight sites are ongoing, with findings that continue to validate the connection between Tamil Nadu’s ancient symbols and the Indus script. These studies also reveal the use of seals in the Indus Valley for administrative purposes, further emphasizing the advanced nature of this civilization.

When comparing symbols found in Tamil Nadu excavations with those from the Indus Valley Civilization, researchers have discovered that 60% of the symbols share similar characteristics. Remarkably, symbols inscribed on pottery by the ancient people of the Indus Valley align up to 90% with those on pottery unearthed in Tamil Nadu, according to recent archaeological studies.

Artifacts such as beads made from gold, agate, and lapis lazuli, along with black and red earthenware and cultural motifs like the lotus, further confirm the strong cultural continuity between South India and the Indus Valley Civilization. Additionally, scientific studies of sites like Sivagalai, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai, Mangadu, and Salungunoor have established a chronological link between the Iron Age in Tamil Nadu and the Indus Valley Civilization.

In celebration of this shared heritage, Tamil Nadu emphasizes its commitment to protecting and promoting Tamil culture. During a historically significant event, the Tamil Nadu government made three major announcements:

1. Prize for Deciphering the Indus Script: Recognizing the unresolved mystery of the Indus script, even after a century, the government announced a prize of one million USD for any scholar or institution that successfully deciphers the script. This aims to encourage global scholars, Tamil researchers, and computational linguists to unravel the enigma of the Indus script.
2. Establishment of an Indus Valley Research Center: The Tamil Nadu government, in collaboration with the State Archaeology Department, will set up an Indus Valley Research Center at the Anna Centenary Library in honor of renowned epigraphist Iravatham Mahadevan. This center will further the study and exploration of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Through these initiatives, Tamil Nadu celebrates its ancient heritage and advances the global understanding of one of the world’s most enigmatic civilizations.

At this prestigious event, I am pleased to share three key announcements, highlighting the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to preserving Tamil culture:

1. Indus Script Deciphering Challenge: Despite over a century of efforts, the mystery of the Indus script remains unsolved. To encourage further progress, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a reward of one million US dollars for anyone who successfully deciphers the script. This initiative will stimulate global scholars, Tamil researchers, and computational linguists to explore the enigma of the Indus script.
2. Establishment of the Indus Valley Research Center: In partnership with the State Archaeology Department, the Tamil Nadu government will open an Indus Valley Research Center at the Anna Centenary Library. This center will honor the contributions of renowned Tamil scholars such as Iravatham Mahadevan and advance research on the Indus Valley Civilization.
3. Awards for Excellence in Tamil Culture Studies: To further promote and support the study of Tamil culture and history, the Tamil Nadu government will present awards to two prominent scholars annually. This initiative aims to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the study and preservation of Tamil heritage.

These announcements are designed to foster a deeper understanding of Tamil and Indus Valley cultures and to inspire global collaboration in the field of archaeological research. I believe they will provide significant encouragement to all scholars and researchers involved in these endeavors. As we continue our exploration of Tamil civilization, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of past scholars and the critical role of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

In closing, I extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity to share these announcements and reflect on the enduring significance of Tamil and Indus Valley cultures.