From Tamilagam to Egypt: Indian Inscriptions Found in the Valley of the Kings

A fascinating discovery has added a new chapter to our understanding of ancient India’s global connections. Researchers have identified nearly 30 inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

Yes — Indian names carved into one of the most iconic landscapes of ancient Egypt.

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🔎 What Exactly Was Discovered?

Two scholars:

• Charlotte Schmid (French School of Asian Studies – EFEO, Paris)

• Ingo Strauch (University of Lausanne, Switzerland)

documented inscriptions during 2024–2025 fieldwork across six tombs in the Theban Necropolis.

📜 Languages identified:

✔ Tamil Brahmi

✔ Prakrit

✔ Sanskrit

📅 Estimated period:

1st to 3rd Centuries C.E.

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✍️ Nature of the Inscriptions: Visitor Graffiti

These were not royal edicts or trade records.

They were names and short messages carved by visitors — much like ancient “I was here” signatures.

Researchers observed:

• Inscriptions near entrances

• Some placed high on walls (up to ~4 metres)

• Found alongside large bodies of Greek graffiti

👉 Suggesting Indian visitors followed an existing cultural practice of leaving marks inside tombs.

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👤 The Repeated Name: Cikai Korran

One name stood out:

“Cikai Korran” (appearing 8 times across 5 tombs)

🧠 Why is this important?

Scholars interpret:

• “Cikai” → Possibly linked to Sanskrit śikhā (tuft/crown)

• “Korran” → Distinctly Tamil

“Korran” derives from:

✔ Korram → Victory / Slaying

✔ Associated with Korravai (Chera warrior goddess)

✔ Linked to korravan (king)

📌 UPSC Insight:

This hints at:

• Cultural blending

• Martial symbolism

• Tamil naming traditions abroad

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🌍 Parallel Finds Strengthen Evidence

The name korran isn’t isolated.

Other discoveries include:

📍 Berenike (Red Sea port, Egypt)

• Sherd inscription: Korrapumān

📍 Tamil Nadu (India)

• Sangam texts referencing Pittānkorran

• Tamil Brahmi inscriptions at Pugalur (Chera capital)

👉 This cross-confirmation is crucial in archaeology.

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🗣️ Other Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions

Examples include:

✔ “Kopān varata kantan”

→ “Kopān came and saw”

✔ Names like:

• Cātan

• Kiran

• Kopān

Some of these names also appear in Tamil Nadu inscriptions.

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🚢 What Does This Tell Us About Ancient Trade?

This discovery reinforces existing knowledge:

India–Roman Trade (Early Historic Period)

✔ Active maritime trade routes

✔ Tamilakam–Red Sea–Mediterranean network

✔ Movement of merchants, sailors, pilgrims, adventurers

Not just goods — but people & identities travelled

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🏛️ Why This Matters for UPSC

This topic connects beautifully with:

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📘 Prelims (Ancient History / Art & Culture)

• Tamil Brahmi script

• Indo-Roman trade

• Sangam Age

• Berenike excavations

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📗 Mains GS Paper I

Themes:

✔ Cultural interactions

✔ Trade networks

✔ Epigraphy & archaeology

✔ Early Historic urbanisation

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📙 Mains GS Paper III

✔ Maritime economy

✔ Long-distance trade

✔ Early globalisation

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🧭 Bigger Archaeological Shift

Earlier Egyptian studies focused on:

📍 Berenike (Red Sea trade hub)

Now attention expands to:

📍 Nile River Valley

👉 Suggesting Indian presence deeper inside Egypt, not just ports.

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🎯 Key Takeaways for Exam

✔ Indian visitors reached Egypt’s elite funerary spaces

✔ Tamil Brahmi inscriptions confirm South Indian mobility

✔ Graffiti = cultural participation, not vandalism

✔ Supports Indo-Mediterranean trade intensity

✔ Sangam Age was globally connected

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📝 Possible UPSC Questions

Prelims:

Tamil Brahmi inscriptions outside India provide evidence for:

A. Religious expansion only

B. Trade and mobility of people

C. Military conquest

D. Colonial settlements

✅ Answer: B

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Mains (GS I):

Discuss the significance of extra-territorial Tamil Brahmi inscriptions in understanding India’s early historic trade networks.