Revisiting the Naming of Ancient Tamil/Dravidian Scripts: Beyond Brahmi

The naming of ancient scripts found in the Porunthal excavations and the Ashoka Edicts, traditionally referred to as Brahmi, has sparked a significant debate among scholars. This article delves into the historical context, linguistic significance, and the need for a name change to accurately reflect the origins and evolution of these scripts.

Historical Context of Brahmi Script (H2)

Brahmi is considered one of the earliest writing systems in South Asia, dating back to around the 3rd century BCE. It is often portrayed as the ancestor of many scripts used in the Indian subcontinent, including those for languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, and later Tamil and other Dravidian languages. However, this traditional view has recently been challenged by new scholarship that highlights the unique characteristics and origins of Tamil/Dravidian scripts.

Brahmi as a Proto-Script (H2)

Traditionally, Brahmi is considered a proto-script that gave rise to various other writing systems across the Indian subcontinent. This idea fosters the notion that Brahmi is the early ancestor of many South Asian scripts. However, recent findings from the Porunthal excavations and the Ashoka Edicts have cast doubt on this assumption.

Link to Other Scripts (H2)

The Brahmi script is recognized for its influence on various writing systems across South Asia and beyond. This influence includes the development of the Grantha script for Tamil and the scripts of other Dravidian languages. However, while Brahmi is significant, the unique characteristics of the scripts found in the Porunthal excavations and those used in the Ashoka Edicts suggest a more complex narrative about the origins of these scripts.

The Case for Tamil/Dravidian Scripts (H2)

Distinctive Characteristics (H3)

The scripts used in ancient Tamil writings, including those found in the Porunthal excavations, have unique features that set them apart from Brahmi. Scholars have argued that these scripts represent the Dravidian linguistic heritage and should be recognized as such. The distinct features include the lack of conjunct consonants, which are characteristic of later Brahmi scripts. This indicates that the Porunthal excavations and Ashoka Edicts scripts are closer in origin to Tamil/Dravidian scripts than to what is traditionally known as Brahmi.

Cultural Significance (H3)

The ancient Tamil scripts are integral to the cultural identity of the Tamil people. Scholars advocate for the recognition of these scripts as Tamil/Dravidian to honor their distinct origins and usages. The Porunthal excavations, which date back to around 500 BCE, and the Ashoka Edicts, from 250 BCE, provide evidence for an earlier and distinct form of writing that predates what is traditionally called Brahmi.

Naming Conventions (H2)

The term Brahmi has historically been used to refer to the script used in the Ashoka Edicts and other inscriptions of the period. However, recent discoveries and scholarly research suggest that this script should not be called Brahmi but rather Tamil/Dravidian. Scholars argue that the naming convention Brahmi has led to misconceptions about the true origins and evolution of these scripts.

Conclusion (H2)

While Brahmi is a crucial part of the historical narrative in South Asia, the distinction between Brahmi and Tamil/Dravidian scripts is essential for understanding the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of the region. The debate about naming conventions continues among scholars, reflecting broader discussions about identity, heritage, and linguistic classification. It is important to recognize and promote the true origins of these scripts to ensure a more accurate and respectful representation of South Asian history.

Note: The term Brahmi is often conflated with Tamil/Dravidian scripts due to the misunderstandings about the derivation and evolution of these scripts. The Porunthal excavations and the Ashoka Edicts clearly indicate that these scripts are earlier and more closely related to Tamil/Dravidian. The commonly used nomenclature should be replaced to better reflect the proper timelines.

The Jain tirthankar who carried the Tamizhi script from ancient Tamilakam to the North called the script Brahmi, which was actually used to write Prakrit instead of as Tamil or rather Damil/Damili as recorded in ancient Jain works. This revelation further emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of the naming conventions and a more accurate understanding of the South Asian scriptological landscape.