Linguistics and Languages

Ancestral Dravidian languages in Indus Civilization: ultraconserved Dravidian tooth-word reveals deep linguistic ancestry and supports genetics

B. A. Mukhopadhyay

This groundbreaking research by Bahata Ansumali Mukhopadhyay explores the fascinating link between Proto-Dravidian language and the Indus Valley Civilization, shedding light on ancient vocabulary related to teeth and elephants. Delving into archaeological and linguistic evidence, the study presents a compelling case for the existence of a Dravidian-speaking population in one of history's great civilizations.

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Abstract

This study analyzes archaeological, linguistic, archaeogenetic, and historical evidence to argue that Proto-Dravidian was spoken in the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). The analysis centers on the Proto-Dravidian tooth-word *pal* and its variants, which are etymologically linked to words for elephant and the toothbrush tree *Salvadora persica* found in ancient texts from Mesopotamia and Persia. Because "tooth" is part of the ultraconserved vocabulary, its presence supports the hypothesis of a significant Dravidian-speaking population in the IVC. Recent archaeogenetic studies on the migration of Proto-Dravidian speakers from the Indus Valley to South India further corroborate these findings.

Publisher

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Published On

Aug 03, 2021

Authors

Bahata Ansumali Mukhopadhyay

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