The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Explanation
Arikamedu, located near Puducherry, was a major port and urban centre during the Early Historic period (c. 200 BCE – 200 CE). Excavations at the site have yielded significant archaeological evidence, including pottery shards bearing inscriptions, which shed light on the linguistic and cultural landscape of the Sangam Age.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The inscriptions found on the pottery are written in the Brahmi script. This script served as the foundational writing system for many languages in the Indian subcontinent during this period.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The language recorded in these inscriptions is Tamil (Old Tamil). The content often includes names of individuals, indicating that literacy was not limited to the elite but was present among traders and artisans.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The specific paleographic style used to write the Tamil language using the Brahmi script is technically known as Tamil-Brahmi (or Damili). It features specific modifications to the standard Ashokan Brahmi to accommodate unique Tamil phonetics.
Key Takeaway:
Tamil-Brahmi is the earliest script used to write the Tamil language. Its extensive presence on pottery at trade centres like Arikamedu serves as primary archaeological evidence for the transition to the Early Historic period in South India.