Exhibition to Highlight Ancient Indus Heritage
An exhibition on the Indus Civilization will be organised in Chennai as part of the Iravatham Mahadevan Chair established at the Indus Research Centre of the Roja Muthiah Research Library. The exhibition aims to promote awareness of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations and introduce visitors to its archaeological discoveries, script, and cultural achievements.
The event will take place from 23-28 March 2026, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, at the Roja Muthiah Research Library in Taramani, Chennai. Entry to the exhibition is free and open to the public.
View this post on Instagram
Remembering the Legacy of Iravatham Mahadevan
The exhibition is organised under the Iravatham Mahadevan Chair, created to support research and scholarship related to the Indus script and civilization. Iravatham Mahadevan (1930–2018) was one of India’s leading epigraphists and a noted scholar of the Indus script as well as Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions.
His work helped document and interpret thousands of Indus signs and inscriptions, contributing significantly to the academic study of the ancient civilization. The Chair established in his memory encourages continued research and public engagement with Indus studies.
Curated Displays on the Indus Civilization
The exhibition will present curated panels, images, and reference materials explaining the history and discoveries related to the Indus Civilization, which flourished around 2600–1900 century BCE across parts of present-day India and Pakistan.
Visitors can expect to learn about:
- Archaeological discoveries from major Indus sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
- The undeciphered Indus script and its symbols
- Urban planning, craft traditions, and trade networks of the civilization
- Cultural objects such as seals, pottery, beads, and terracotta figurines
The exhibition aims to make this ancient history accessible through clear explanations and visual displays.
Event in a Glance
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Indus Civilization Exhibition |
| Organiser | Iravatham Mahadevan Chair, Indus Research Centre, Roja Muthiah Research Library |
| Dates | 23–28 March 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Venue | Roja Muthiah Research Library, 4th Floor, Integrated Workshop Building, 3rd Cross Road, CPT Campus, Taramani, Chennai – 600113 |
| Location Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qgvg8GLFuZHUwZ7x7 |
| Entry | Free Entry – Open to All |
| Contact Email | rmrl@rmrl.in |
| Contact Phone | +91-44-22542551 |
The exhibition is designed for students, researchers, and members of the public interested in ancient Indian history and archaeology.
Takeaway
The Indus Civilization exhibition at the Roja Muthiah Research Library offers visitors an opportunity to explore one of the earliest urban cultures of South Asia through curated displays and research material. By highlighting archaeological discoveries and scholarly work connected to the Indus script, the event aims to deepen public understanding of a civilization that continues to shape discussions about the early history of the Indian subcontinent.
