The oldest recorded names for the region that is now Pakistan include Meluhha and Sapta-Sindhu.
Here is a breakdown:
Historical Names of Pakistan
The land now known as Pakistan has a rich history and has been referred to by various names over the centuries. The earliest documented names give insight into the region's ancient civilizations and geography.
Meluhha (𒈨𒈛𒄩𒆠)
- According to historical records, the oldest known name for the Indus region, which includes modern-day Pakistan, is Meluhha (𒈨𒈛𒄩𒆠).
- This name was used by the Sumerians to refer to the Indus Country, which demonstrates the ancient trade and cultural relations between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilization.
Sapta-Sindhu
- Another ancient name for the area is Sapta-Sindhu, meaning "the land of seven rivers."
- This name appears in the Rigveda, an ancient religious text composed in the Punjab region.
- The Rigveda describes the importance of the seven rivers to the life and culture of the region.
The table below summarizes the old names of Pakistan:
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Meluhha (𒈨𒈛𒄩𒆠) | Sumerian | Indus Country |
| Sapta-Sindhu | Rigvedic | Land of Seven Rivers |
These historical names, Meluhha and Sapta-Sindhu, reflect the rich past of what is now known as Pakistan, highlighting its ancient connections and geographic significance.
