The older names associated with the region now known as Pakistan include Meluhha and Sapta-Sindhu.
These names provide a glimpse into the rich historical tapestry of the land, reflecting ancient civilizations and their interactions.
Meluhha: The Ancient Sumerian Designation
One of the oldest recorded names for the region encompassing parts of modern-day Pakistan is Meluhha (𒈨𒈛𒄩𒆠). This name was used by the ancient Sumerians, one of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, to refer to what they called the "Indus Country."
- Origin: Sumerian civilization, dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.
- Significance: Meluhha was a significant trading partner with Mesopotamia, and historical texts suggest a thriving maritime trade route connected the Indus Valley Civilization with Sumer. Artifacts from the Indus Valley have been found in Sumerian archaeological sites, confirming this ancient connection.
Sapta-Sindhu: The Native Land of Seven Rivers
Another historically significant and older name, particularly notable as the oldest recorded native name of the country, is Sapta-Sindhu. This term, originating from ancient Indo-Aryan traditions, translates to "the land of seven rivers."
- Origin: Ancient Indo-Aryan texts, specifically mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.
- Meaning: "Sapta" means seven, and "Sindhu" refers to a river, specifically the Indus River and its tributaries.
- Geographical Context: This name describes the fertile region of Punjab, which lies within modern Pakistan, highlighting its crucial geographical feature of a rich river system. The Rigveda itself was composed in this very region.
Historical Overview of Ancient Names
To summarize the prominent older names:
| Older Name | Origin / Language | Meaning / Reference | Era / Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meluhha | Sumerian | Indus Country | Circa 2500–1900 BCE (Indus Valley Civilization) |
| Sapta-Sindhu | Native / Sanskrit | Land of Seven Rivers (Rigveda) | Circa 1500–500 BCE (Vedic Period) |
These ancient names underscore the region's importance as a cradle of civilization and a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange throughout millennia. They reflect different perspectives—one from an external trading partner (Sumerian civilization) and the other from its indigenous inhabitants.
