Deciphering the Script of the Indus Valley Civilisation

Source: This post on Deciphering the Script of the Indus Valley Civilisation has been created based on article “To fix economy, boost consumption” published in The Hindu on 18th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 1- Indian History

Context: This article explores the complexities and challenges surrounding the decipherment of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) script.

What is the significance of the recent announcement by Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister?

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1-million prize for deciphering the script of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC).
• This initiative aims to revive interest in the IVC script and was made as part of the centenary celebrations of its discovery, first published by John Marshall, then chief of the Archaeological Survey of India, in September 1924.

What is the Indus Valley Civilisation?

• The IVC, also called the Harappan Civilisation, flourished during the Bronze Age (3000–1500 BCE) across 1.5 million square kilometers, covering parts of present-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• It is known for its urban development, it was as sophisticated as Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Chinese civilisations.

Why is deciphering the Indus script important?

• While the IVC has yielded numerous seals, tablets, and archaeological artifacts, the decipherment of its script remains unresolved.
• This is essential to understanding the civilisation’s literacy, language, and culture.

What are the main debates surrounding the script?

• Western Scholars’ Theory: About two decades ago, some scholars argued that the IVC was not a literate society, suggesting its symbols do not qualify as a full-fledged script.
• Proto-Dravidian Theory: Another school of thought claims the script could be “proto-Dravidian,” “non-Aryan,” or “pre-Aryan.” This aligns with Tamil Nadu’s interest in promoting research, linking the script to early Tamil roots.

What steps has Tamil Nadu taken to study the script?

The Tamil Nadu government supports research on Indus signs and graffiti, alongside documenting and digitizing Tamil Nadu’s graffiti and Tamil-Brāhmī-inscribed potsherds.

What challenges do researchers face in deciphering the script?

1. Limited Access to Data: The database of Indus seals is not fully available in the public domain.
2. Contextual Understanding: Providing proper context for the artifacts is essential for accurate interpretation.
3. Political Interference: Intellectual pursuits should remain unbiased, and unaffected by political or ideological influences.

How can South Asia contribute to deciphering the Indus script?

• Collaboration among South Asian countries—India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh—could significantly aid in unravelling the script.
• Political differences should not hinder such efforts, as they are critical for global historical understanding.

Why is unbiased research crucial for this initiative?

• The study’s findings may challenge established narratives, which necessitates free and interference-free intellectual exploration.
• Failure to ensure this could lead to missed opportunities in understanding the IVC.