On Deciphering the Script of the Indus Valley Civilisation

On Deciphering the Script of the Indus Valley Civilisation

Recently the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1-million prize scheme for deciphering the script of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC).

  • The announcement coincides with the centenary of the IVC’s discovery, first published by John Marshall in September 1924.

Indus Valley Civilisation

  • Bronze Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilisation is referred to as a Bronze Age Civilisation because the people of the Indus Valley extensively used bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for making tools, weapons, ornaments, and household items. 
    • The presence of bronze artifacts highlights their advanced metallurgical skills.
    • The ability to smelt and alloy metals like copper and tin to produce bronze indicates a significant level of technological development, typical of Bronze Age societies.
  • Extent and Period: The IVC, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, thrived during the Bronze Age (3000-1500 BCE) and covered approximately 1.5 million square kilometres across present-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
  • Urban Sophistication: It is regarded as complex as its contemporaries—Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. 
    • The civilisation was predominantly urban in nature, with significant archaeological findings supporting its development.
  • Purpose of Seals: Seals were used as stamps to mark goods and packages, ensuring authenticity and aiding in trade. They likely signified ownership, helping to identify the owner of a product or property.
    • Many seals depict religious symbols, animals, or deities, suggesting their use in spiritual or ritualistic contexts.
    • Seals may have functioned as identity markers or status symbols, representing individuals, families, or communities.

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Challenges in Decipherment 

  • Unresolved Script: Despite numerous archaeological discoveries, the seals and tablets of the IVC remain undeciphered. This has led to debates among scholars regarding the literacy and writing practices of the civilisation.
  • Scholarly Disagreement: Around 20 years ago, some Western scholars posited that ancient urban settlements, including those of the Harappans, did not require writing. They argued that the limited symbols found could not conclusively prove the existence of a writing system.
  • Ongoing Debates: This theory has faced challenges, with counterarguments supporting the notion of the IVC being a highly literate society. Scholarly exchanges on this topic continue to this day.
  • Limited Data Access: Researchers face certain challenges while resolving the Indus riddle. There is a complaint that the entire database regarding the seals has not yet been made available in the public domain.

Initiative By Tamil Nadu

  • Proto-Dravidian Theory: A school of thought suggests that the script of the IVC could be “proto-Dravidian,” “non-Aryan,” or “pre-Aryan,” linking it to Tamil Nadu’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
  • State Initiatives: Tamil Nadu has been proactive in supporting research on Indus signs and graffiti marks. As part of this effort, the State is documenting and digitising graffiti and Tamili (Tamil-Brāhmī)-inscribed potsherds.

Way Forward

  • Free Access with Context: Central and State authorities should allow unrestricted access to resources related to the Indus script while ensuring the provision of contextual information to aid researchers.
  • Maintaining Academic Integrity: Research efforts must remain free from interference, with findings evaluated on merit, even if they challenge established narratives. Intellectual pursuits should not be clouded by preconceived biases or political agendas.
  • Regional Collaboration: There is significant potential for coordinated efforts among South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, to contribute to this endeavor.
  • Avoiding Political Hindrance: Allowing political differences to impede research would result in a missed opportunity for India and the world to gain deeper insights into this ancient civilization.

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Conclusion

Deciphering the Indus Valley script requires collaborative efforts, free access to resources, and unbiased research. Tamil Nadu’s initiatives are a commendable step forward, but regional cooperation is key. Resolving this mystery will honor our shared heritage and deepen historical understanding.

Mains Practice Question:

Q. The script of the Indus Valley Civilisation remains undeciphered despite significant archaeological findings. Discuss the challenges faced in decoding the script and suggest measures to promote collaborative research in this field. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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