Indus Writing
The Indus Valley culture had a form of writing, evidenced by numerous
seals found in the ruins. On the assumption of the Aryan invasion it
was assumed to be non-Vedic and probably Dravidian, though this was never proved. Now it has been
shown that the majority of the late Indus signs are identical with those
of early Brahmi, the oldest Sanskritic script, and that there is an
organic development between the two scripts. The scripts show a
continuity which suggests that they reflect the same language and
culture.
Prevalent models, primarily the
work of Subhash Kak, show an Indo-European basis for that
language.(*43) This is based on a discovery that the script uses a
genitive (possessive) case, which is typical of Indo-European but not
Dravidian languages. However there are not yet long enough
inscriptions to guarantee a proper decipherment. Based upon the
location of the culture Subhash Kak is suggesting that the script be
renamed "Sarasvati script."
43. See G. R. Hunter,
THE SCRIPT OF HARAPPA AND MOHENJODARO AND ITS CONNECTION WITH OTHER
SCRIPTS (London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. 1934). Also
see J.E. Mitchiner, STUDIES IN THE INDUS VALLEY INSCRIPTIONS (New
Delhi, India: Oxford and IBH, 1978).
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