Indus Valley Script

GS 1 – ANCIENT INDIA

The Indus Valley Script, associated with the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), remains one of the most intriguing and undeciphered scripts in human history. The script is an essential topic for UPSC as it combines aspects of history, culture, and linguistics, highlighting the intellectual and technological achievements of the Harappan civilization.

Characteristics of the Indus Script

1. Pictographic Nature:
   • The script consists of symbols resembling human forms, animals, plants, and abstract designs.
   • Around 400–600 unique signs have been identified.
2. Writing Style:
   • Boustrophedon (written alternately from right to left and left to right).
   • Primarily written on seals, pottery, tablets, and other objects.
3. Use of Symbols:
   • The script’s brevity suggests it may represent logograms (symbols for whole words) or syllables rather than a full alphabet.

Examples of Indus Script Usage

1. Seals:
   • Found at Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and other sites.
   • Often depict animals like unicorns, bulls, and tigers alongside inscriptions.
2. Pottery and Tablets:
   • Short inscriptions have been found on clay and terracotta items.
3. Weights and Measures:
   • Inscriptions on weights, possibly indicating standardization or ownership.