Deciphering the Indus Script

by Asko Parpola

Of the writing systems of the ancient world which still await deciphering, the Indus Script is the most important. It developed in the Indus or Harappan Civilization, which flourished c. 2500 -1900 bc. in and around modern Pakistan. Prof. Parpola outlines what is known about the Harappan culture and its script, presents a decipherment of a small number of interlocking Indus signs, and proposes a method which will permit further progress in decipherment. His fascinating study confirms that the Indus script was logo-syllabic and that the Indus language belonged to the Dravidian family. He also argues that Indian astronomy was started by the Harappans, and that the Indus religion was genetically related to those of the ancient Near East and Hindu India.

About the Author:

Asko Parpola is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Helsinki.

Reviews:

"This book is substantial, every sense of the word... does make a forceful case for a partial decipherment... it will become the standard reference work and the basis for any further debate." South Asia Research" deserves much credit for having pursued this enquiry to the very limits of what is now possible." Timaes Higjer Edication Supplement" indispensable research tool... a book of lasting value." Languages" the best informed, most cogently argued, and important work to date on the Indus script." Journal of the American oriental Society" by far the most comprehensive and well researched study of the Indus script... It will certainly remain a classic source book for many years to come." American Anthropologist" doubtless the most important study of the Indus script." Thomas Oberlies" most complete and best-informed treatment of the subject." - Michal D. COE