Indus script numerals represent various gods as per calendar days.

August 10, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

http://indusscriptsdeciphered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Numerals-of-Indus-script-represent-various-gods-as-per-calendar-days-ver-7-Sept-2021.pdf

IVC -Ankh symbol means life

April 23, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

IVC – “Ankh” symbol means “life”

Abstract

Many important symbols of IVC are derived from ancient Egyptian civilisation. Hence, I naturally expected the important ankh symbol to be in modified form in the Indus script. The Ankh symbol is present in IVC, but in a confusing form.

Figure 1Arrow symbol variants as per Mahadevan

The arrow symbol variants are as per Mahadevan. He grouped only two symbols under this category, whereas the classification of Mohenjo-daro.com groups many symbols under this category. These variants are as listed in the Indus script fonts file. Details are given below. These variants are from the book by Asko Parpola. (1)

Figure 2Arrow symbol variants as per Mohenjo-Daro.com.

The Ankh symbol represents life (immortality) and death. It can also represent zest, joy of life, and energy. The ancient Egyptians used the ankh to stand for a word that meant life. It is also called crux ansata, Latin for cross-with-a-handle. Like most religious or spiritual symbols, the Ankh Cross has no single, simple meaning.

The seal inscription beside it shows an ankh-like symbol that means life. The three symbols are read as follows: Kedaga (protection of life), Life (ankh symbol), ritual on Astaka day (Eighth day). One crucial point to be noted here is that the ankh symbol looks like a cross, not an arrow, whereas Mahadevan classifies everything into an arrow symbol. This classification of Mahadevan is leading to confusion.

The seal inscription reads like this: (Read from right to left.) It is the same message as in the earlier seal. Kedaga – Ankh (Life) – ritual on Astaka day. There is no god mentioned. Just “life” is mentioned.

The first two symbols read as follows(Read from left to right): Life (Ankh) – Sastha (Branch symbol). Only one god could give life in IVC: god “Heh”, the seventh day god. He is called “Ayyappan” in South India at present.

Mahadevan’s data mentions the seventh day god only once in a triplet. Data analysis shows that no specific god is aligned with this life-giving ankh symbol. The significant pairing frequency occurs with the Astaka symbol (Ritual on the eighth day). Details are given in the table below.

This symbol pair occurs 19 times.

An arrow symbol follows this Astaka symbol. This Astaka symbol is also an arrow. However, there is a difference in the way it is drawn. It is more stylistic and ritualistic; it means the eighth day ritual.

However, the second arrow is thin. The symbol provided by Mahadevan does not distinguish the ankh symbols shown in seals. The symbols provided by the National Fund for Mohenjo-Daro differentiate variants of this arrow symbol. (see the variants supplied at the top of this article). This data from Mahadevan is not reliable. It does not explain the symbol’s meaning properly.

This pair occurs 4 times.

This symbol pair reads as “Ankh Sastha”. Ankh Sastha is the god “Heh”. This combination is logical and meaningful.

The second arrow shown by Mahadevan is not correct. The second arrow symbol has a distinct loop on the top of the arrow, like an ankh symbol. Mahadevan has not classified this ankh symbol as a separate symbol. (2) He has omitted the ankh symbol and taken it as an arrow symbol. Hence, the frequency data that Mahadevan provided is unreliable for this ankh symbol. Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that the Ankh symbol was present in IVC, with the same meaning as that of the Egyptian hieroglyphic meaning. The god who gave everlasting life in IVC was god “Heh”, he is still being worshipped in the name of “Ayyappan” in South India. (3)

References

1. Parpola, Asko (a). Deciphering the Indus script. New York : Cambridge University Press, 2000.

2. RMRL, Mahadevan. [Online] Mahadevan, Iravatham & Roja Muthiah Research Library (2021), The Indus Script Web Application(IM77/IDF80). https://indusscript.in.

3. Jeyakumar(Ayyappan). [Online] 2015. https://www.academia.edu/31640471/Ayyappan_and_Ayyanar_the_difference_is_explained?email_work_card=reading-history.

IVC – backbone symbolises the Djed of Egypt – Stability and eternity

April 22, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

Another evidence for funeral seal theory – Hindu funeral practice -24 th day

April 15, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

Another evidence for the funeral seals theory is number 24.

The IVC seal indicates many numbers but is restricted to number eight; a few examples of numbers twelve are also seen. I have been telling you for a long time that these seals were prepared during rituals related to death ceremonies. Various dates relate to various ceremonies conducted over 24 days. For more information, read my article, “Indus numerals indicate various gods per calendar days”. Now, I have another evidence to support my theory. See the seal below:

In Hinduism, the mourning period following a death typically lasts 10 to 30 days. While the provided search results do not specifically mention the 24th day, they highlight the significance of rituals and mourning practices during this period. The duration of the mourning period can vary depending on family traditions and beliefs. The 13-day mourning period is calculated from the time of death, suggesting that practices on the 24th would still be within the broader mourning timeline. These days are significant as the family is still grieving and performing rituals for the deceased.

There are 24 strokes in this seal, marking 24 days. This seal was prepared 24 days after a person’s death, marking the end of the mourning period. Generally, the mourning period lasts for 30 days for Hindus. It was the same for IVC people. In ancient Egypt, the mourning period was 40 days because mummification required 40 days; hence, this was lengthy.

This seal conclusively proves that the IVC seals were prepared during various rituals related to death and funeral ceremonies. Many of the decipherers are linking these numbers to trade transactions and measurements. This is the main reason for their failure over a hundred years. This fundamental flaw had to be corrected to decipher IVC seal inscriptions meaningfully.

In Hindu funeral practices, the 24th day is significant as it marks the completion of the initial mourning period and the beginning of a more public remembrance of the deceased. It follows the customary 13-day mourning period, during which the family observes specific rituals and restrictions. After the 24th day, the family may resume regular activities and prepare for longer-term memorials or memorial services.

The 24th day typically signifies the end of the more intense mourning period, where family members may have been fasting, avoiding certain activities, and adhering to stricter rules. While the 13 days are primarily focused on the family’s internal grief and rituals, the

24th day and beyond often involve more public remembrance, such as a memorial service or a larger gathering to celebrate the deceased’s life.

The 24th day and subsequent days allow the family to gradually reintegrate into everyday life while still honouring the memory of the departed. Hindu funeral rituals, including the 24th-day observance, are ultimately designed to facilitate the soul’s journey toward moksha (liberation).

Varuna was present in Indus Valley civilization.

April 4, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

God Varuna was present in the Indus Valley civilization

Abstract

An Indus seal depicts a god within a watery realm, who could be Varuna, a pre-Vedic god. The pre-Vedic gods were branded as asuras in the Vedic period. Varuna was a god of moral order and punisher of a violator of laws. He carried a noose and stick to punish people. He was accompanied by a crocodile, the latter-day Makara vahana. Indra took over the powers of Varuna, and Varuna was delegated to lower realms. The death god ‘Yama’ is not seen in IVC seals; most probably, ‘Varuna’ played the role of the death god.

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Figure god Varuna surrounded by crocodiles and fishes.

The above-given Indus seal depicts an Indus god in a seat surrounded by crocodiles and fishes. In my earlier articles, I already discussed that fish indicates the soul of dead persons, and the crocodile could be the equivalent of the Egyptian goddess Ammit (1) (2). Now, a third factor has arisen in the above-given seal, which is the symbol of water. The god, the crocodiles and fishes, are enclosed in a water symbol, visible on both edges of the seal. That symbol could be indicating the watery realm of “Varuna”.

Varuna is a Vedic deity associated first with the sky, later with waters, and with Ṛta (justice) and Satya (truth). He is found in the oldest layer of Vedic literature of Hinduism, such as the hymn 7.86 of the Rigveda. He is possibly one of the earliest Indo-Aryan triads with parallels to an Avestan deity, possibly Iranian Ahura Mazda. His streak of violent demonic tendencies, according to Hindu mythology, led to his demotion and Indra taking away most of his powers (3). In the Hindu Puranas, Varuna is the god of oceans, his vehicle is a Makara (part fish, sea creature), and his weapon is a Pasha (noose, rope loop). He is the guardian deity of the western direction (3).

Figure : Modern day version of Varuna with the noose.

Picture courtesy — (4)

Etymology

Varuna is related to the root vṛ (“vri”), which, states Adrian Snodgrass, means “to surround, to cover” or “to restrain, to check”. With uṇan, it gives “Varuna”, meaning “he who covers or binds all things”. The sea or ocean is his domain, while the universal law or Ṛta (dharma) is the abstract binder that connects all things. His name is related to the Indo-European root “uer” or “to bind”. In later Hindu literature, the term Varuna evolves to mean god of waters, the source of rains and the one who rules over the Nagas (divine sea serpents) (3).

Vedas

In the earliest layer of the Rigveda, Varuna is the guardian of the moral law. He punishes those who sin without remorse, and at the same time, forgives those who err with guilt. He is mentioned in many Rig Vedic hymns, such as 7.86–88, 1.25, 2.27–30, 8.8, 9.73 and others. His relationship with waters, rivers and oceans is already mentioned in the Vedas. And according to Hermann Oldenberg, he is already the Indian version of Poseidon in these texts. Yet, the Vedic poets describe him as an aspect and one of the plural perspectives of the same divine or spiritual principle (3). All the above-said facts fit very well with the god shown in the seal. Hence, it can be assumed that the god Varuna was present in the Indus Valley civilization.

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Figure : water symbol is seen in the seal inscription

Picture courtesy: (5) Sue Sullivan

The above-given seal inscription shows the water symbol along with the sacrifice symbol. Both these symbols stand together for the word “Varuna sacrifice”. “Varuna Yajna” is still common in India, a special Yajna directed towards Varuna, praying for rains. Later only, God Indra replaces Varuna as the god of rain. It is a known fact that in the Early Vedic period, ‘Varuna’ was the god of sky and rain. In the later Vedic period, this power was transferred to Indra and Varuna was relegated to a minor deity position. This seal inscription suggests the idea that the ‘Rig Vedic period’ might have coincided with the Indus Valley civilization period.

Water symbol indicates the Vedic god Varuna

Water symbol followed by ‘X’ symbol. I had written a separate article that the ‘X’ symbol indicates the god of death. This seal inscription confirms the association of Varuna with the ‘X’ symbol, which is the god of death. It is pertinent to note that no specific evidence of Yama is not seen in IVC seal inscriptions. Yama was likely a later Vedic period god.

—

In this seal inscription, the water symbol is followed by the cow’s uterus symbol. The uterus symbol indicated goddess Meshkhenet.

—

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In this seal inscription, the water symbol is followed by the ‘Kavu’ (sacrifice)symbol. This symbol pair could have stood for the meaning ‘Varuna Kavu’.

The noose and stick symbol also stands for Varuna.

In addition to the water symbol, the noose and stick symbol also could stand for ‘Varuna’. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, a similar symbol stands for the idea ‘rope on a stick’. (Gardiner’s dictionary -page 524). (6) Most probably, the Indus scribes had followed the Egyptian hieroglyphics in this regard. Read my article,’ Indus script follows the Egyptian hieroglyphics’, for more information. (7)

Here in this inscription, the ‘noose’ symbol is shown within the watery realm. Most probably, this noose symbol also indicates the god Varuna. Further, this noose symbol is followed by the ‘stick’ symbol. Which again confirms the idea of the god Varuna.

—	In this seal inscription, the noose symbol is followed by the ‘Sastha’ (god) symbol. This symbol pair stands for the meaning ‘Varuna Sastha’.

—-

(Read from right to left)

The ‘X’ symbol is followed by Karkida symbol (karkida month) and noose-stick symbol. The ‘X’ symbol indicates the Varuna Yajna, and the noose and stick symbol indicates god Varuna himself.

—

The noose and stick symbol could be indicating the god ‘Varuna’.

The noose and stick ideogram also could have indicated the idea of ‘command’ of Varuna.

—

‘X’ symbol is associated with ‘Varuna Yajna’. The rope symbol (noose) indicates ‘Varuna’. Together these two symbols stand for the name ‘Varuna Yajna’.

This rope symbol with ladder indicates ascendency to heaven by the dead man’s soul. Read the article ‘Agnicayana Yajna’ for more information. (8)

—

This rope symbol and rope wound on a stick could be indicating god ‘Varuna’.

This rope symbol with ladder indicates ascendency to heaven by the dead man’s soul. (8)

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This’ noose ‘symbol could be indicating the ‘death threat’ of ‘Varuna’. The noose symbol is followed by the ‘twisted bird’ ideogram—this ideogram stands for the idea ‘fear’ as per the Egyptian Hieroglyphics. (9)

Hence, these two symbol pairs give a meaningful association.

—

Bibliography

1. Jeyakumar(Fish-symbolism). Fish_symbolism_in_Indus_Valley_Civilization. academia.edu. [Online] December 2015. https://www.academia.edu/19550772/Fish_symbolism_in_Indus_Valley_Civilization.

2. Jeyakumar(crocodile). Crocodile_depictions_in_IVC_seal. https://www.academia.edu. [Online] 2016. https://www.academia.edu/22868949/Crocodile_depictions_in_IVC_seal_inscriptions_are_comparable_to_Egyptian_goddess_Ammit.

3. wikipedia.org. Varuna. https://en.wikipedia.org. [Online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna.

4. wikipedia(Varuna). Varuna. wikipedia. [Online] April 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna.

5. Sullivan, Sue. Indus Script Dictionary. s.l. : Suzanne Redalia, 2011.

6. Gardiner, Alan. Egyptian grammer: Being an introduction to the study of Hierglyphics. Oxford. : Griffith Institue., 1957.

7. Jeyakumar(Egyptian-hieroglyphic-influence). Indus_symbols_follow_the_Egyptian_hieroglyphics_way_of_writing_and_ideas. Academia.edu. [Online] https://www.academia.edu/43722883/Indus_symbols_follow_the_Egyptian_hieroglyphics_way_of_writing_and_ideas.

8. Jeyakumar(Agnistoma-Jyotirstoma). Agnistoma_and_Jyotistoma_Yajna_for_uplifting_the_dead_mans_soul_to_heaven. Academia.edu. [Online] 2015. https://www.academia.edu/10969959/Agnistoma_and_Jyotistoma_Yajna_for_uplifting_the_dead_mans_soul_to_heaven.

9. Jeyakumar(twisted-bird-fear). The twisted bird symbol stands for the idea of fear. Academia.edu. [Online] 2020. https://www.academia.edu/41144309/The_twisted_bird_symbol_stands_for_the_idea_fear.

Tamil Nadu Graffiti – ‘Rod and Rope ” symbol indicates God Varuna.

April 4, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

Tamil Nadu graffiti symbol karikidam

April 2, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

The Tamil Nadu graffiti symbol – the “Karkida” symbol indicates the Pithru rituals in the month of “Karkidam”.

The month of Karkidam is the time to remember ancestors in Kerala. This ritual is performed throughout India, even though it is known by different names. However, only in Kerala have people retained its original name, “Karkida Vavu”. Initially, it could have been called “Karkida Kavu”; however, because of the abandonment of animal sacrifice, it has become Karkida Vavu. Please refer to my article, “God Rudra was the most important god of the Indus Valley civilisation,” for more details. (1)

Figure 1Karkida symbols with arrows merged. Picture courtesy Rajan. (1)

The picture above shows the karkida symbols with arrow symbols. Karkida means crab. The god of the karkida month is Rudra. Rudra’s arrows cause injury and death. Rudra was the most worshipped god in IVC. Please observe the above symbols keenly. It can be seen that the arrow symbol is merged with the karkida symbol. This is quite logical because Rudra is the god associated with the rituals held in this month. Reference page no. 101, Book of Rajan. (1) The above picture is graffiti from the Hyderabad region.

The picture above shows some of the variants of the Karkida symbol in IVC. The same symbol similarly appears in Tamil Nadu.

The above given karkida symbols are from Kodumanal, Erode district. Note the similarity with the Karkida symbol of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). That indicates the karkida ritual was common to both civilisations. An additional point to note is that the karkida symbol is drawn within the pot symbol. The pot symbol indicates the sacrifice pot, thereby signifying that an animal sacrifice was performed and the blood was offered to the Pithrus on the occasion of that ritual.

The above graffiti is from Kodumanal, as referenced in the book by Gurumurthy. (3) If it is an arrow symbol, it indicates the Hindu god Rudra. If it is considered an inverted branch, then it means Ka (Soul) (Represented by a Hand symbol). Anyhow, the situation remains the same on both interpretations. It is the ritual on karkida day to please the Pithru or god Rudra.

The ligature above is from the book Rajan. (2) This ligature displays the karkida symbol with a star symbol. It shows that karkidam was a star as well as a month. I have been telling you for a long time that there is a karkida star. This graffiti confirms my long-time claim about the Karkida (Crab) constellation and symbol.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\crab constellation picture.png$

Sky map showing the ‘Crab constellation’: Note that the Crab constellation resembles an inverted branch. One important finding is that even though these symbols [ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\yajna-3.jpg$ and] indicate the word ‘karkida’, it is surprising to see that the clefted branch symbol [ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\yajna-3.jpg$ ] indicates ‘karkida sastha’. In contrast, the crab symbol [ ] indicates the month of Karkida. Read my article, “Rudra was the most important god of IVC”, for more information. (1)

References

1. Jeyakumar(Rudra). Rudra was the most important god of Indus Valley Civilization. www.academia.edu. [Online] https://www.academia.edu/43654003/Rudra_was_the_most_important_god_of_Indus_Valley_Civilization.

2. Rajan., K. Thonmai Tamizh Iyal (in Tamil). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies, 2018.

3. Gurumurthy .S. Deciphering the Inus script. Chennai. : University of Madras, Chennai., 1999.

Tamil nadu graffiti arrow symbol indicate god rudra.

April 1, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

Tamil Nadu Graffiti – Arrow symbols indicate the god Rudra.

Figure 1Karkida symbols with arrows merged. Picture courtesy Rajan. (1)

The picture above shows the karkida symbols with arrow symbols. Karkida means crab. Karkida month is celebrated as the month of worship of ancestors in Kerala. Read the article for more information. God of karkida month is Rudra. Rudra’s arrows cause injury and death. Rudra was the most worshipped god in IVC. Read the article “Rudra was the most important god of the Indus Valley civilisation” for more information. (2)

Please observe the above symbols keenly. It can be seen that the arrow symbol is merged with the karkida symbol. This is quite logical because Rudra is the god associated with the rituals held in this month. Reference page no. 101, Book of Rajan. (1) The above picture is graffiti from the Hyderabad region.

Again, these ligatures are from the Hyderabad region, as mentioned in the same reference above. (1) These ligatures feature an arrow within the symbol of the sky, representing heaven. This arrow could have indicated the god Rudra in heaven. At the same time, there is a possibility that this arrow could be a hand symbol indicating Ka (soul), which is reaching heaven.

This ligature requires some more discussion. Gurumurthy says it resembles a face—see page 56 of Gurumurthy’s book. (3) But I beg to differ with his interpretation. In my opinion, it resembles an arrow in the sky. Or soul ascending to heaven. This shows the varied nature of interpretations. The interpretation depends on the idea of individual persons’ minds. However, these graffiti marks should be interpreted in the context of the place where the artifacts were found. These pot graffiti are from funeral pots. Hence, something related to death and heaven is a reasonably expected idea from such markings.

The symbols mentioned above are from the Kodumanal, as referenced from the book of rajan. (1) All these symbols indicate the arrows and bow and arrows. This symbol, featuring a bow and arrow, is the trademark of the god Rudra. This suggests that the ancient Hindu deity Rudra was worshipped in the Hyderabad region in ancient times. Now, we have to verify the status of Rudra in ancient Tamil Nadu.

These arrow symbols are from kodumanal pottery graffiti.

It shows that God Rudra was also present in Kodumanal, Erode district.

The graffiti above is from Kodumanal, as referenced on page 129 of the book by Rajan. The symbol referenced under number 54.1 depicts a sacrificial pot with an arrow inside. It means that the blood sacrifice was done to please the god Rudra. The symbol referenced under number 54.2 depicts an arrow symbol positioned beneath the sky symbol. The sky symbol indicates heaven. This conclusively shows that the god Rudra was also present in ancient Tamil Nadu.

Although the arrow symbols are visible in Kodumanal graffiti, they are not as prevalent as in the IVC symbol. Likely, Rudra was not the top god of the ancient Tamil people; only the mountain god Varuna, associated with Geb, was a significant deity among the Tamil people. It again confirms the limited influence of Vedic ideas in Tamil country.

References

1. Rajan., K. Thonmai Tamizh Iyal (in Tamil). Chennai : International Institute of Tamil Studies., 2018.

2. Jeyakumar(Rudra). Rudra was the most important god of the Indus Valley Civilization. www.academia.edu. [Online] https://www.academia.edu/43654003/Rudra_was_the_most_important_god_of_Indus_Valley_Civilization.

3. Gurumurthy .S. Deciphering the Inus script. Chennai. : University of Madras, Chennai., 1999.

Tamil Nadu graffiti the dog like symbol indicates goddess ammit

April 1, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

Tamil Nadu graffiti – Crocodile goddess Ammit/Taweret

The above graffiti symbol from Uraiyur represents the demon goddess Ammit/Taweret. The above graffiti is from Uraiyur, Trichy district. Refer to page 131 of Gurumurthy’s book. The second symbol may represent the “Sa” symbol, a type of talisman that provides protection against evil forces.

The ‘Sa’ symbol in ancient Egypt was associated with the goddess Taweret and represented protection, serving as a symbol of protection. Taweret was associated with childbirth and the facilitation of the rebirth of a soul. One Indus script symbol is similar to this ‘Sa’ symbol in form and meaning. Details are given below. Please refer to Chapter 38 of my book, “Sa – Symbol Means Protection,” for more information. (3)

This dog-like symbol could be Ammit/ Taweret, which ate the dead man’s soul on the occasion of the weighing of the heart. For more information, read my article, “The Crocodile Symbol Indicates the Goddess Ammit and Taweret.” Reference – Article 11 of my book, Indus Symbols Dictionary. Ammit was the Egyptian demoness but was also present in the Indus Valley civilisation. This shows Egypt’s influence on the Indus civilisation as well as in Tamil Nadu. A second possibility is that this symbol may also have indicated the Egyptian goddess Taweret.

The above-given symbols could indicate the crocodile demon Ammit or the demon goddess Taweret.

Tamil Nadu graffiti The Ka symbol indicates the soul.

March 31, 2025/in INTRODUCTION /by Jeyakumar Ramasami

Tamil Nadu Graffiti – The “Ka” symbol indicates the “soul”

The above-given picture shows the graffiti symbol from Hyderabad. Reference picture no. 2.10, page no 101, book of Rajan. (1) This hand symbol is similar to the “Ka” symbol of Egyptian hieroglyphics. In this Hyderabad graffiti, the hand symbol is drawn in an inverted way, whereas the Egyptian symbol is drawn vertically. It is worth noting that Gurumurthy has also observed a similarity between the hand symbol of Egypt and hand symbols found in India. Page no 167 of his book. (2) Unfortunately, he did not investigate this issue further. This ‘Ka” symbol forms the backbone of the entire IVC script.

The above-given ka symbol represents the deceased person’s soul. Most likely, the Hyderabad hand symbol also represents the deceased person’s “Ka” (soul).

The symbol above is a modified form of the Egyptian symbol used in IVC. There are many other variants of this symbol.

The above-given graffiti symbols are from the book of Gurumurthy. (Ref. Page no. 58, Deciphering the Indus Script). (2) Serial number 30, Gurumurthy identified the symbol as a forearm. But, I disagree with his view. It resembles a sacrificial pot in which the blood of sacrificed animals is offered to gods and spirits.

However, in serial no. 38 …page. No. 60 is a similar hand symbol; he identifies it as an elephant’s trunk, which is incorrect. It is worth noting that the vocabulary of graffiti symbols is limited, and there will be considerable variations in the symbols drawn. Because the symbols are scratched on fully baked pots, scratching is difficult, and the lines are drawn in a sharp-edged manner, resulting in an unappealing drawing shape. The Indus seals, commonly made of steatite— a soft stone — were crafted by carving designs with incised lines and then pressing them onto smooth surfaces, such as clay, to create an imprint. Hence, the picture quality is good in IVC seal inscriptions.

Another example of misidentification by Gurumurthy is on page no. 69. serial no. 71. He has identified a symbol as a boat; in reality, it is the sacrificial pot symbol.

In the graffiti on page 132. Gurumurthy says this symbol indicates god, which needs verification.

Whereas this branch symbol is identified as a spear (vel -Tamil) by Gurumurthy. I disagree with his interpretation. In my opinion, it follows the same meaning as in IVC inscriptions. In the IVC script, a branch symbol indicates the word “Sastha”. Sastha means god. Read my article, ‘Branch symbol indicates the word Sastha’ (3) For more information.

Kavu means sacrifice	Mountain god Varuna	Sastha means god	Read from left to right.
Kavu	Sastha	Varuna	Read from right to left
sastha	kavu	Varuna	Read from right to left
Varuna	sastha	kavu	Read from right to left
pithru	sastha	kavu	Read from right to left

Table 1 Sanur graffiti

The table above is an extract from the Sanur graffiti. This extract is from the book of Gurumurthy, page no. 134 and 135. (2) This extract gives some details about the direction of graffiti writing. It can be seen that the direction of writing is bidirectional, allowing for both right-to-left and left-to-right movements. However, the meaning can be well understood because it is an ideogramic way of writing, not phonetic writing. Just like the IVC script, the TN graffiti is also written in an ideographic way.

From Table 1, it can be concluded that the “” symbol indicates the word “kavu”, which conforms to IVC scripts. Read my article, “Kavu Symbol Indicates Sacrifice in Indus Inscriptions,” for more information. (4)

Gurumurthy says the above graffiti is a boat. Refer to page 110 of his book. However, it appears to be a hand offering conical bread. The first graffiti is a hand, but the second graffiti resembles a boat; however, I still consider this graffiti to be a hand. Because the priest who drew this graffiti did not have control over the sharp instrument used to make the scratches on the pot. Hence, the hand symbol looks like a boat. Conical bread is significant in Egypt as well as in the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). The conical symbol represents everlasting life to the deceased. Read my article: “The cone symbol means – given everlasting life.” (5)

Note the cone-like bread offered by the pharaoh. (5) The cone bread he offers resembles the one marked in the Tamil Nadu graffiti.

References

1. Rajan., K. Thonmai Tamizh Iyal (in Tamil). Chennai : International Institute of Tamil Studies., 2018.

2. Gurumurthy .S. Deciphering the Inus script. Chennai. : University of Madras, Chennai., 1999.

3. Jeyakumar(Sastha). Branch_symbol_indicates_the_word_Sastha. academia.edu. [Online] 2016. https://www.academia.edu/31658123/Branch_symbol_indicates_the_word_Sastha..

4. Jeyakumar(Kavu). Kavu symbol indicates sacrifice in Indus inscriptions. www.academia.edu. [Online] 2016. https://www.academia.edu/8612715/Kavu_symbol_indicates_sacrifice_in_Indus_inscriptions.

5. Jeyakumar(Cone-symbol). The cone symbol means given eternal life. https://www.academia.edu. [Online] 2018. https://www.academia.edu/41094648/Cone_symbol_means_Given_eternal_life.