Logosyllabic way of writings in Indus script

Abstract

Generally, Indus scripts are written in a logo-graphic way, just like Egyptian hieroglyphics. However, there are few examples of logo-syllabic writing in Indus script. Those examples are presented here.

It is relevant to note here that the upraised symbol indicates the ‘Ka‘ (soul) of the dead person. The fish symbol inside the ‘ka’ symbol becomes a composite symbol with the syllable sound of ‘Karma’ (14). One crucial point to be noted here is that the word ‘Karma’ is written here in the Sanskrit language, not in a Dravidian language. The ‘Ma’ sound in the word ‘karma’ is given by the Sanskrit word ‘Matsya’ to the fish symbol. If it had been a Dravidian word, it would have become ‘Karmee‘, which does not have any meaning. (The fish is called ‘Meen‘ in the Dravidian language). This pictogram is the best example supporting my ‘Sanskrit theory’. This pictogram has been written in a logo-syllabic way.

The second example of a logosyllabic way of writing

1	2	3	4	5	6

crab	Crab symbol with a stick symbol across gives the ‘da’ sound here	Kavu- symbol	fish	Kavu	man
Karkida ritual. Both these symbols (symbols-1&2) should be read together as Karkida	Karkida ritual. Both these symbols (symbols-1&2) should be read together as Karkida	Kavu – may be single Kavu (Or) double Kavu means sacrifice in Tamil	The fish symbol means ‘Pithru/manes/ ancestor’ here. (7)	Kavu	Man sacrificed

It could be read as ‘Karkida –Kavu –Pithru-Kavu –Pazu’. This word, Karkida, could indicate the ritual similar to ‘Karkida Vavu’ of Kerala, which is devoted to pleasing ‘Pithrus'(ancestors). The first two graphemes should be read together as ‘Karkida’, indicating ‘Karkida ritual’. The ‘Danda’ (Stick) symbol has been introduced in this inscription. The stick symbol clarifies the word as ‘Karkida’.

The word ‘Danda’ is another example of how the Sanskrit language was used in the Indus Valley period. At the same time, it is the second example of the logosyllabic way of writing also. Read the article, ‘Sanskrit influence of Indus script’ for more information. (3)

1. Jeyakumar(up-raised-hands-symbol). Upraised_hands_symbol_means_ka_soul_. academia.edu. [Online] 2015. https://www.academia.edu/11419216/Upraised_hands_symbol_means_ka_soul_.

2. 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.

3. Jeyakumar(Sanskrit-influence)+. Sanskrit influence on the Indus script. Academia.edu. [Online] 2016. https://www.academia.edu/7773298/Sanskrit_influence_on_the_Indus_script.