The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c10.s1.13

c10.s1.13

With regard to the meaning of 𐀄, at any rate of 𐀄 final, we may say that it is an affix. That it is an affix is suggested (1) by its normal position at the end of the text, (2) that it is preceded by well defined sign groups which there is reason to regard as complete words, either names of gods used in the formation of proper names, or titles, (3) that when it is found in the body of the text it is normally preceded by precisely the same combinations. That it is a suffix which is not a determinative is probable for the following reasons: (1) If 𝍖 be a determinative its frequency indicates that it is one of a very wide class. 'Man' and 'scribe' are the only two that seem possible. But if it is either of these how do we account for its presence on the copper coins where we should expect rather the determinatives of king or ruler? If we reply that the determinative 𝍖 = man was probably used after all men's names whether rulers or not, then how do we explain the fact that a large number of typical square seals end in 𝍗 or 𝍘 which, as is shown in the analysis of Tables XV and LXVIII, stand in exactly the same relation to their antecedent words as 𝍖 does to its antecedent words? So that if 𝍖 is a determinative then they also are determinatives. No! If 𝍖 is a determinative after men's names it is only one of several, and it would be difficult to account for its prevalence on the coins, in place of one of the more distinctive determinatives. While if we are right in deciphering one of these coins 'King of the land', 𝍖 would have to be regarded as a determinative either of 'king' or 'land', which in view of its prevalence on the seals, is impossible. So much for the negative evidence.