The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c10.s13: Analysis of Table XIV

The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c10.s13

Language: English

Analysis of Table XIV

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In view of the fact that 𓆟 and 𓆞 are clearly modifications of 𓆠 and 𓆡 respectively we should expect

1. At least in the case of the liquid vowels. The simple form 𓆛 which is probably articulated with a (inherent in the base form of Brahmi and Ethiopic) seems more stable, being found before 𓆢 𓆣 and 𓆞 , and after all sorts of signs (see Table I). It is perhaps worth remarking here that if (as I think it is arguable) the Brahmi, Sabaean and Ethiopic scripts are all derived from Proto-Indian, and if the Ethiopians were allied in race to the Ethiopic Gedrosians (?) of the Indus valley, then the extraordinary fluidity in the Ethiopic liquid vowels, may have its explanation in the similar fluidity of these vowels in the Proto-Indian parent. By this I do not wish to suggest linguistic descent, but merely that if there was racial descent or affinity we may expect the phonetic peculiarities of the parent (which are determined by the physical conformation of the organs of speech) to be manifest in the descendant even when speaking a different tongue.

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2. See analysis of Tables XXIX and XXXVIII.

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to find a form 𓀀 as the base form of the sign in Col. IV. It is not however found. It almost certainly existed. Perhaps it dropped out, as many of the Sumerian signs of the Jemdet Nasr period dropped out, its place being taken by another symbol with the same phonetic value. It is not improbable that in 𓀁 (see above) we have a modification of this lost base-form.¹ For it is significant that 𓀁 is preceded by a solitary 𓀂 and forms part of a word ending with 𓀃. Neither of these features can be found with any other modified form of 𓀄. It is probable then that it is not a modified form of 𓀄 which leaves the way clear for considering it a modification of 𓀅. That is all we can say at present.

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¹ For the graphic nature of the modification 𓀄 𓀁 cf. 𓀊, 𓀋, 𓀌 (Tables LIII, XCVI). (Table V).