The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c10.s26.15

c10.s26.15

In conclusion we may now regard Proto-Indian 𑀧 as ĭ (or y), 𑀧 as ĭ, 𑀼 as wi, and 𑀧 as o. This will assist us considerably in deciphering the script, as all these signs are of fairly frequent occurrence. To these we may add 𑀼 in combination as ŭ, 𑀭, 𑀧 , 𑀧 in combination (placed within a sign as in 𑀧 , 𑀧 ) as ĕ, 𑀼 as ū, 𑀼,𑀼 is probably wa, which when followed by 𑀧 contracts to w-i, written 𑀼𑀧 , 𑀼𑀧 , the element 𑀼 in this case being virtually reduced to a mere labial glide. The symbol 𑀧 which we find only in composition may well be this wa in composition. For if, as we shall see from the analysis of the next table there is reason to regard 𑀧 as a closed syllable, and 𑀧 as an open or compound syllable: it is clear that 𑀧 is the consonantal element preceding the initial vowel of 𑀧 . Now this element is something which if omitted causes the vowel of the dative suffix to coalesce with the initial vowel of 𑀧 , and if inserted serves to bridge the hiatus. Surely then it is a semivowel. And since it is not the semivowel y, it must be the semivowel w. (Compare the form of the labial glide 𑀧 in Ethiopic).