The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c4.3

c4.3

One of the cardinal features of the script is a system of modifying basic signs (a) by internal and external strokes similar to the gunu modifications in Sumerian. These do not always alter the sense or pronunciation (b) by the addition of one or more short strokes. The latter do modify at least the sound. These strokes are applied on exactly the same principle as in Brahmi, and with the same effect. Indeed the entire Brahmi 'alphabet' is shown to be derived from the script of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. It is also shown that those scholars were not mistaken who connected Brahmi with the South Semitic and Phoenician scripts. For there is much evidence to show that these also were derived from the script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro (which I have called Proto-Indian). It is thus seen that Proto-Indian forms an important link in the history of the evolution of the alphabet from pictographic writing. The method adopted in elucidating the script has been to tabulate every occurrence of each sign together with those signs whose morphography suggested the possibility of their being variants. In this way certain sign sequences showed themselves to be of common occurrence. Thus it was possible to recognise variants and also words.