With respect to the script and writing of the Harappan civilization, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Harappan script is alphabetical in writing style. 2. The Harappan script on average contains 5-10 symbols making it difficult to decipher. 3. The script may have been mostly written from right to left. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Solution

The Harappan script is mainly pictographic with symbols as letters. More than 400 pictographic symbols have been counted so far in the seals of Harappan civilization. Most of the inscriptions have 5-6 symbols with longest inscription having only 26 symbols. Further, no dual language inscription form the Harappan period has been found making it difficult to decipher the script. Most of the inscriptions seem to be written from right to left as the symbols are more compressed to the left are compressed together but, in some instances, it seems to be boustrophedon i.e. right to left and left to right in alternative lines.