The Indus Script Deciphered

Acknowledgment

I, M.M. Maathrm, convey my thanks to Dr. B. R. Mani, Dr. T. S. Ravishankar, Dr. R. B. Ramesh, Dr. Munirathinam (ASI), Madam Vidhya Arjun (Fountain Ink) and the entire establishment of the Archaeological Survey of India for the input and support provided during my research days.

Main Features of the Decipherment

• Indus Script is definitely Vocal Tamil.
• It is stroke-based, each stroke having a phonetic value (11 total).
• It is consonant-based, having no vowels.
• Reading direction: right-to-left, top-down within symbols.
• Over 60% of symbols are standardized with fixed meanings.
• A dot or star near a stroke gives reading priority to the nearest stroke.
• Purpose: Calendar Information and divine themes.

The Reading of the Script is Based on Three Considerations

Type	Illustration	Description
Language Strokes		Language Strokes- Strokes that are Angled or Curved are Language strokes. In the picture on the left, the First Symbol from our Left The Oval Symbol is curved and Angled- This is the Language Symbol.
Number Strokes		The combining of strokes that are straight Vertical and Straight Horizontal are Number Symbols. The Third Symbol from our Left-The Harrow Symbol is made up of Vertical and Horizontal Strokes. This is a Number Symbol. Similarly, The Rectangle Structure below the Head of the Unicorn is a Number Symbol
Theme Strokes		Small strokes that appear like marks are Theme based strokes, conveying information that assists the reading of the Text and adds to the essence of the subject matter. The Second Symbol from our Left- The two small Vertical strokes are the Theme based Symbols.

Some Prominent Symbols and Their Values

Symbol	Illustration	Meaning
X & XX		The X and Double X symbols represent God or Equivalent. Left side double lined X represents The Ultimate, Lord Shiva, addressed as Lord Pachaiappan (God of the Greens) (Lord of Nature). Left side X Symbol represents-Sun God/God of Seasons. Table Top over X symbol –God of the Seasons
Swastika		The Swastika Symbol represents the Chariot of the Sun God in motion. The Chariot stops 5 times a year. The First stoppage being the Abstinence period around 15th July/Winter Equinox/Winter Solstice/Summer Equinox/Summer Solstice.
Fish Symbols		The Fish means Value, reads: Mathippen the variants of the Fish represents Post and Position like Assistant/Middle Level/Superior level/Highest Level Official. In the picture - The Fish with Horns represents The Head of the Indus Nation- The Priest God./ The First Left Fish :Respected Official-Leader-Judge/ The Middle Fish with Central bar-Middle Level Official.
Chakra		The Chakra Symbol is the script form of the Sun God. The Sun God was addressed as Maatharaiappananbu. (My Lord the Big Star) The entire Indus Nation was also addressed as Maathaaraiappan
U Type Symbol		The U type symbol with insert represents the Full Moon. Reads: Raja Urriyya Pira Maa Anbu(The Honourable Moon is heading towards its Royal Status.
O (Oval)		The O Oval form symbol represents Prayer Time. It is a combination of Four Strokes. Vaa Laa Chaa and Yaa. = Vallachaiy- Meaning: Let there be abundance. Prosperity.
Y Type Symbol		The Y type symbol represents Sacred Days/Prayer Days. It could also be days of Fasting/Puja. It reads: Pirana anbin punbu irrukka- means: Fortnight of Goodness
A Type Symbol		The A type symbol represents Peace/brotherhood/cordiality. Reads: Nattppu

Noteworthy Aspects

The entire purpose of the seals and script was to maintain a unified calendar system across the Indus Nation—from Mohenjadaro to Harappa and beyond. The calendar intertwined astronomy, religion, and administration, ensuring synchronized rituals and trade logistics.

• 360-day years for seven consecutive years, followed by a leap year of 412 days.
• July–September (60 days) marked as abstinence period.
• New Moon to Full Moon (Shuklapaksh) considered most auspicious.
• Three seasons and one grace month totaling 360 days.

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*Information is subject to change.*