The Indus Script Deciphered
By M.M. Maathrm
The Indus Script has finally been 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 |  |
Angled or curved strokes represent phonetic sounds. Example: the oval symbol is curved and angled — this denotes a language symbol. |
| Number Strokes |  |
Vertical and horizontal strokes represent numbers. Example: the harrow symbol and rectangular structure below the unicorn head denote numerical values. |
| Theme Strokes |  |
Small marks or dots convey context or themes, adding meaning to the main script. Example: two small vertical strokes are theme-based symbols. |
Some Prominent Symbols and Their Values
| Symbol | Illustration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| X Symbol |  |
Represents the Sun God or God of Seasons. |
| XX Symbol |  |
Represents the Ultimate — Lord Shiva, addressed as Lord Pachaiappan (Lord of Nature). |
| Swastika |  |
Represents the Chariot of the Sun God in motion — marking solstices and equinoxes. |
| Fish Symbols |
  
|
Represents “Value” (Mathippen); variants denote hierarchy — horned fish = Priest God, central bar = Middle Official. |
| Chakra |
 
|
Symbol of the Sun God (Maatharaiappananbu) — “My Lord, the Big Star.” The Indus Nation was addressed as Maathaaraiappan. |
| U Type Symbol |  |
Represents the Full Moon — reads: “Raja Urriyya Pira Maa Anbu” (The Honourable Moon is heading toward its Royal Status). |
| O (Oval) |  |
Represents Prayer Time; combination of four strokes (Vaa-Laa-Chaa-Yaa) forming “Vallachaiy” — meaning prosperity. |
| Y Type Symbol |  |
Represents sacred or fasting days — “Pirana Anbin Punbu Irrukka,” meaning Fortnight of Goodness. |
| A Type Symbol |  |
Represents peace, brotherhood, and 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.
Book Availability
Cover Price: ₹900 per copy
Head of Sales: Mr. M. Ravimayam — +91 98408 93317
| City | Bookstore | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | M Lucky, Mahipalpur | +91 88373 00670 |
| Mumbai | Ramnath Shobnath Mishra & Sons, V T Area | +91 98213 27863 |
| Goa | The Dog Ear Book Store (Mr. Leo Fernandez) | +91 98503 98530 |
| Pune | Rasik Sahitya | +91 93712 18370 |
| Varanasi | Laxminarayan Book Stall (Mr. Jaiswal) | +91 93070 23122 |
| Ranchi | Gyan Deep Book Stall (Mr. Pradeep) | +91 94705 64686 |
| Bangalore | Ganga News Agency (Mr. Raju) | +91 98451 48686 |
| Chennai | Odyssey (Adyar), Permanent Book Trust (Egmore), Soundarapandian Stores (Parrys), Eashwar Books, Sri Devi Book Stall | Multiple numbers available |
| Ahmedabad | Vinod News Agency, Khanpur | +91 94290 66057 |
Contact the Author
For further information and enquiries, please contact:
*Information is subject to change.*