Why is the Harappan script called enigmatic? Choose the correct reason...
The Harappan script is called enigmatic because of the following reasons: Most inscriptions were short, the longest contained about 26 signs, each sign stood for a vowel or consonant. Sometimes it contained wider space, sometimes shorter, had no consistency. Till today, the script remains undeciphered.
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Why is the Harappan script called enigmatic? Choose the correct reason...
The Harappan script, also known as the Indus Valley script, remains undeciphered till date, making it an enigmatic script. Let's understand why it is called so.
Reasons why the Harappan script is called enigmatic:
1. Lack of bilingual text:
The biggest challenge in deciphering the Harappan script is the lack of any bilingual text. There are no inscriptions or texts written in the Harappan script and any other known language. This makes it difficult to establish a relationship between the symbols and their meaning.
2. Large number of symbols:
The Harappan script has a large number of symbols, between 400 and 600 in number. This makes it difficult to decipher the meaning of each symbol and establish a pattern.
3. Lack of context:
The Harappan script was found on a variety of objects, such as seals, pottery, and bronze artifacts. However, there is no way to determine the context in which the symbols were used. This lack of context makes it difficult to determine the purpose and meaning of the symbols.
4. Regional diversity:
The Harappan civilization was spread across a vast area, including parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The Harappan script was also used across this region, but there are regional variations in the symbols used. This regional diversity adds to the complexity of deciphering the script.
Conclusion:
The Harappan script remains an enigma despite several attempts to decipher it. The lack of bilingual text, large number of symbols, lack of context, and regional diversity make it a challenging task. However, efforts are still underway to decode the script and unlock the secrets of the Indus Valley civilization.