Deciphering the Indus Script [Hardcover]

Asko Parpola (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521430798 | ISBN-13: 978-0521430791 | Publication Date: November 25, 1994

Of the writing systems of the ancient world which still await deciphering, the Indus script is the most important. It developed in the Indus or Harappan Civilization, which flourished c. 2500-1900 BC in and around modern Pakistan, collapsing before the earliest historical records of South Asia were composed. Nearly 4,000 samples of the writing survive, mainly on stamp seals and amulets, but no translations. Professor Parpola is the chief editor of the Corpus of Indus Seals and Inscriptions. His ideas about the script, the linguistic affinity of the Harappan language, and the nature of the Indus religion are informed by a remarkable command of Aryan, Dravidian, and Mesopotamian sources, archaeological materials, and linguistic methodology. His fascinating study confirms that the Indus script was logo-syllabic, and that the Indus language belonged to the Dravidian family.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is substantial, in every sense of the word ... does make a forceful case for a partial decipherment ... it will become the standard reference work and the basis for any further debate.' Stuart Blackburn, South Asia Research

'... deserves much credit for having pursued this enquiry to the very limits of what is now possible.' John Chadwick, Times Higher Education Supplement

'... indispensable research tool ... a book of lasting value.' Florian Coulmas, Language

'The best informed, most cogently argued, and important work to date on the Indus script.' Richard Salomon, Journal of the American Oriental Society

'By far the most comprehensive and well researched study of the Indus script ... It will certainly remain a classic source book for many years to come.' Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, American Anthropologist

'... doubtless the most important study of the Indus script ...' Thomas Oberlies, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

'... most complete and best-informed treatment of the subject.' Michael D. Coe, Antiquity

Book Description

The Indus script developed in the Indus or Harappan Civilization, which flourished around 2500-1900 BC in what is now modern Pakistan. In this fascinating study, Professor Parpola outlines what is known about the Harappan culture and its script and proposes a method which will permit further progress in decipherment.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 25, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521430798
• ISBN-13: 978-0521430791
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,503,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure trove of information about the Harappan script., July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Deciphering the Indus Script (Hardcover)

Every chapter was fascinating reading. While the book contains a wealth of information, it is presented so that even an amateur can appreciate it. The author is balanced in his treatment of work done on the script even though he might disagree with the work of other scholars. He certainly does not claim to have deciphered the script but presents his arguments clearly for the reader to decide whether they have merit. He also presents ideas about fruitdul avenues to pursue. The only possible negative comment is that there is too much to absorb in this book.

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Agrees well with the consolidated view of the academia, January 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Deciphering the Indus Script (Hardcover)

Excellent summary of four decades of pioneering research by Prof. Parpola showing Dravidian as the dominant culture and language of Indus valley civilization prior to the arrival of Aryans in Punjab.

Goes against the day dreams of the elitist thinking of Hindu(tva) fundamentalists.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most in-depth study of the Indus script to date, November 16, 2008

By 

A Professor - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deciphering the Indus Script (Hardcover)

This is an excellent reference on the Indus script by a meticulous researcher whose breadth of knowledge spans the vast expanse of Indian proto-history. The book covers not just the Indus script but also ancient Indian religion and practises, theories of migrations, comparisons with Mesopotamia and other cultures, etc. The readings of some of the signs and seals is tantalizing, although these cannot be as yet confirmed due to the lack of bilinguals or other evidence.

Do not be fooled by the low ratings given by some reviewers who obviously have an axe to grind (they were probably disappointed that the book's conclusions do not support their Hindutva-motivated views). Go ahead and buy this book -- it is a must-have for anyone interested in the Indus civilization.