Introduction to the Indus Valley Script

The Indus Valley script, used by the ancient Indus Valley Civilization between approximately 3300–1300 BCE, remains largely undeciphered. Despite these challenges, scholars and enthusiasts have compiled various resources to understand and explore this mysterious script.

Where to Find Comprehensive Lists of Indus Valley Script Symbols

There are several valuable resources where you can find compilations and studies of the Indus Valley script symbols. These resources span academic journals, books, online databases, and museum and institution websites.

Academic Journals

For detailed and rigorous research, academic journals such as Journal of Archaeological Science and are excellent sources. Researchers often publish their findings on the Indus script in these journals, providing comprehensive lists and interpretations of the script symbols.

Books

Notable books such as:

The Indus Script: Texts, Concordance, and Tables by Asko Parpola (Museums and Institutions, Finnish author) The Mahadevan corpus (indus signary cross-reference) Concordance of Indus signs digital edition (three volumes) by American Indian

are widely recognized for their depth and comprehensiveness.

Online Databases and Digital Libraries

Online databases like the Fuls Digital Library, Mahadevan corpus, and the digital library by a Pakistani author offer extensive resources for researchers and enthusiasts. These platforms provide detailed lists of script symbols, cross-references, and digital editions, which are invaluable for studying and deciphering the Indus Valley script.

Museums and Institutions

Institutions such as the British Museum and the National Museum of India have publications and online resources featuring the script. These resources are often comprehensive and provide context and additional information.

Wikipedia

The Wikipedia page on the Indus script is a good starting point. It has a section that lists some of the symbols and links to further readings, making it easier to explore related topics and resources.

Important Considerations

When utilizing these resources, it's important to be cautious about the interpretations and the completeness of the lists you find. The script remains largely undeciphered, and interpretations can vary based on the methodology and research methods employed.

Recommended Resource: The Mahadevan and Parpola Sign Lists

A specific resource that has been widely used is the 'A Harappan Signary Cross-Reference'. This site provides a list of common Indus script symbols and is useful for attempting to decipher an Indus seal. Use these resources alongside the works of notable scholars like Asko Parpola and Iravatham Mahadevan for a more comprehensive understanding.

Gold Standard for Indus Script Reference

The gold standard for the Indus script reference is The Indus Script: Texts, Concordance, and Tables by Iravatham Mahadevan, published in 1977 as Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India No. 77. Additionally, the article 'Harappan Script/Indus sign design.pdf' provides a comprehensive list of glyphs, if not all, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and enthusiasts.