Language

Questions about the use and evolution of language among the ancient Indus Valley civilization and the possibility of nearby regions' adoption of the ancient Indus linguistic repertoire.

Another answer from our panel of ancient Indus experts to a question posed by site visitors.

29. Can we say anything about the town Vataman near Lothal?

I have read in Dr. Parpola's papers that Vata and Aman are two very significant words in the Harappan language. I also noticed that there is a small town named Vataman approximately 15 km east of Harappan site of Lothal in Gujarat. Could this be of any significance?
Submitted by Rajendra. Editor’s note: I have verified that there is indeed a village called ‘Vataman’ east of Lothal.

58. Why has the language of Harappa not been deciphered?

Asko Parpola

Jonathan Mark Kenoyer

Massimo Vidale

Nisha Yadav

What are the difficulties which makes it impossible to decipher the Harappan language? Aren't there any similarities with other languages?

Scholars answer another question from site visitors.

60. Who gave the same name "Mound of Dead" (Lothal & Mohenjo-daro) in different languages to these two places?

Dennys Frenez

Massimo Vidale

Mayank Vahia

Another answer to a question from you to our panel of leading Indus archaeologists.