Question

What are the symbols and writings found on Harappan seals generally called?

• A. Hieroglyphics
• B. Cuneiform Script
• C. Harappan Script
• D. Brahmi Script

Hint:

The Harappan script is pictographic and was written from right to left (boustrophedon style when written in multiple lines).
Remembering that the script is still undeciphered helps distinguish it from other historical scripts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the correct terminology used to describe the unique symbols and writings found on the archaeological seals of the ancient Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• 1. The Harappan Civilization, which flourished in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, is well-known for its distinctive square or rectangular seals, typically made of a soft soapstone called steatite.

• 2. These seals feature a variety of animal motifs, such as the famous one-horned unicorn, humped bull, elephant, and tiger, accompanied by a line of unique symbols.

• 3. The symbols and writing found on these seals are formally referred to as the Harappan Script or the Indus Script.

• 4. Despite extensive efforts by archaeologists and linguists, this script remains completely undeciphered to this day because no bilingual text (like the Rosetta Stone) has been found.

• 5. Let us analyze why the other options are incorrect:
- Hieroglyphics is the pictorial writing system used by the ancient Egyptians.
- Cuneiform Script is the wedge-shaped writing system developed on clay tablets by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia.
- Brahmi Script is an ancient Indian script that developed much later (around the 3rd century BCE) and was used by Emperor Ashoka for his edicts.

• 6. Therefore, the writing found on the Harappan seals is uniquely called the Harappan Script.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The symbols and writings found on Harappan seals are generally called the Harappan Script. Hence, the correct option is (C).