MK Stalin Unveils $1 Million Reward for Cracking Indus Valley Script Mystery
In a move to promote research and encourage scholars to unravel one of the greatest mysteries of ancient history, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a prize of $1 million for the successful decoding of the Indus Valley script. The announcement was made on Sunday during the inauguration of a three-day international conference marking the centenary of the discovery of the Indus civilisation.
In a move to promote research and encourage scholars to unravel one of the greatest mysteries of ancient history, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a prize of $1 million for the successful decoding of the Indus Valley script. The announcement was made on Sunday during the inauguration of a three-day international conference marking the centenary of the discovery of the Indus civilisation.
The Indus Valley civilisation, one of the earliest and most advanced urban societies in human history, flourished around 4,000 years ago in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Despite extensive archaeological research, the script used by the Indus Valley people remains undeciphered. The symbols and inscriptions have puzzled scholars for over a century, with various theories proposed but no definitive breakthroughs.
Stalin, while addressing the gathering of scholars, archaeologists, and historians, highlighted the importance of unlocking the secrets of the Indus script. “We are still unable to clearly understand the script of the Indus Valley civilisation that once flourished,” he said. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of researchers over the years and reiterated the significance of cracking the code to better understand this ancient culture and its decline.
The $1 million prize, announced by the Chief Minister, will be awarded to individuals or organisations that successfully decode the script and bring clarity to the cultural, historical, and linguistic aspects of the civilisation. Stalin’s initiative aims to further propel the research into this unsolved riddle, providing a financial incentive for scholars around the world to continue their work.
The Indus Valley civilisation, known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and remarkable craftsmanship, was a major urban centre of the ancient world. Despite its achievements, much about the people who lived in this civilisation, including their language, remains shrouded in mystery.
The fading away of the civilisation and the eventual disappearance of the script also remain key areas of interest and debate among historians. With this new prize, the Tamil Nadu government hopes to foster a renewed interest in decoding one of the most enduring puzzles of human history.
As the three-day conference unfolds, experts are expected to discuss the latest advancements in the study of the Indus Valley script, archaeological findings, and potential breakthroughs in understanding the lost language of this remarkable ancient civilisation.
Sources By Agencies
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