One of the following is true about the Harappan script:
2018
One of the following is true about the Harappan script:
- A.
It is a pictographic script.
- B.
It is comparable to the Roman script.
- C.
It is written from left to right like the Devanagari.
- D.
It is an alphabetic script.
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Correct answer: A
Answer: The Harappan (Indus) script is best described as pictographic or logo-syllabic and is generally written from right to left.
Nature of the script: The script contains many pictorial signs that likely stand for whole words or syllables (logo-syllabic), so calling it purely alphabetic would be misleading.
Writing direction: Most inscriptions appear to be written right-to-left. They are not typically written left-to-right like Devanagari.
Decipherment and evidence: The script remains undeciphered and inscriptions are usually short (seals, pottery), which limits firm conclusions. Estimates suggest several hundred distinct signs.
Why other statements are incorrect: It is not comparable to the Roman script and is not an alphabetic system; those descriptions do not match the known features of Harappan inscriptions.
Conclusion: The accurate statement among the choices is that the Harappan script is pictographic/logo-syllabic. The statement that it is written left-to-right like Devanagari is incorrect.