THE INDUS SCRIPT Recognition as an alphabet

This study introduces a novel structural analysis of the Indus script (c. 3300 − 1900 BCE) to determine if it represents an alphabetic system. Unlike previous methods, this research focuses on the inherent structural properties of over 400 Indus signs to precisely quantify the primary constituent signs. Through a new grid-based decomposition, compound signs were visually dissected, consistent diacritics identified, and sign formation principles clarified. This rigorous examination revealed a core set of 40 fundamental signs, suggesting a concise underlying system despite stylistic variations in sign formation, composition, and combination. This finding supports the hypothesis of an alphabetic structure. Furthermore, the study proposes preliminary phonetic assignments based on allographic analogies with other ancient scripts, offering a tentative reading of Indus texts to support the proposed decipherment. This research establishes a new framework for understanding the Indus script's nature, paving the way for future linguistic and cultural investigations.