$1 million prize announced for decoding this ancient Indian civilisation script

Despite the mystery surrounding the script of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) for over a century, India's Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has declared a $1 million prize for anyone who can successfully decode the ancient writing system.

Speaking at a conference in Chennai on Sunday to commemorate the centenary of the IVC's discovery, Stalin remarked, "We have yet to fully understand the writing system of the once-thriving Indus Valley," reports the Hindustan Times.

The discovery of the IVC was first announced by English archaeologist Sir John Marshall on 20 September 1924.

"The enigma remains unsolved after 100 years, despite numerous efforts by archaeologists and experts," Stalin said. "I am announcing a $1 million reward for individuals or organizations who can decipher the script to the satisfaction of archaeological experts."

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed that the history of the Indian subcontinent cannot be written without acknowledging Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language.

"Our state's efforts are focused on ensuring Tamil Nadu's rightful place in the nation's history," he said.

He also pointed out that bulls, which are significant symbols in Dravidian culture, are found in the Indus Valley, and referenced the rich historical connections between the bull-taming tradition in Tamil literature and the IVC.

"One of the seals from the Indus Valley shows a man trying to tame a bull," Stalin noted, linking this to ancient Tamil traditions.

Marshall's discovery marked a turning point in Indian archaeology, as he suggested that the language spoken in the IVC could be Dravidian. As Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928, Marshall was responsible for uncovering the Harappa and Mohenjodaro cities. Stalin also announced that a life-sized statue of Marshall would be installed in Tamil Nadu.

On Sunday, Stalin launched a book by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA), which revealed that 60% of the signs and 90% of graffiti marks found in Tamil Nadu excavation sites show similarities with those from the IVC, added the report.

Additionally, the state has allocated Rs 2 crore to establish a research chair in honor of Iravatham Mahadevan, an epigraphist, and to present an annual award to encourage archaeological research.