These languages are written from both right and left and this is what they are called

The ancient world harbors many mysteries, one of which is a writing system that emerged from the heart of the Indus Valley Civilization. Flourishing over 4,000 years ago, this civilization left behind a legacy of urban planning, architecture, and a script that has puzzled scholars for decades. Known as the Indus script, this system of writing is characterized by its use of boustrophedon.If you are unaware of what that is, join us as we learn more about this enigmatic style of writing today!

The Indus script, associated with the Indus Valley Civilization, was a form of writing which thrived in the northwestern regions of South Asia from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE. This script is particularly notable for its enigmatic nature, as it remains undeciphered despite numerous attempts by scholars. The writing system is characterized by its boustrophedon style, a term derived from the Greek words for “ox” and “turning,” which describes texts that are read alternately from right to left and then from left to right, as one would plow a field.

The Indus script consists of partially pictographic symbols and geometric shapes, with over 400 distinct signs identified. These symbols were inscribed on a variety of materials, including seals, pottery, tools, and tablets. The largest concentration of these artifacts has been found at the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, two of the most prominent cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.
The purpose of the Indus script is still a subject of debate among historians and linguists. Some suggest it was used for trade and administrative purposes, while others propose it had a ritualistic or symbolic function. The absence of a bilingual inscription, akin to the Rosetta Stone for Egyptian hieroglyphs, has hindered the progress in understanding this ancient writing system.

The boustrophedon style is not unique to the Indus script; it was also employed in various ancient writing systems, including Greek, Hittite, and Luwian scripts. This method of writing reflects a practical adaptation to the medium and tools used for writing. For instance, it allowed the writer to continue without moving the writing instrument from the far right or left side of the page or surface.

The study of the Indus script is a fascinating area of research that offers insights into the cognitive and linguistic capabilities of an ancient civilization. While the script’s full meaning may remain elusive, the artifacts bearing these inscriptions provide valuable information about the Indus Valley Civilization’s culture, economy, and social structure.
The quest to decipher the Indus script continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. It represents a significant challenge in the field of archaeology and linguistics, promising to unlock the secrets of a civilization that laid the foundations for subsequent cultures in the Indian subcontinent. The resolution of this ancient puzzle would not only fill a substantial gap in human history but also connect us with the thoughts and voices of our distant ancestors. The Indus script stands as a visual testimony to the complexity and sophistication of early urban societies, and its eventual interpretation will undoubtedly reshape our understanding of the past.