Our names using Indus script
As a concluding step in my exploration of the Indus script, I attempt a symbolic representation of my own family names—both as an experiment in interpretation and for the sheer delight of engaging with these ideograms. It is important to note that Indus symbols are generally interpreted as ideograms or logograms. While some signs may have carried phonetic or syllabic associations, others do not function as direct sound‑symbols. They convey ideas rather than phonetic values, which makes it difficult to reproduce exact words in the way alphabets do. Yet, when interpreted correctly and within the proper context, the symbols can still guide us toward the intended meaning My wife's name is Saranya. Saranya is often invoked in devotional contexts as Devi or Triambaka , as in the Devī Stotram (“Saranye Trayambake Gauri”). The sequence of Indus signs (fig 1) consisting of vertical strokes (representing Triyam or “Three”) followed by an arrow (interpreted as Amb(a)/Amma or “mother...
