Tamil Nadu Announces $1 Million Prize to Decipher Indus Valley Script

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveils major initiative during centenary event, highlighting links between Indus Valley and Tamil culture.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has offered a $1 million reward for successfully deciphering the undecoded script of the Indus Valley Civilisation, which has remained a mystery for over a century.
The announcement was made during an international conference commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Indus Valley Civilisation's discovery by British archaeologist Sir John Marshall.
Stalin emphasized similarities between Indus Valley symbols and Tamil Nadu artifacts, suggesting cultural and linguistic connections to ancient Dravidian heritage.
A ₹2 crore grant was also announced to establish a research chair in honor of scholar Iravatham Mahadevan, supporting the study of Indus culture at the Roja Muthiah Research Library in collaboration with the state archaeology department.
The initiative includes annual awards for scholars in archaeology, epigraphy, and numismatics to further explore Tamil culture's historical significance.