A new English-language book is bringing Chinese research on Pakistan’s ancient civilizations to a wider international audience.
Study of Ancient Seal Script Symbols from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro: Exploration of the Indus Valley Script Origins was launched at the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing.
The publication examines ancient seals and symbols from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. It also explores possible connections between Indus Valley symbols and prehistoric cultures in China.
Chinese Research Examines Ancient Seals
Chinese scholar Zhou Yushu and his research team studied archaeological materials from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
According to Zhou, the team examined 401 relatively complete seals from the two sites. Researchers also interpreted 132 individual characters found on the seals.
The study classified the symbols into 10 thematic categories. These included ancestors, fertility, thunder gods and totem worship.
Study Compares Indus and Chinese Symbols
The research compares some Indus Valley seal symbols with elements from prehistoric Chinese cultures.
In particular, the team examined similarities with the Hongshan culture. Zhou said researchers also identified what they consider similarities with traditional Chinese motifs.
These include the dragon, phoenix and Xuanniao, a legendary bird in ancient Chinese tradition.
The researchers also proposed possible connections between certain symbols and ancient clan names, including “Shang” and “Zhou.”
Possible Cultural Links 5,000 Years Ago
According to Zhou, the findings point to possible cultural exchanges around 5,000 years ago.
The proposed links involve prehistoric communities in China’s Liaohe and Yellow River regions and communities in the Indus Valley.
However, these interpretations are presented as findings and proposals by the research team. Further academic study would be needed to assess the proposed historical connections.
English Edition Expands Academic Exchange
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and Zhou Yushu jointly unveiled the English edition.
Hashmi welcomed the research and highlighted its potential contribution to academic and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and China.
The English edition will make the study available to more international scholars and readers interested in the Indus Valley civilization.
Book Adds to Pakistan-China Academic Ties
The Chinese edition was published in 2024 by China Overseas Chinese Publishing House. The publication received funding from the Inner Mongolia Social Sciences Fund.
The launch also took place during the 75th anniversary year of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences has maintained academic cooperation with Pakistani universities and institutions for more than a decade.
Its cooperation includes higher education, student and faculty exchanges, and academic research.
The new English edition therefore adds another layer to these longstanding academic links. It also creates an opportunity for wider international discussion of Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and the origins of Indus Valley writing.
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