The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing hosted the launch of the English edition of a new study on the Indus Valley script. The event highlighted growing academic and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The study, titled Study of Ancient Seal Script Symbols from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro: Exploration of the Indus Valley Script Origins, was authored by Professor Zhou Yushu and his research team.
Study Examines Ancient Seals
The research examines 401 relatively complete seals excavated from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. It also offers interpretations of 132 individual characters found in the ancient symbols.
Researchers compared these symbols with inscriptions, imagery, and cultural traditions linked to prehistoric China. In particular, the study explores possible connections with the Hongshan cultural sphere.
However, the researchers acknowledge that these similarities do not provide definitive conclusions. Instead, they offer new areas for further scholarly research.
Research Explores Possible Cultural Links
The study identifies possible parallels in several areas. These include ancestral representations, ritual symbols, offerings, and animal imagery.
It also examines symbols connected with birth, divination, thunder, and ancestral worship. According to the researchers, these findings could encourage further research into interaction and cultural exchange among ancient communities.
Ambassador Hashmi Welcomes the Research
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi welcomed the publication during the launch ceremony. He congratulated Professor Zhou, his research team, translators, and the Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences.
Hashmi described the study as an important contribution to research on possible historical and cultural connections between the two ancient civilizations.
English and Urdu Editions Expand Access
The research is now available in English. An Urdu translation has also been prepared to make the study more accessible to Pakistani readers.
Moreover, the launch highlighted the importance of academic exchanges in strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and China.
Professor Zhou to Receive Civil Award
The event also recognized Professor Zhou’s long contribution to Pakistan-China educational and cultural exchanges.
The Government of Pakistan has decided to confer a high civil award on Professor Zhou. The award recognizes his efforts to strengthen Pakistan-China friendship and promote cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
Academic and Cultural Exchange Continues
The ceremony brought together academics, scholars, researchers, media professionals, and other guests. The programme also featured an exhibition of seals discussed in the study.
In addition, participants took part in an interactive media session before the formal inauguration of the English edition.
Overall, the launch created another platform for academic dialogue between Pakistan and China. It also encouraged continued research into the connections between two ancient cultural traditions.
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