Yu. V. Knorozov: Studies of Proto-Indian Texts. To the Centenary of the Birth

Yu.V. Knorozov is known as a decipherer of the writing ancient Maya Indians. But his research included other historical systems, including Proto-Indian, much less about this. began to study it in 1964 and continued with Group Ethnic Semiotics he created. Proto-Indian texts have preserved evidence one greatest civilizations antiquity, which existed III–II millennium BC northwest Hindustan, valley Indus River. In proto-Indian writing, all difficulties that are possible when studying forgotten system were concentrated: neither letter nor language, small number texts, absence bilingualism, etc. unknown. Nevertheless, tasks necessary such cases consistently solved. After deep analysis themselves, type was defined hieroglyphic (morphemic-syllabic) its inherent features. On basis formal typological comparisons, proved language inscriptions Dravidian; linguistic interpretation proposed conditional phonetic reading signs established. Yu. V. also studied images symbols accompanying on various archaeological sites. The main types identified, described analyzed. this basis, reconstruct some features religious mythological ideas inhabitants cities their calendar chronological system. purpose article show stages methodological positions results obtained course work under guidance Knorozov. author’s task acquaint scientific community significant contribution into thereby resurrect facets multifaceted image great Russian scientist.