For over 5,000 years, scientists invite those interested to solve a mystery and win millions (photo).

The Indian authorities and scholars have offered $1 million (over 41.7 million UAH) to any enthusiast who can decipher inscriptions in an ancient language that is over 5000 years old. This was reported by the British tabloid Metro.

Journalists note that the writing system of the ancient civilization in the Indus Valley remains one of the biggest mysteries among archaeologists and paleolinguists. Despite the fact that more than 100 years have passed since the discovery of this civilization, scholars have yet to make significant progress in deciphering the inscriptions.

Renowned Indologist Asko Parpola describes the script of this civilization as "the most important writing system that remains undeciphered." According to him, scholars are currently debating what language it could represent—Dravidian (or ancient Tamil), Proto-Brahui, early Indo-Aryan, or even Sumerian.

Currently, specialists have identified nearly 4000 inscriptions, primarily on seals, pottery, and tablets, each of which is short—no longer than 34 characters. None of these artifacts contain a second language that could assist specialists in translation.

Media reports indicate that recent studies suggest similarities between these inscriptions and ancient graffiti from the Tamil Nadu province located on the eastern coast of the Indian Ocean. Recent comparisons have shown a 60% match in various symbols on the artifacts, yet this has not led to any breakthroughs in deciphering the inscriptions of the Indus civilization.

Leading historians and state authorities support efforts to find a solution to this issue. The Chief Minister of the state, Muthuvell Karunanidhi Stalin, announced the establishment of a prize for anyone who can find the "key" to this ancient mystery.

"We have not been able to clearly understand the writing system of the once-flourishing Indus Valley. This mystery has remained unsolved for the past 100 years, despite numerous efforts by archaeologists and experts. I am announcing a monetary prize of one million dollars to individuals or organizations that can decode the inscriptions in a way that satisfies experts and archaeologists," said the official.

According to him, he agrees with the hypothesis of several scholars that the images of bulls in the Indus civilizations and among Tamil tribes show similarities. Mr. Muthuvell Karunanidhi Stalin believes that the key to deciphering these artifacts should be sought in ancient Tamil texts.

"Ancient Tamil literature contains many references to the taming of bulls, and one of the seals from the Indus Valley civilization depicts a person trying to tame a bull. Therefore, I am hopeful that the answer to this mystery will shed light on the times of power, trade, and beliefs of the people then, whose language has been lost over time and remains unsolved," says the Tamil official.

Previously, it was reported that scholars discovered an unusual artifact from the Maya civilization. During the exploration of the famous Maya city known as Chichen Itza, archaeologists found a disk featuring images of players from an ancient ball game.

Subsequently, it was reported how a 3000-year-old Babylonian tablet contained a map to a biblical treasure. Researchers believe they have deciphered the cuneiform text of the Babylonians, which indicates the location of the Ark.