While these inscriptions haven't been fully deciphered, there are significant similarities with later Vedic Sanskrit, indicating a close relationship.
Here's a breakdown of the evidence:
* Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from around 3300 to 1300 BCE, left behind thousands of inscriptions on seals, pottery, and other objects. These inscriptions remain largely undeciphered, but there are some scholars who believe they represent an early form of Sanskrit.
* Vedic Sanskrit: Vedic Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), emerged around 1500 BCE. While the Vedas themselves aren't considered the absolute "earliest," they represent the oldest attested form of Sanskrit.
* Similarities: The Indus Valley inscriptions share some features with later Vedic Sanskrit, like the use of the same script and a similar word order. This suggests a link between the two, making the Indus Valley inscriptions a strong contender for the earliest example of Sanskrit.
However, it's important to remember that:
* Decipherment is ongoing: The exact nature of the Indus Valley inscriptions remains unclear, and their connection to Sanskrit is still debated.
* No definitive answer: There's no definitive answer to the question of the earliest Sanskrit inscription. The Vedas are the earliest attested example, while the Indus Valley inscriptions offer a possible, though debated, link to an even earlier stage of the language.
In summary, while the earliest attested Sanskrit is found in the Vedas, the Indus Valley inscriptions might represent an even earlier form of the language, though their connection to Sanskrit is still under investigation.