The first element in this Indus sign is the basic container symbol. However, the source for the second element is less certain.

It may be that the second element has a common origin with the Classical Yi symbol for a lip. A container with a lip is a jar. Jars were used for the storage and transport of goods.

Another possible reading for the second element is as one space from a measuring rod. Then, Mahadevan's sign number 4001 would represent a measure of unspecified goods.

The translation depends upon the context of the inscription. It might be the noun consignment, or simply the noun goods.