The Pashupati Seal of Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilisation left us with an abundance of artefacts that serve as testaments to ancient India’s rich culture and legacy. Pashupati Seal is a well-known artefact from that civilisation. This seal, which goes back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, shows the importance of Hindu deities at the time. This section will present the long-lost story of a well-known stamp seal from the Indus Valley, the Pashupati Seal.

What is the Pashupati Seal?

The Pashupati seal is the most iconic artefact from the Indus Valley civilisation, which dates back to roughly 2500 BCE. This civilisation was one of the first urban societies, and it covered the parts of today Pakistan and Northwest India. The seal was discovered at the archaeological site of Mohenjo-daro, one of the largest towns in the Indus Valley.

Also Read: 40 Historical Facts About Harappan Civilization

Description of the Pashupati Seal

The Pashupati Seal is a square-shaped artefact known for its detailed pattern. The detail shows a focal figure surrounded by a variety of animals. The central figure is one of the most widely studied images from the Indus Valley Civilisation.

• The centre figure on the Pashupati Seal is a seated deity. This figure is frequently seen as an early form of the Hindu god Shiva as Pashupati (Lord of all animals).
• The deity is depicted in a yogic posture, cross-legged with feet and wearing a headpiece decorated with huge horns.
• The figure’s body is adorned with jewellery and wears a calm expression.
• The three faces of the figure represent the early form of a three-headed deity.
• The central figure is surrounded by four animals: elephants, tigers, buffaloes, and rhinoceros.
• Two deer looking backwards are beneath the deity, forming the deity’s knees.
• These animals are important because they represent the principal animals that symbolise the deity’s dominance over the animal kingdom.
• Above the god, the seal includes a series of Indus script symbols. That script, which consists of pictographic signs, has yet to be decoded.
• The signs are important components of the Indus Valley and signify numerous titles, although their exact meaning remains unknown.

Interpretations and Theories

One of the most common interpretations of the central figure is that it represents Shiva’s early form, known as Pashupati. The argument was first offered by Sir John Marshall, an archaeologist who worked on the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa excavations.

• According to the Marshall Theory, the figure’s yoga pose while accompanied by animals associated with Lord Shiva and represents Shiva as the Lord of Animals.
• Another theory holds that the image depicts a tribal deity rather than the early form of Shiva.
• The horned headdress is commonly connected with shamanic traditions in several cultures.
• This interpretation focuses on the animal-based and totemic characteristics of the early Indus Valley religion.
• Some experts interpret the seal in terms of agricultural and fertility rituals.
• The presence of animals is linked to the natural cycle of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• Many experts attempted to understand the symbol above the deity using the Indus script.
• While no such description is achieved, others suggest that the script may encode economic, administrative, or religious information. 

Also Read: Arts of the Indus Valley | UPSC Art & Culture Notes

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Pashupati Seal is more than just an artefact; it offers a window into the cultural and religious life of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

• This seal features intricate patterns and symbolism that show the profound artistic and cultural activities of the Indus Valley people.
• The discovery of the seal provided numerous insights into the religious beliefs, social structure, and daily life of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The imagery and symbolism of the Pashupati Seal influenced the cultural and religious development of the Indian subcontinent.
• The seal depicts Shiva and other deities linked with yoga and nature.

Archaeological Importance

Archaeologists and historians consider the Pashupati Seal as critical evidence in their ongoing search to understand the Indus Valley Civilisation.

• Several findings aimed at learning more about this mysterious group.
• The seal’s design and undeciphered script continue to motivate scholars to unravel the mysteries of the Indus script.
• It also focuses on decoding the civilization’s language and communication methods.

The Pashupati Seal demonstrates the creative abilities, and cultural, and religious life of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Its representation of the primary deity, undeciphered writings, and mysterious symbols continue to attract scholars. Whether regarded as an early form of Shiva or Shamatic tradition, the Pashupati Seal is still an important artefact for understanding one of humanity’s earliest and most sophisticated urban societies.

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