Harappan Religious Life
Indus Valley Worship: Pashupati Shiva Evidence
The Indus Valley people worshipped a male deity identified as Pashupati (an early form of Shiva), alongside nature and the Mother Goddess.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part I
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2006
Evidence Source
Link ↗The Indus valley people worshipped-
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. Mains 2006]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Harappan religion is reconstructed through icons and seals that show striking parallels with later Hindu deities.
Authentic Source Evidence
The discovery of the Pashupati Seal at Mohenjo-Daro shows a three-faced figure in a yogic posture, identified by John Marshall as 'Proto-Shiva'.Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Which animals surround the figure in the Pashupati seal?"
An elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, and a buffalo, with two deer beneath his throne.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The identification of Pashupati Shiva in Harappa suggests a significant cultural continuity between the Indus Civilization and later Indian religious traditions."
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