Harappan Nature Worship
Sacred Tree of Indus Valley: The Peepal Tree
The Peepal tree is the most common tree depicted on Indus Valley Civilization seals, indicating its sacred status in Harappan culture.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part I
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2021
Evidence Source
Link ↗The shape of which tree is found in the seals from the Indus Civilization?
[MPPCS (Pre) 2021]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Harappan religious life was deeply connected to nature, with the Peepal tree acting as a central sacred motif in their art.
Authentic Source Evidence
Multiple seals discovered at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa depict the Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa), often with a deity standing among its branches, signifying its sanctity.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What does the Peepal tree represent in Indus iconography?"
It is believed to represent the 'Tree of Life' or the abode of a nature spirit/deity who controlled fertility and life.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The reverence for the Peepal tree in the Indus Civilization shows an incredible cultural continuity that persists in Indian religious traditions today."
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