Q. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

  1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
  2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
  3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 2 only
  • 1, 2 and 3
  • None of the statements given above is correct

Answer: (b) 2 only

Features of IVC:
  • No building has been discovered at any Harappan site that can be positively identified as a temple, but the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro may have been used for ritual purposes.
  • Figurines resembling a female deity have been found.
    • They suggest the worship of Mother Goddess.
    • A seal with a male figure sitting in a logical posture with a trident-like headgear, surrounded by animals, has been found.
    • This has a lot of similarities with Shiva.
      • From this, it is figured that the Harappans might be worshipping Shiva.
    • Clay figures of the Mother Goddess, worshipped by the people as a symbol of fertility, have been found.
    • A seated figure of a male god, carved on a small stone seal, has also been found.
    • The scene immediately brings to mind the traditional image of Pasupati Mahadeva.
    • In addition to these, we come across numerous symbols of the phallus and female sex organs made of stone, which may have been objects of worship.
  • On the basis of the Indus seals, it can be said that a large number of animals including goats, buffaloes, oxen, elephants, dogs, and camels were domesticated.
    • However, the Harappans do not appear to have been familiar with the horse.

Religious Practices:

  • One of the first understandings of the Harappan religion was forwarded by John Marshall. He found several parallels between the Harappan religion and modern Hinduism. One of the seals was identified by him as a ‘Proto-Shiva’ seal.
    • This seal has a male figure seated on a dais. His heels are joined, and his toes point downward. This position is very similar to mulabandhasana in yoga.
    • Figurines resembling a female deity have been found. They suggest worship of the Mother Goddess
    • No temples have been discovered at any of the Harappan sites.
    • Harappans might have also venerated pipal trees. One seal depicts seven figures paying obeisance to the tree.