The Enigmatic Pashupati Seal
Unveiling the mysteries of a civilization through its most debated artifact.
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Introduction
A Unique Indus Artifact
The Pashupati seal, also known as the Mahayogi seal, is a remarkable steatite seal discovered at the ancient Indus Valley Civilization site of Mohenjo-daro, located in modern-day Pakistan. Dating back to approximately 2200 BCE, it stands out among the thousands of Indus seals found due to its intricate design and the prominent central human figure, a rarity in Indus iconography where animals typically dominate.[10] Its complex iconography has made it a focal point for discussions on the religious and cultural practices of this enigmatic civilization.
Context of Discovery
Unearthed in 1928 or 1929 from the DK-G Area of Mohenjo-daro, the seal was found at a depth of 3.9 meters. Ernest Mackay, the archaeologist leading the excavations, dated it to the Intermediate I Period (circa 2350โ2000 BCE).[15] The seal's dimensions are approximately 3.56 cm in height and 3.53 cm in width, with a thickness of 7.6 mm, crafted from steatite.[17]
Significance and Debate
The seal's central figure, depicted in a yogic posture and surrounded by animals, has led to extensive scholarly debate. The most influential interpretation, proposed by Sir John Marshall, identifies the figure as a precursor to the Hindu deity Shiva, specifically in his aspect as Pashupati, the "Lord of Animals."[20] However, this interpretation has been challenged, with alternative theories suggesting the figure might represent a goddess, a buffalo-man, or other deities, reflecting the ongoing effort to understand the religious landscape of the Indus Valley.
Discovery Details
Location and Context
The Pashupati seal was excavated from the DK-G Area at Mohenjo-daro, a significant urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization. The specific find spot was at a depth of 3.9 meters below the surface, indicating its placement within the city's occupational layers.[15] The site itself, Mohenjo-daro, is renowned for its advanced urban planning, including sophisticated sanitation systems and grid-like street layouts, providing a rich context for the artifacts discovered there.
Chronology and Excavation
The excavation that yielded the seal took place in 1928 or 1929 under the direction of Ernest Mackay. He assigned the seal to the Intermediate I Period, a phase of the Indus Valley Civilization generally dated between 2350 and 2000 BCE.[16] This dating places the seal firmly within the mature phase of the civilization, a period characterized by its most developed urbanism and cultural achievements.
Physical Attributes
Crafted from steatite, the seal measures approximately 3.56 cm in height and 3.53 cm in width, with a thickness of 7.6 mm.[17] Steatite was a common material for Indus seals, often glazed with a distinctive slip. The seal's relatively small size is typical, yet its detailed carving sets it apart.
Iconographic Details
The Central Figure
The seal's most striking feature is the central figure, seated in what appears to be a yogic posture with heels touching and toes pointing downwards. The figure is adorned with bangles on its arms and necklaces around its chest. It wears an elaborate headdress featuring a central fan-shaped motif flanked by two large, striated horns. The interpretation of the figure's facial features, including whether it possesses three faces, is a subject of scholarly debate.[3]
Surrounding Fauna
Encircling the central figure are four distinct animals: an elephant and a tiger on one side, and a water buffalo and a rhinoceros on the other. Below the seated figure, two deer or ibexes are depicted looking backward, their curved horns nearly meeting in the center.[17] The careful depiction of these animals, common in the Indus region, adds to the seal's complexity and symbolic richness.
Indus Script
At the top of the seal, seven symbols from the undeciphered Indus script are inscribed. The arrangement suggests an attempt to fit the inscription within the available space, with the final symbol seemingly displaced downwards.[17] The script remains one of the greatest mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilization, hindering definitive interpretations of many artifacts, including this seal.
Post-Excavation Journey
Partition and Allocation
Following their discovery, the artifacts from Mohenjo-daro, including the Pashupati seal, were initially housed in the Lahore Museum. As the partition of India approached in 1947, a division of these finds between the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan became necessary. After negotiations, the collection was divided, with India retaining significant pieces, including the Pashupati seal, while Pakistan received others, such as the famous "Priest-King" sculpture.[19]
Current Location
The Pashupati seal is currently housed in the National Museum of India in New Delhi. Its presence there underscores its importance as a key artifact representing the artistic and potentially religious achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization, a civilization that flourished millennia ago in the Indian subcontinent.
Scholarly Interpretations
Marshall's Proto-Shiva Theory
Sir John Marshall, a pivotal figure in Indus archaeology, first proposed that the seal depicts a proto-Shiva, a precursor to the Hindu deity Shiva. His reasoning was based on several observations: the figure's three faces (though debated), its yogic posture, the presence of horns (interpreted as Shiva's bull emblem or trident), and its association with animals, aligning with Shiva's epithet "Pashupati" (Lord of Animals).[20] This interpretation significantly influenced subsequent scholarship for decades.
Reinterpretations and Counterarguments
Later scholars, such as Herbert Sullivan and Doris Srinivasan, challenged Marshall's identification. Sullivan argued the figure might be female, noting that the "erect phallus" could be a waistband knot, common in female figurines, and that the jewelry resembled that worn by female representations.[27] Srinivasan suggested the lateral projections might be ears rather than faces, and the central face could have bovine features, proposing a "divine buffalo-man" or a deity associated with the buffalo demon Mahishasura.[28]
Dravidian and Vedic Perspectives
Scholars viewing the Indus Civilization through a Dravidian lens have offered alternative interpretations. Alf Hiltebeitel suggested the figure could be a prototype of Mahishasura, noting the buffalo horns and the tiger's potential link to the goddess Durga.[32] Others, like Asko Parpola, proposed a connection to aquatic deities or a servant of such, based on potential Dravidian linguistic interpretations of the script.[35] Vedic interpretations have also been proposed, with M.V.N. Krishna Rao identifying the figure with the Vedic god Indra.[33]
Uncertainty and Ongoing Debate
Despite numerous interpretations, definitive conclusions remain elusive due to the undeciphered Indus script and the limited understanding of Indus religious practices. Scholars like Wendy Doniger and Geoffrey Samuel have urged caution, emphasizing that while resemblances to later Hindu iconography exist, direct lineage and meaning cannot be definitively established.[7][8] The Pashupati seal continues to be a subject of fascination and scholarly inquiry, embodying the enduring mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilization.
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References
References
- See e. g. James G. Lochtefeld, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, vol. 2: NรขยยZ. The Rosen Publishing Group, New York 2002, p. 633, who doubts the connection of the seal to Shiva, given the supposedly late age of the god.
- "stamp-seal", British Museum
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Archaeological interpretations are subject to ongoing scholarly debate and revision.
This is not a definitive historical or religious text. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional archaeological, historical, or religious studies consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for in-depth understanding and analysis.
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