Q 7. Short note on Harappan religion.

Answer 1:

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that existed in the Indus Valley from approximately 3000 BCE to 1750 BCE. While there is some evidence of religious practices in the civilization, there is still much that is unknown about the Harappan religion.

Some of the evidence that has been found includes:

Seals and figurines: Many of the seals and figurines found in Harappan sites depict images that may be related to religious beliefs, including images of animals, such as bulls and elephants, and possibly deities.

Ritual baths: Some Harappan sites have large public baths that may have been used for ritual purification, which suggests a religious significance.

Fire altars: Some Harappan sites have structures that may have been used as fire altars, which were likely used for religious rituals.

Burials: Some Harappan burials include objects that may have been used in religious rituals, such as pottery and beads.

However, there is still much that is unknown about the Harappan religion, as the civilization did not leave behind written records. Some scholars have suggested that the civilization may have had a polytheistic religion, with different deities associated with different aspects of nature and daily life.

Overall, while much is still unknown about the Harappan religion, the evidence that has been found suggests that it played a significant role in the civilization's culture and daily life.

Answer 2:

The religion of the Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, is not fully understood due to the lack of written records. However, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of various religious practices, including figurines of deities and ritual baths.

One of the most notable discoveries related to Harappan religion is the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro, which is believed to have been used for ritual bathing. The presence of water tanks and wells in the cities suggests that water was considered sacred, and may have been used in religious ceremonies.

Archaeological excavations have also uncovered numerous terracotta figurines depicting female deities, animals, and other objects, such as wheels and trees, which may have had religious significance. These figurines were often found in private homes, suggesting that religious practices were part of daily life.

Other artifacts, such as seals and tablets with inscriptions, have also been found, but their exact religious significance is still debated. Some of these inscriptions include images of animals, such as bulls and elephants, which may have been associated with deities.

Overall, while the exact religious beliefs and practices of the Harappan civilization are not fully understood, it is clear that religion played an important role in their daily lives, as evidenced by the presence of figurines, ritual baths, and other artifacts.