Problems of Piecing Together The Past
Understanding the ancient Harappan civilization relies more on material evidence than on deciphering their script. Archaeologists analyze various artifacts such as pottery, tools, ornaments, and household items to reconstruct aspects of Harappan life. However, organic materials like cloth, leather, wood, and reeds typically decompose over time, leaving behind only durable materials such as stone, burnt clay, and metal.
It’s essential to recognize that intact artifacts found today are often accidental discoveries, as broken or useless objects would have been discarded or recycled in the past. Archaeologists classify these artifacts based on material and function. They assess whether an object served as a tool, ornament, or had a ritual purpose, often drawing comparisons with present-day objects and examining the context of their discovery.
Interpreting religious practices presents particular challenges for archaeologists. Early interpretations often assigned religious significance to certain artifacts, such as terracotta figurines and stone statuary. Structures like the Great Bath and fire altars were also considered ritualistic. Seals with depictions of ritual scenes or plant motifs were interpreted as indications of religious beliefs, with some animals depicted on seals considered mythical.
Attempts to reconstruct Harappan religion often rely on parallels with later traditions, such as those found in Hinduism. However, this approach can be speculative, as it assumes continuity between ancient and later religious practices. For example, depictions of a seated figure surrounded by animals, interpreted as “proto-Shiva,” may not accurately align with early descriptions of the god Rudra in the Rigveda. Thus, interpretations of Harappan religious symbols require cautious consideration and may not always correspond neatly with later religious traditions.
Chapter 1: Bricks,Beads and Bones| Class 12 Notes History
Crafted from a stone called steatite, Harappan seals typically feature animal motifs and symbols from a script that has yet to be deciphered. Despite the mystery surrounding the script, archaeologists have gleaned significant insights into the lives of the people inhabiting the region through the examination of their dwellings, pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals – collectively known as archaeological evidence.
This evidence serves as a window into the Harappan civilization, shedding light on various aspects of their society. However, while archaeological findings provide valuable insights, interpretations of these discoveries are subject to change as new evidence emerges. Although there are still unknown aspects of the civilization that may remain elusive, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the Harappan civilization!
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