Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation | Class 12 History Notes

PROBLEMS OF PIECING TOGETHER THE PAST

Understanding the Harappan civilisation relies heavily on material evidence such as pottery, tools, ornaments, and household objects, as organic materials like cloth, leather, and wood usually decompose. Only broken or useless objects were likely discarded; valuable items may have been recycled or hoarded, so surviving finds are often accidental rather than typical. Archaeologists classify finds by material (stone, clay, metal, bone, ivory) and function (tool, ornament, ritual object). Function is inferred by resemblance to modern objects and the context of discovery (house, drain, grave, kiln). Indirect evidence, such as depictions in sculpture, helps reconstruct aspects like clothing. Early interpretations of religious practices were speculative, assigning ritual significance to terracotta female figurines (mother goddesses), the “priest-king” statue, the Great Bath, and fire altars. Some seals depict ritual scenes or mythical animals. The “proto-Shiva” seal shows a figure in a yogic posture surrounded by animals, but this does not match descriptions of Rudra in the Rigveda, raising questions about its meaning. Small conical stones may be lingas or game pieces. Many reconstructions depend on parallels with later traditions, which can be speculative. Despite decades of work, many aspects remain unclear, including the extent of literacy, social differentiation in cemeteries, gender roles in craft production, and the relationship between Harappans and Vedic people.

📊 Diagram: Fig. 1.26 Was this a mother goddess?; Fig. 1.27 A “proto-Shiva” seal; Fig. 1.28 Gamesmen or lingas?

🧪 Activity: Discuss aspects of Harappan economy reconstructed from archaeological evidence.

🔗 Connection: Concludes the chapter and introduces timelines and exercises.