The Seals may be considered as the most valuable finds of the Harappan Civilization. More than 2000 seals of different types have been discovered from the various sites. These are usually square or oblong and made of terracotta, steatite, or ivory. Some seals are engraved with the figures of animals the buffalo, bull, elephant, tiger, and antelope. The best engravings are those of the humped bull, the buffalo, and the bison. Another figure shown on the Seals is that of the Unicorn with a single protruding horn.
A particular object is placed in front of the unicorn, which may have some religious significance with ceremonial worship. The Pashupati-Seal depicts a three-faced deity, seated in a yogic posture with a homed headdress and surrounded by animals. Later excavations revealed two more seals of Shiva—one seal depicts a three-faced deity seated on the low dais; the other shows only one face with flowers springing from the head between the horns.
Why are the Harappan seals Important?
The importance of the Seals can not be underestimated. The figures engraved on the Seals provide information about the physical features, dress, ornament, and hairstyle of the people and also we learn about the animals they kept. They throw light on the religious faith and beliefs of the people. They give us an idea about their commercial activities. They reveal the remarkable skills of the artists.
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