The document discusses a Harappan site and how it is depicted symbolically on an Indus seal. The seal shows a miniature representation of the Harappan site layout, including structures that correlate to divisions of a Vedic yajna shala used for sacrifices. Specifically, the first symbol on the seal seems to depict the "Granary of Harappa" site in miniature form, showing the brick structures and subdivisions within used for purification rituals and animal sacrifices as part of big Vedic yajnas performed by priestly classes.
Harappan Site A Miniature Depiction In Seals- Indica Today,Shastraas,Indic Knowledge Systems,Indology.pptx
1.
2. About us
Indic academy initiative for
publishing content on Shastraas,
Indic Knowledge Systems &
Indology and to showcase the
activities of Indic Academy.
Visit us:
https://www.indica.today/
3. We publish Quick Reads
(articles of less than 1500
words), Long Reads
(articles with word counts
between 1500 and 4000),
Research Papers (more
than 8000 words) and Book
Reviews. We currently
publish in English, Hindi,
Kannada, Telugu and
Sanskrit.
5. The Harappan/Indus seals, as tiny as 3”/3”
with a picture of single horned bull and some
unique symbols inscribed has remained a
mystery because the symbols have remained
undeciphered. The seals which were in use
around 3500 years back coexisted with Indus
civilization and has been correlated with
Vedic culture. The central social activity of
Vedic period was the performance of Yajna
(sacrifices) that are detailed in the Vedas,
conducted and performed by the priestly
class who were initiated into Vedic studies
and practices. Many sites of Harappa and
Lothal have structures that correspond to the
divisions of yajna shala. The artefacts and
figurines of Indus period are also depicted in
the seals as symbols.
6. This write-up will compare the actual site
hitherto called “Granary of Harappa” and its
depiction in a seal in a symbolic miniature form.
The layout and the disposition of the photograph
of Harappan site presented in picture 2, can be
seen in a miniature form in one of the
Harappan/Indus seal presented in picture 1,
along with other symbols. The new
interpretation of the first symbol on the seal
(Picture 1) is that it is a miniature representation
of the Harappan site for carrying out a
purification or Shuddhi ritual called
“Janyabhayapanodana” performed at the
excavated platform of Vedic arena, at the
beginning of big yajnas. The site also shows the
various divisions that were part of the Pasu
vedi where animal sacrifice took place as a
preliminary to big yajnas.
7. The first symbol on the seal (Picture. 1)
appear to be the miniature plan picture of the
hitherto called “Granary of Harappa”, even
though the site has not shown any evidence
of grains or the storage bins in the area. The
site (see picture 2) shows a brick structure
built in an area of 45/45 meters with many
sub structures within like a path way,
rectangular blocks, stepped structures, animal
sacrifice shed, and so on. On either side of
the pathway are 6 brick structures in
rectangular shape with three small divisions
on both the eastern and western sides. The
central passage has a narrow path laid with
bricks which leads to stairs on one end and a
small rectangular pit on the other end.
