question_answer

Examine the problems faced by archaeologists in the interpretation of religious practices of Harappa.

Answer:

The problems of archaeological interpretation of religious practices are as follows:

1. Early archaeologists thought that certain objects which seemed unusual or unfamiliar may have had a religious significance. These included terracotta figurines of women, heavily jewelled, some with elaborate head - dresses. These were regarded as mother goddesses. Also structures have been assigned ritual significance such as the Great Bath and fire altars found at Kalibangan and Lothal.

2. Archaeologists have examined seals, some of which seem to depict ritual scenes.

3. Seals with plant motifs, are thought to indicate nature worship.

4. In some seals, a figure shown seated cross-legged in a yogic posture, sometimes surrounded by animals, has been regarded as a depiction of proto-Shiva.

5. Conical stone objects have been classified as lingas.

6. Since archaeologists often move from the known to the unknown. While this is plausible in the case of stone querns and pots, it becomes more speculative when we extend it to religious symbols.

For e.g: The proto-Shiva seals, there are conflicting interpretations in Rigveda about Shiva and Rudra.