Culture During Harappan Civilization, Religious Practices And Beliefs

Culture During Harappan Civilization: The Harappan Civilization flourished around 2600 BC - 1900 BC and showcased a rich and vibrant culture with its well planned cities, intriguing artwork and advanced infrastructure in everything. The Harappans were skilled artisans making beautiful Pottery adorned with symbols and inscriptions and also had depictions of animals. They also made gold and silver ornaments with great skills.

Overview of the Harappan Civilization

Geographic Extent and Major Cities

• The Harappan Civilization flourished on the banks of Indus river valley which consists of present day Pakistan and northwest India.
• The major cities included were Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal.
• These cities were remarkable due to their early Urban planning evidences and infrastructure.

Historical Timeframe

• The Harappan civilization is believed to exist around 2600 BC- 1900 BC.
• The civilization reached its peak around 2600 BCE and began to decline around 1900 BCE, with the eventual collapse of its urban centers around 1700 BCE.

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Social Structure and Hierarchies during Harappan Civilization

• The Harappan civilization was hierarchy based in a very distinct manner as the evidence suggests with different social classes.
• The society may have been organized based on occupation, wealth and possible lineage.
• Archaeological findings suggest that there was a ruling elite who held significant power and influence.
• The seals that depicted figures showed attires and ceremonial positions are also a strong evidence of its existence.
• There is evidence of specialized labor, indicating a division of labor within society, with certain groups possibly having higher status than others.
• While the exact nature of social hierarchy remains uncertain, it is clear that there were varying degrees of social status and power within Harappan society.

Religious Practices and Beliefs during Harappan Civilization

• The evidences suggest that the Harappan civilization has some complex religious systems
• Archeologists have found ruins that revealed presence of religious infrastructure as well like temples and fire altars.
• Ritual objects have various animals, deities and symbols present on the seals and inscriptions found during that time.
• The worship of animals is the most common symbol on the objects, specifically bull.
• Ritual bathing and sacrifices might also be part of religious ceremonies as concluded
• The indus scripts also contains evidence regarding religious texts or hymns as deciphered by archeological authorities.

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Artistic Expression and Symbols during Harappan Civilization

Artistic Expressions

• Pottery items, seals, figurines and structures display intriguing craftsmanship by Harappans.
• Terracotta, metals and stones were used frequently in art production.
• Artwork often had animals, mysterious symbols and figurines inscribed in them.
• Bronze casting, bead making and Pottery wheel were some advanced technologies during that time.

Symbols

• Seals with inscriptions served as a symbol of authority.
• Usage of frequent symbols of animals like unicorns and bulls signified deities and cultural beliefs
• Trees and plants were also spotted frequently.
• It was also believed a system of writing existed by the symbols on seals.

Cultural significance

• Symbols had religious, economic and social significance in Harappan culture.
• There were also discoveries related to religious rituals, trade or daily life.
• The frequency and common symbols signified shared identity of culture.

Burial Practices and Funerary Customs during Harappan Civilization

Burial Rituals

• Variety of Burial rituals were observed during the Harappan civilization in the form of Primary and secondary burial.
• Primary Burials was placing the deceased directly in the grave.
• Secondary burial involved placing remains or ashes in vases or urns.

Funeral customs

• Pottery, jewelry and tools were contained in the graves as grave goods
• Animal sacrifices or burials were also found as an evidence signifying religious beliefs or ritual significance.
• Evidence of elaborate grave structures or platforms in some cases, suggesting social or status distinctions.
• Absence of monumental tombs or pyramids was also there signifying culture in Harappan Civilization.

Legacy and Influence during Harappan Civilization

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