Question

Select all the correct statements about the religious beliefs of the Harappans:

1. Harappans worshiped a male god resembling Lord Shiva of later times.
2. Animals were considered as sacred by the Harappans
3. The worship of plants and natural forces was a part of Harappan religious beliefs.
4. Harappans did not believe in life after death.

• A. i, ii, iii
• B. ii only
• C. ii, iii
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii, iii

Pashupati Seal 

• Excavations at various Harappan sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, have uncovered a significant number of seals and artifacts.
• The Pashupati seal ( Mahayogi seal),is such a steatite seal which was uncovered in Mohenjo-daro during excavations in 1928–29, 
• This seal depict a male deity in a seated or meditative posture.
• This figure is often shown surrounded by animals and other symbols.
• Scholars and historians have noted certain similarities between the iconography of the male deity on these seals and later depictions of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.
• These similarities include the seated posture, the presence of animals, and the symbolism associated with meditative practices.
• Harappans also worshiped a female deity which is often referred as 'The Mother Goddess'

Seals engraved with animal & plant figures

• Seals engraved with animal figures have been was uncovered in the Harappan sites suggest that Harappans considered animals & plants as sacred.
• Humped bull, elephant ,rhinocerous, Peepal tree etc has been found depicted on many seals of Harappa 
• Harappan religion appears to have been polytheistic, with worship directed toward various elements of the natural world, including plants, animals, and natural forces. 

Life after Death

• The people of Harappan Civilization probably believed in life after death, as they offered materials as grave offerings.
• The offerings buried with the dead usually included pottery and grain.