INDIAN SCULPTURE Introduction to Indus valley civilization Dr.Guneeta Chadha, Associate Professor, H.O.D Fine –Arts Dept. PGGCG-11, Chandigarh.

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION It is the most ancient civilization of India, about 5000 years old, dating back to third millennium B.C. It was lost to civilization and re-discovered in 1921 by the British while laying the tracks for railway lines in the Indus area. Sir John Marshal and R.D.Banerjee along with a team of archeologists made systematic excavations and brought to light the two important places of this civilization- Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, later excavations prove that this civilization had a wider expanse and was spread upto the areas of present day Panjab.

SEALS OF INDUS VALLEY Seals are one of the most significant crafted artifacts found in this civilization. Seals are considered as the first art objects found in India. More than two thousand in number have been found. In size they range from ¾ inch to about 1 ½ inch. The shape is mostly square and sometimes round as well. Interestingly, sometimes there is a pierced boss at the back to put a cord to be used as a piece of jewellery maybe in the neck or as armlet.

Technique of making seals All the seals have some carvings done on then. The seals are generally made of steatite, but sometimes copper, terracotta was also used. The seals were decorated with the intaglio technique. In this the form is made by cutting into the surface. All the parts are cut out in relief, so that when the seal has been pressed upon the soft material like clay or wax, the impression stands out in relief.

Artwork or pictographs on the seals All the seals are beautifully decorated with symbols like circles, crosses, dots. Leaves, and swastikas. The pictographs consist of some four hundred in all, of which around two to eight occur in each seal. Some of the symbols still remain till date mysteries. Among the variety of animals drawn on the seals the most popular are the- tiger, elephant, one-horned Indian rhinoceros, crocodile, Brahmani Bull. The writings on the seals go from right to left, and in the second line it runs from left to right. These seals are mostly found from the sites of Harappa, Mohenjo-daro and Lothal. Out of the many seals found, a few important ones will be discussed in detail.

PASHUPATI SEAL OR THE YOGIC SEAL In this seal the impression of a seated ‘yogi’ figure surrounded by animals is shown. It is made of steatite with a width of 1. 3/8 inches(3.5cms) It belongs to the Harappan culture and is at present in the National museum of Pakistan, Karachi. Details of the Seal:

The seal shows a central figure seated upon a low throne in a yogic posture. The arms which are covered with bangles, are extended outwards over the knees. The huge and elaborate head dress marks it as an important and a sacred image. The shape suggests the trident symbol of Shiva. Sir John Marshal calls it as a prototype of Shiva on the aspect of Pashupati or Lord of beasts. The animals in the seal are elephant, tiger, rhinoceros, buffalo, and deer with two human figures.

Besides this seal other worth mentioning are the: Unicorn Seal The Brahmani Bull seal Seal with impression of Rhinoceros

The study of the seals show that they were used for different purposes like- Religious Personal adornments As stamps They were also an integral part to provide information about the lost civilization.