History Ancient India Questions Long
The religious beliefs and practices of the Indus Valley people, also known as the Harappan civilization, are not fully understood due to the lack of deciphered written records. However, archaeological findings provide some insights into their religious practices.
One of the most significant discoveries related to their religious beliefs is the presence of numerous seals depicting various animals, deities, and symbols. These seals suggest that the Indus Valley people had a complex religious system. Some of the commonly depicted animals include bulls, elephants, tigers, and rhinoceroses, which may have held symbolic significance in their religious rituals.
The presence of a large number of female figurines, often referred to as "Mother Goddess" figurines, indicates the importance of female deities in their religious practices. These figurines suggest that fertility and motherhood were significant aspects of their religious beliefs.
The Indus Valley people also constructed elaborate bath and water supply systems, which may have been associated with purification rituals or religious ceremonies. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro is a prime example of their advanced engineering skills and possibly served as a site for ritual bathing.
Furthermore, the presence of fire altars and fire pits in some of the excavated sites suggests the practice of fire worship. Fire was considered sacred in many ancient civilizations, and it is possible that the Indus Valley people also revered fire as a symbol of purity and divine power.
Although the exact nature of their religious beliefs and rituals remains speculative, it is evident that the Indus Valley people had a well-developed religious system with a focus on fertility, female deities, and possibly fire worship. Their religious practices were likely intertwined with their daily lives and played a significant role in their social and cultural fabric.