Discuss the religious practices of the Harappan people.

Explanation

The study of seals, inscription and other antiques help to reconstruct the religious practices of the Harappan people.
(i) Discovery of a large number of statues and terracotta figurines prove that they were icon-worshippers. These statues and figurines are considered as gods and goddesses.
(ii) Terracotta figurines of women heavily jewelled some with elaborate head dresses, were regarded as Mother-Goddess.
(iii) Rare stone statuory of men in an almost standarised posture created with one hand such as the .priest-king., show the religious significance.
(iv) Seals showing plant note indicate the worship of nature.
(v) Unicorn is one horned animal, depicted on seals seem to be mythical, composite creatures.
(vi) A figure shown seated cross-leged in .Yogic. posture, surrounded by animals, has been regarded as a depiction of "protoshiva" which is an early form of one of the major deities of Hinduism. The worship of the Linga, probably symbolize the idea of fertility, animal worship - images of various animals on the seals, Treeworship - the seals and painted pottery show the figure especially pipal tree. Discovery of .dancing girl. made of bronze throws light on the religious aspect of Harappan people .