The seals show still undeciphered script-Notes

 

The seals show still undeciphered script-Notes

 

The seals show still undeciphered script. They could engrave scripts on the seals even back then. Vrushabha (bull) is one of the most important figures found on seals of those times with the leaf of the sacred fig (peepul or ashvattha) tree being another prominent figure on the seals. Several idols with different yoga and namaskara postures are also seen. Vrushabha, Shiva’s vehicle, also that stands as figura of dharma; the leaf of a fig tree, also known as yajnya-vrukha; yoga, one of the vaidika aspects – all these facts point at the continuation of vaidika tradition since the Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization times. Weavers used to work with cotton, sometimes even silk.

There were artists who worked on stones, ivory and such materials. Woollen blankets, wooden furniture, articles that enhanced the beauty of the buildings were in vogue. Bronze has been one of the important alloys found in ancient civilizations. The copper needed to create the alloy was available in Baluchistan, Rajasthan, etc. People had mastered the art of bronze making after centuries of effort. Such technology helped them create several items from hard tools to mirrors. The metrology and measurements followed during this civilization match the descriptions in Kautilya’s Arthashastra – which were in use till a few centuries back in our country.

A temple dedicated to Agni (sacred fire) worship is found in Banavali, Haryana. Platforms of worship are seen in Lothal, Kalibangan and other sites. Dholavira town was planned on measurements that were proportionate to the ‘mahavedi-s’ used in vaidika yaga-s. The same ratio is later seen in texts starting from vaidika band of Shatapatha Brahmana, Shulbasutra-s, etc. to the later encyclopaedia of Brihatsamhita – only goes on to show the normality in our traditions.

Literature, music, dance, painting, sculpture and other art forms were well established. Female figurines in dancing posture, drum and string instrument sculptures, several varieties of masks obtained during the exploration excavations confirm their deep interest in art. The famous dancing female figurine obtained in Mohenjo-Daro is seen as the original form of Indian woman with its posture and the bangles that it wears. Toy carts, tops, whistles, etc. were in vogue, as toys for kids Farming and trading Sindhu-Sarasvati population were dependant on farming and trading. Wheat, barley and pulses were their primary crops. The bullock cart modelled and used back then is still in use in almost the same way. Hunting and fishing were also vastly practised. Cotton farming was done to manufacture textiles. Since several of the towns of the era were situated on the banks of rivers, it is obvious that they were experts in irrigation which helped in their farming.

They were involved in rearing of cattle including bull, cow, buffalo and sheep, goat and poultry. Oxen were used to plough the fields. Commerce and trading were equally important to them. Urban centres used to trade with country side and foreign nations –Baluchistan, Sourashtra and Deccan regions were prominent among them. Several seals found in Mesopotamia indicates the close ties that existed between the SindhuSarasvati and Mesopotamian civilizations. A huge construction is found in Lothal, Gujarat which is most probably a ship dockyard. Lothal was their primary centre of sea trade. Dholavira had best of practices of rain water management. A one-third of the town was reserved for this, experts opine. It goes on to show how advanced the Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization was.

The decline Historians have ascribed several reasons for the decline of urban centres. Some claim, the drying up of rivers, drastic change in their course could be the reason; some others feel loss of forests could be reasons, because of long-term flooding of the region, which could also have forced the population from sites along Sindhu and in Western Punjab to migrate Eastwards and towards the South. However, the civilization continued until much later in Lothal, Gujarat which finally got infused into our culture. All in all, the Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization is a great sign of Indian pride.

From nomadic life towards village settlement After the nomadic life stabilized, hutments and houses were built traces of which can still be seen. Pit houses are found in Burzahom, Kashmir. Those people used to build bore holes in ground and live underground to save themselves from harsh cold and wild animals. The underground bunker used to have steps for access.

Clay pots are found inside and outside such bunkers. These were used for cooking either inside or outside the bunker based on the weather. Mehrgarh is situated on the way to Iran, near the fertile plains of Bolan pass. People here cultivated barley and wheat and raised sheep and goats. Mehrgarh is the first of the villages found from this era. The people here used to live in well built houses, some of which had four or more rooms. Apart from fossils of animals, many graves are also found. It appears that animals were also buried along with humans.

Vedic society Vedic times had brahmana and kshatriya varnas based on several characteristics and lifestyles. Those were mainly into learning and teaching were brahmanas while the ones who were responsible for the protection and nurturing of society were kshatriyas. The common people were called ‘vishah’. Vaishyas were those who were into trade and commerce; shudras were those who were into physical work at every level. There were sabha and samiti in administrative system to provide guidance. Sabha had several people representatives while samiti had specifically a few experts. The priest, army general and village head and others used to assist in administration.

The priest used to be the king’s guru and guide. Army generals used to be involved much into administration and defence affairs. Village heads used to look after the well-being of people in villages which were the basic blocks of administration. Those were the times when there were tribes by name Bharata, Puru, Anu, Druhyu, Turvasha and Yadu. They used to fight over protection of cattle – the key wealth of those times. These fights were helped by usage of horses. Well cultured, respected people were addressed as Arya. The word arya indicates no tribe but all of Indians. A group of selfish traders called pani used to accumulate wealth unethically and used to fight to protect it too.