Which one among the following motifs does not appear on Harappan seals?

The correct answer is Lion.

Key Points

• The Harappan seals prominently feature animal motifs, including humped bulls, rhinoceroses, elephants, and tigers, which were significant in Harappan culture.
• The lion motif is notably absent on Harappan seals, which sets it apart from other ancient cultures that used lions in their symbolism.
• The seals were primarily made of steatite and were used for commercial and administrative purposes, including trade and ownership identification.
• Many seals include inscriptions in the still undeciphered Harappan script, which suggests their use in communication or record-keeping.
• Common animal motifs on Harappan seals include the unicorn, humped bull, elephant, and crocodile, representing cultural and religious symbolism.

Additional Information

• Harappan Seals:
  • Over 3,000 seals have been discovered across Harappan sites.
  • They were mainly rectangular or square and often contained depictions of animals, humans, or divine symbols.
  • The seals served as a mark of authority or identity, especially in trade.
• Animal Representation:
  • The unicorn motif is the most frequently found on Harappan seals and remains an enigma.
  • Other animals like bulls, elephants, and water buffaloes may have had religious or economic significance.
• Harappan Civilization:
  • The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.
  • It was one of the earliest urban cultures, known for its planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures.
• Absence of Lions:
  • The absence of lions on Harappan seals may indicate their geographical rarity in the region or a lack of cultural significance.
  • In contrast, lions are prominently featured in later Indian art and iconography, such as during the Mauryan period.