Harappan+or+Indus+Civilization+ca.+2300-1750+BCE



**Mohenjo-daro - The Great Bath**
There is little archaeological evidence from the ancient Indus civilization. Historical sites were discovered by accident during railway construction less than a hundred years ago, but a lot is still left to the imagination. From what has been found during recent excavations, there were two major cities: Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. These cities show complex urban planning, with wide straight passageways, north-south west-east orientation, an advanced plumbing system, and buildings made of large red bricks. These bricks are notable because of their uniform size, indicating a standard system of construction. Most structures seem to share the same size and design, except for a large pool, known as the Great Bath. Measuring approximately 12 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 2.4 meters deep, it is considered the oldest public water tank in history ([|http://www.harappa.com]). While its actual purpose is unknown, it is speculated to have been used for bathing rituals.



**Steatite seals and seal impressions**
The first artistic objects found in Indus sites are small seals carved in steatite (soap stone) and their impressions. These seals vary from ¾ to 1 ½ inches square. Intricately carved to prevent reproduction, each seal is different, indicating that they were used to represent personal identities. They are thought to have been used in trade, as the seals and their impressions have been found in sites far from Mohenjo-daro ([|http://www.britishmuseum.org]).

The most commonly seen images carved on the seals are animals, such as bulls, tigers, and elephants. More rarely, a human figures appear depicted in seals, but contrary to the animal forms, the human figure is portrayed in an abstract fashion. Either way, a combination of writing elements usually accompany the image. Over 400 symbols have been identified, but their meaning remains unknown. Most likely, each seal carries the name of its owner. Interestingly, some seals depicting people, like the one pictured above (//Yogin seals),// also include elements common in Buddhist art centuries later, such as the Anjali meditation pose and the pipal tree. This has led some to believe that these had symbolic value in the ancient Indus civilizations long before Buddhism became prominent.

Terracotta pots and figurines
Along with the seals, decorated pottery has been found in the ancient sites. The pots and jars could have been used for food and water storage or funeral rituals. Terracotta figurines were also found. Although the exact meaning and usage of these figurines is not known, the feminine forms would often display full breasts and round hips, perhaps celebrating motherhood and fertility.

Other human representations found on the site include a copper figurine of a dancing girl. Stylized and wearing bracelets common even in the Indus Valley today, she has characteristics similar to the Dravidian people. Additionally, part of a male torso with its abdomen extended depicting a yoga breathing pose (prana) was found, interesting because of its oddly naturalist portrayal of the human form. Also discovered was a small bust of a bearded man carved in steatite. Though called a "priest-king" in comparison to similar Mesopotamian sculptures, his true identity is unknown ([|http://www.accd.edu]).


 * References**

The Great Bath, Mohenjo-daro. Retrieved September 14, 2008, from Harappa Web site: http://www.harappa.com/indus/8.html

Hoover, M. (2001). Art of India. Retrieved September 14, 2008, from San Antonio College Web site: http://www.accd.edu/sac/vat/arthistory/arts1303/India1.htm

Steatite seals from the Indus Valley. Retrieved September 14, 2008, from British Museum Web site: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/s/steatite_seals_from_the_indus.aspx