Question

The most common animal figure found at all the Harappan sites is ____.
A. unihorn bull
B. cow
C. bull
D. tiger

Answer 1

Hint: The animal figurines found at various Harappan sites are relevant as they not only depict the familiarity of the Harappan people with the cattle, domesticated animals and even the wildlife but also portray the animals that could have been mystified and used in the ceremonious arrangements. A wide range of animals was familiar to the Indus valley people, as depicted by the animal figurines.

Complete answer: In the seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation, the unihorn bull is depicted the highest number of times. This is seen as a mystifying symbolism as archaeology hasn’t found the existence of any such animal. The single horn bull also finds mention in the Greek and other civilisations contemporary of the time.
The single-horned bull is understood also in terms of how Rig Veda mentions it, that is, as a sacred symbol. The script was written off the seals portraying this animal called the unihorn bull as a priest. That could mean that it is symbolising the priest as a sacred, good-willed being who wants the good for the society.
This attaches way more significance to this symbol than just being an imaginary animal or even an engraving resembling something that could have existed during those times. Many other motifs depict animals like dogs, bulls, cows, tigers etc. But these are more generic and that justifies not attaching mystical values to them or calling them capable of being ceremonial incharges.
Thus, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Another important seal that occurs in the Indus Valley civilisation is that of Pashupati. In this seal, a man in a meditative position, wearing horn headgear and surrounded by animals is portrayed. This has been interpreted by some historians as the depiction of Shiva and is again related to Vedic elements.