What was the seal on the Harappan Civilization coin?
VerifiedAnswer: Unicorn Seal
Explanation:
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished around 2600-1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia. Among the most fascinating archaeological discoveries from this ancient civilization are the numerous seals that provide valuable insights into their culture, trade practices, and religious beliefs.
The Unicorn Seal is one of the most prominent and frequently discovered seals from the Harappan sites. These seals typically feature a mythical animal that appears to be a one-horned creature, resembling what we commonly call a unicorn. The animal is usually depicted in profile, showing a powerful body similar to a bull or buffalo, but with a single prominent horn projecting from its forehead.
These seals were not actually coins in the modern sense but served multiple important purposes in Harappan society. They were primarily used as identification markers for merchants and traders, helping to authenticate goods and establish ownership. The seals were typically made from steatite, a soft stone that could be easily carved, and were often rectangular or square in shape.
Most unicorn seals also contain inscriptions in the undeciphered Harappan script, which appears above the animal figure. These inscriptions likely represent the names or titles of the seal owners, though scholars have not yet been able to decode the Harappan writing system completely. The seals also frequently feature a mysterious object that looks like a brazier or incense burner in front of the unicorn, which may have had religious or ritualistic significance.
The widespread presence of unicorn seals across different Harappan sites suggests they held special importance in the civilization's commercial and possibly religious activities. These seals have been discovered at major Harappan cities including Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal, indicating the standardized nature of trade practices across the entire civilization.
The artistic quality and consistent style of these unicorn seals demonstrate the sophisticated craftsmanship and organized administration of the Harappan people. They represent one of the earliest examples of standardized commercial practices in human history, showcasing the advanced nature of this ancient civilization's economic and social systems.
