Q187
History of IndiaPrehistoric Age & Indus Valley Civilisation
Which one of the following animals is not depicted on the Harappan seal?
- a.Bull
- b.Elephant
- c.Sheep
- d.Horse
Answer: (D) Horse
Harappan seals, mostly square and made of steatite, show the 'unicorn' (the most common motif), humped bull, elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, buffalo, goat and ram, but not the horse. The absence of the horse (and of the lion and cow) from the seals is a standard point of contrast with Vedic culture, in which the horse is central; the horse bones reported from Surkotada remain disputed. The famous 'Pashupati' seal from Mohenjodaro shows a seated horned figure surrounded by an elephant, tiger, rhinoceros and buffalo, with two deer below. Sheep and goats were domesticated by the Harappans and horned rams appear in their art, so option C is not the answer.