Why in news
A hundred years ago, on September 20, 1924, the world learned about the Indus (Harappan) civilisation for the first time when John Marshall, wrote about it in ‘The Illustrated London News’
New findings or interpretations emerged, prompting scholars to re-examine the significance of symbols like the unicorn in the context of Harappan culture.
Unicorns in harappan seal
The unicorn on Harappan seals may represent a mythical figure, possibly embodying monastic values and the rejection of wealth and power.
The idea of unicorns may be linked to wandering monks or merchant-hermits who regulated trade and resolved disputes among communities
similar to monastic traditions in South Indian temples and Buddhist monasteries.
Although the seals date back around 4,500 years, the concept of monasticism alongside trade is a long-standing tradition in Indian culture, hinting at possible earlier influences.
The unicorn is depicted in at least one seal alongside the pipal tree, an important symbol of monasticism in Indian traditions.
A relatively long inscription of eight symbols runs along the top of the seal.
Material: white fired glazed steatite
The idea of wandering alone like a unicorn emphasizes renunciation of attachments and materialism, mirroring themes found in early Buddhist texts.
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