The Harappan Civilization (2600-1900 BCE), one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, flourished across the Indus Valley with sophisticated religious and social systems that profoundly influenced Indian cultural heritage.

Religious Features of Harappan Civilization

1. Proto-Shiva Worship: The Pashupati seal depicts a horned deity in yogic posture surrounded by animals, indicating early Shaiva traditions. This three-faced figure suggests tantric practices and animal lordship concepts.
2. Mother Goddess Reverence: Numerous terracotta figurines of voluptuous female deities demonstrate fertility worship and divine feminine concepts. These prefigure later Shakti traditions and Devi worship.
3. Ritual Architecture: Fire altars at Kalibangan and the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro (12m×7m) indicate elaborate ceremonial practices. The Great Bath’s bitumen waterproofing suggests ritual purification significance.
4. Nature Worship: Pipal tree motifs on seals and sacred bull imagery reflect tree veneration and animal sanctity. These parallel later Vedic nature worship practices.

Social Features of Harappan Society

1. Urban Planning: Grid–pattern streets with standardized brick ratios (4:2:1) and covered drains show sophisticated civic administration. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro had a population of 40,000-50,000.
2. Social Hierarchy: Citadel complexes separate from residential areas indicate class stratification. Great Granary structures suggest centralized food distribution systems.
3. Economic Specialization: Bronze Dancing Girl and Priest-King sculpture demonstrate skilled craftsmanship. The dockyard at Lothal reveals maritime trade expertise with Mesopotamian civilizations.
4. Gender Equality: Female figurines and absence of weapons suggest a peaceful society with significant women’s participation in religious and social spheres.

The Archaeological Survey of India’s ongoing excavations continue revealing Harappan influences on contemporary urban planning and water management systems, demonstrating civilization’s enduring legacy.