The So-Called Proto-Siva Seal from Mohenjo-Daro: An Iconological Assessment

Abstract

v3ince the discovery in the 1920s of the Indus Valley Civilization (ca. 2300-1750 b.c.), the so-called proto Siva seal from Mohenjo-daro has been much dis cussed and debated (Fig. 1). The controversial nature of the seal stems from the initial interpretation as cribed to it by Sir John Marshall, pioneer excavator of this major site of the Indus, or Harappan, civiliza tion.1 The many distinguishing features associated with the figure on the seal were interpreted by the excavator as indicative of the prototype of Siva: the figure looks tricephalic and Marshall compares this with medieval representations of Siva; the figure sits in a yoga-like posture, and Siva is the yogi par excel lence in Hindu mythology; the figure's headdress, composed of two horns and a tall central portion, is suggestive of the shape of Siva's emblem, the tris?la, or trident; the group of animals around the figure evoke Siva's later aspect as Pasupati, Lord of Beasts. This interpretation, in effect, postulates that Siva worship stems from a non-Aryan culture pre dating the coming of the Aryans in the Vedic period. The force of Marshall's argument has endured. Indeed no matter what position is taken regarding the seal's iconography, it is always prefaced by Mar shall's interpretation. On balance, the proto-Siva character of the seal has been accepted. Thus this view, often repeated as fact, has greatly influenced an understanding of the developments in Hindu art and religion. Thoughtful objections have been periodically ex pressed, however, and a wide range of different iden tifications have been offered. Saletore in 1939 was