Wednesday, November 25, 2009

WHAT SURVIVES FROM HARAPPA

WHAT SURVIVES FROM HARAPPA

Although the Harappan civilisation declined in the second millennium Be, archaeological finds show a stylistic conti­nuity of the Harappan phase. The agricultural communities that emerged in the following periods, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, clearly bear links with the Harappan tradition in terms of pottery, disposition of water supply, etc. The shapes of Harappan pottery and terracotta are matched by those of the objects of some later cultures in the north-west and Punjab.

The cult of Pasupati or Siva and of the mother goddess and phallic worship seem to have come down to use from the Harappan tradition. Similarly, the cult of sacred places, rivers or trees and sacred animals show a distinct continuity. Many aspects of domestic life like the house plans, dispo­sition of water supply and attention to bathing have survived till today. The traditional weight and currency system of India, based on a ratio of 16 as the unit, was already present in the Harappan Civilisation. The tech­niques of making a potter's wheel is similar to those used by the Harappans.

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