The Pashupati Seal : The Remarkable Discovery
Imagine a time, over 4,500 years ago, when bustling cities thrived along the banks of the Indus and Saraswati Rivers. This was the era of the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan or Saraswati Valley Civilization), a sophisticated society that flourished from roughly 2500 to 1900 BCE.
It was in this ancient landscape that archaeologists made a truly groundbreaking discovery: the Pashupati Seal. Unearthed from the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, this small steatite seal depicts a figure seated in a striking posture that is undeniably reminiscent of a yogic pose. The figure, often interpreted as a proto-Shiva or “Pashupati” (Lord of Animals), is shown in what appears to be a meditative, cross-legged position, possibly even Padmasana (Lotus Pose), surrounded by animals.
What Does the Pashupati Seal Tell us?
The Pashupati Seal is far more than just an artifact; it’s a silent testament to the antiquity of Yoga. Its existence pushes the known timeline of Yogic practices back by millennia, firmly rooting it in the Bronze Age civilizations of India. This single image suggests that meditative and body-posture practices were not just present but likely well-established and integrated into the spiritual or daily lives of these ancient people.
This evidence profoundly reinforces the idea that Yoga is not merely a set of exercises but a comprehensive system born from the very heart of the Indian Knowledge System. It highlights a continuity of thought and practice that has transcended countless generations, evolving yet retaining its core essence.
The Pashupati Seal: Yoga’s Ancient Footprint
Among the most iconic artifacts from the Saraswati Valley Civilization is the Pashupati Seal, unearthed at Mohenjo-Daro in 1928 by archaeologist R.D. Banerji. This small steatite seal depicts a seated figure, often identified as a proto-Shiva, in a meditative posture resembling Padmasana or Siddhasana. Surrounded by animals, the figure is interpreted as “Pashupati” (Lord of Beasts), a precursor to Shiva, symbolizing mastery over nature and the self. The cross-legged stance, with hands resting on the knees, mirrors modern yoga asanas, suggesting that meditative practices were integral to the civilization’s spiritual life.
The Pashupati Seal, dated to circa 2600 BCE, is considered one of the earliest depictions of yoga. Its discovery confirms that yoga, as a discipline uniting body, mind, and spirit, predates written texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (circa 400 CE). The seal’s intricate craftsmanship reflects the civilization’s artistic skill, while its spiritual imagery underscores the depth of the Indian Knowledge System.
Ancient Yoga: An Enduring Legacy of Indian Wisdom
From the meditative postures depicted on the Pashupati Seal to the intricate philosophical treatises of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and finally to the diverse forms of Yoga practiced globally today, the journey of Yoga is a remarkable testament to its enduring power and adaptability. It underscores India’s unparalleled contribution to global well-being and spiritual science.
Excavations at Rakhigarhi, led by the Archaeological Survey of India, uncovered a 5,000-year-old water management system, including a 4-foot-deep storage area, highlighting the civilization’s engineering prowess. At Kalibangan, a tiled floor dated to 2600 BCE and fire altars suggest advanced construction and ritual practices. These findings challenge earlier assumptions that the civilization was solely Indus-centric, reinforcing the term “Indus-Saraswati Civilization” to reflect the Saraswati’s dominance, with over 63% of sites along its banks.
