Nagavanshi - The Harappan Civilization and Cult of Naga Worship

The Harappan Civilization and Cult of Naga Worship

The Indus Valley Civilization which is the most ancient civilization of India, was spread up in North-West: Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro and Lothal were its most important towns. The founders of Indus valley civilization were Mediterraneans or Dravidians and Australoids, whereas, round headed Alpines, appeared, in mature age of this culture. In excavation of these towns, in addition to Burnished Red ware, a very high number of seals and seal impressions have also been found out. Among the seals so found out on one seal, there is a figure of chief deity with buffalo head, on its both sides, are two other man deities and behind each of them is a serpent in standing posture. On another seal there is a serpent, in standing posture, behind the bull, which is fighting with a mighty man. On another third seal there is a serpent resting his head on a Wooden bench or seat, which is protecting a tree deity.

The presence of serpents on all the above three seals establishes that the serpent was their (Harappans) protector deity and symbol of authority of rule. Wecan draw the following conclusion from the above detail:

1. The tradition of serpent worship or totemism was prevalent in Indus Valley Civilization
2. The scene depicted on the seal no.-2, shows its relation with the myths of Babylon.

This fact finding is further corroborated by seal, No.4 This figure is incised on a cylinder seal recovered form Babylonia (Lajards culte de Mithra).