Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

What is the relationship between the depiction of Rudra in the Rigveda and later traditions associated with Shiva?

1) Rudra is depicted as Pashupati in the Rigveda
2) Rudra is depicted as a yogi in the Rigveda

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

Options:

Rudra is depicted as Pashupati in the Rigveda

Rudra is depicted as a yogi in the Rigveda

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer:

Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

Reconstructions of Harappan religion often rely on drawing parallels from later traditions to understand earlier ones. Archaeologists typically move from the known (present) to the unknown (past) in their interpretations. While this approach holds merit for objects like stone querns and pots, it becomes more speculative when applied to "religious" symbols.

For instance, let's consider the "proto-Shiva" seals. The earliest religious text, the Rigveda (compiled around 1500-1000 BCE), mentions a deity named Rudra, who later became associated with Shiva in Puranic traditions (from the first millennium CE). However, in the Rigveda, Rudra is not depicted as Pashupati (lord of animals) or as a yogi, contrary to later descriptions of Shiva. Therefore, this depiction does not align with the description of Rudra in the Rigveda. Some scholars have suggested that it might represent a shaman, introducing further speculation into its interpretation.