In some Harappan seals, a figure is shown seated cross-legged in a yogic posture, sometimes surrounded by animals. It has been regarded as a depiction of:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Proto Shiva
A figure seated cross-legged in a “yogic” posture on some Harappan seals, sometimes surrounded by animals, has been regarded as a depiction of “proto-Shiva”, that is, an early form of one of the major deities of Hinduism.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 20-05 S1* | 03-06 S2 | – | – | – |
* A similar question.
NCERT (2026-27): “11.2 Problems of interpretation … Attempts have also been made to reconstruct religious beliefs and practices by examining seals, some of which seem to depict ritual scenes. Others, with plant motifs, are thought to indicate nature worship. Some animals – such as the one-horned animal, often called the ‘unicorn’ – depicted on seals seem to be mythical, composite creatures. In some seals, a figure shown seated cross-legged in a ‘yogic’ posture, sometimes surrounded by animals, has been regarded as a depiction of ‘proto-Shiva’, that is, an early form of one of the major deities of Hinduism. Besides, conical stone objects have been classified as lingas.…” |