Symbolography in Indus Seals

Symbolography in Indus Seals
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 629
Release :
ISBN-10 : 1549709208
ISBN-13 : 9781549709203
Rating : 4/5 (08 Downloads)

Synopsis Symbolography in Indus Seals by : Rekha Rao

The decipherment of the unique Indus script has remained controversial as there is no uniformity or logic established in its interpretation. The prominence of a mythical one horned bull that never existed does indicate it is beyond what has been understood till date. This research is focused on, (1) Understanding the significance of the bull, the other animal representations, and the symbols of the script that are inscribed, (2) The interpretation of seals depicting human figures in activity, and (3) Demystifying the curiosity in answering prominent questions that arise when one examines the seals with an open mind such as: Why many seals have single horned bull and some have double horned humped bull picture? Why the bulls are not depicted as eating anything from the manger in front? Why the bull in each seal is associated with different symbols and what do these unique symbols indicate? Why the manger has different design patterns and, supported on a slender pedestal? Are these seals a part of a continuum or is it explicit?In an endeavor to find answers to these questions, the research work had to cross several domains until such time the connectivity got established between the three aspects like the bull, the structure of manger, and the different symbols inscribed. The work started with locating which part of Vedas had the maximum reference to a bull. Many hymns of Rigveda have reference to bull addressing it as a priest. The symbols on seals appeared to be totally based on these Vedic contents. While trying to develop a rationale on the Indus seals, and the symbols inscribed, the symbol similar to the bird-altar caught my attention and wondered why a symbol that was almost similar to a bird altar was used in the symbols of the Indus seal? This prompted me into a study about Yajnas. Through a comparative study of seals it got revealed that the significance of the bull in the seal, is well related to the significance of the bull in Vedic Hymns. The inscriptions on Indus seals are symbolic and symbolography is its presentation. Symbolography is the representation of ideas through signs, a movement which guides for a full understanding or discussion about the underlying aspect. As the study progressed, the coded information of the seals and their significance got interpreted, establishing the fact that the interpretation is holistic and well correlated to the Vedas. Based on all the above, the book has been structured into three parts: Section A is the: Ingredients of a Seal. It has information about the various aspects that are involved in a Yajna ritual as without a background of these, the understandings of seals become confusing. It familiarizes the reader with the significance of single horned bull, double horned bull, rhinoceros, the elephant representations in the seals, and the significance of tigers. The symbolic representation of deities and the significance of the designs on the manger like structure are discussed.The Section B is the: The glossary of symbols. This gives the key information about 260 individual symbols. Their vocabulary is explained with definitions along with the picture of the seal from which it has been drawn.Section C is: Analysis of Seals. In this part, over one-hundred and sixty seals are analysed in detail. The symbols as well as the pictorial parts are dealt with an analysis of each seal.The appendix part of this book provides interesting information about topics like (1) The geometry involved in the symbols, (2) The various fire altars depicted in seals, (3) The significance of the designs of the ladles depicted in bottom part of the tail of the animal representations, and (4) The pictures of the Harappan site are proved to the Yajna shala of Soma rituals, which are hitherto believed to be the 'great public bath of Harappa'. The book proves most interesting to unveil all the mystery behind the Indus seals.

The Dictionary of Indus Symbols

The Dictionary of Indus Symbols
Author :
Publisher : Independently Published
Total Pages : 162
Release :
ISBN-10 : 1726820335
ISBN-13 : 9781726820332
Rating : 4/5 (35 Downloads)

Synopsis The Dictionary of Indus Symbols by : Rekha Rao

This book is a new approach for creating a categorized understanding of Indus seal symbols. Two hundredand sixty-two symbols have been analyzed in this book along with their geometric constructions whereapplicable. Each symbol has a unique definition, the interpretation of which is such that they hold themeaning regardless of the seals they appear in. In addition, the research considers the sequence of symbolsand its implications on the meaning of seals. This attempt at creating a dictionary for Indus seals based onVedic rituals can be used to interpret many more seals.Several themes such as the purpose of making the seals, the class of people using them, and the geometricalperfections that were adopted while structuring some of the symbols have been analyzed. The book alsostudies the numerous variations in symbols and addresses why it is hard to find identical seals.The seals portrayed on a two-inch stone piece could have been for ease of handling, transportation andstorage as reference documents for practitioners involved in Vedic rituals. It could also have served thepurpose of avoiding mistakes during recitation and ritual procedures at a time when script was non-existent.

Apsaras in Hoysala Art

Apsaras in Hoysala Art
Author :
Publisher :
Total Pages : 138
Release :
ISBN-10 : 8173053790
ISBN-13 : 9788173053795
Rating : 4/5 (90 Downloads)

Synopsis Apsaras in Hoysala Art by : Rekha Rao

This book on Apsaras in Hoysala art with particular reference to the Belur Chennakesava temple is dealt in two parts, viewing apsara as a dancer and a philosopher. Part one is about the dance of apsara, while part two is about the psychological states of awareness levels that are depicted. It is like exploring the external and the internal world of apsaras. Part I deals with the apsara`s skills in dance and dramaturgy, precisely a study of the depiction of Rasas - the sentiments in sculptures, that are viewed through the medium of Natyasastra and Dasarupaka - a treatise on Indian dance, music and dramaturgy. Part I is a study of the superficial aspects like the theme, the posture, the accessories used, the actions of the attendants and so on. Apsaras are viewed as dancers, who deserve to be elevated to the status of permanent guides for the aspect of rasas.

The Depiction of Vedic Priests in Indus Seals

The Depiction of Vedic Priests in Indus Seals
Author :
Publisher : Independently Published
Total Pages : 120
Release :
ISBN-10 : 1717855202
ISBN-13 : 9781717855206
Rating : 4/5 (02 Downloads)

Synopsis The Depiction of Vedic Priests in Indus Seals by : Rekha Rao

This pioneering book with many interesting illustrations provides new Vedic interpretation for the Indus valley seals or the Harappan seals, with a particular emphasis on the single horned bull and the manger like structure. The analysis builds a strong linkage for the significance of bull to the manger like structure, hither to not explored. The book focuses on a scientific approach on how the words of Vedas got created, how it got structured with meter into poetry. The book presents a hypothesis on how over 10500 verses of Rig Veda and other Vedas were memorized while maintaining the purity of the composition in an ancient period when no script existed.

The Lost Age of Reason

The Lost Age of Reason
Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Total Pages : 299
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780199218745
ISBN-13 : 0199218749
Rating : 4/5 (45 Downloads)

Synopsis The Lost Age of Reason by : Jonardon Ganeri

Jonardon Ganeri tells the story of a fascinating period in intellectual history, when Indian philosophy moved into the modern era. Philosophers no longer defer to ancient authorities, but draw upon their insights to seek a true understanding of knowledge, self, and reality. This missing chapter in the development of modernity can at last be read.

Mudra Vigyan

Mudra Vigyan
Author :
Publisher : Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd
Total Pages : 86
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9789352611225
ISBN-13 : 9352611225
Rating : 4/5 (25 Downloads)

Synopsis Mudra Vigyan by : Pt. Rajnikant Upadhyay

Our body consists of five elements i.e. Akash, Vayu, Jal, Agni and Prathvi tatvas. The each finger represents the respective elements present in the body. The imbalance in the tatvas (elements) leads to the various ailments or the diseases in the body. The Mudra Vigyan is an ancient Indian Science that is being practiced for centuries.

Images of Indian Goddesses

Images of Indian Goddesses
Author :
Publisher : Abhinav Publications
Total Pages : 290
Release :
ISBN-10 : 8170174163
ISBN-13 : 9788170174165
Rating : 4/5 (63 Downloads)

Synopsis Images of Indian Goddesses by : Madhu Bazaz Wangu

Goddess Images Are Omnipresent Within The Cultural Fabric Of India, Yet Most Indians Are Unaware Of Uplifting Meanings These Images Convey. In The Book, Images Of Indian Goddesses,. Dr. Madhu Bazaz Wangu Explains The Emergence Of Indian Goddesses Within The Changing Social, Political And Cultural Environment From The Prehistoric To The Present Times And Explains Their Metaphysical Meanings. Why Are Hindu Goddesses Paradoxical In Nature? Why Are They Portrayed As Erotic And Maternal Simultaneously? Why Do They Have Multiple Arms? Why Do Some Of Them Have Their Own Vehicle (Vahana) And Some Do Not? Why Are Such Images Portrayed On The Popular Calendar- Posters? The Book Answers Such Questions And Helps The Reader Understand Their Meanings. The Goddesses Discussed Range From The Devoted Sita To The Sinister Kali; From The Warrior Durga To The Auspicious Shri Lakshmi; From The Erotic Radha To The Serene Sarasvati And Many Others. Dr. Wangu Firmly Feels That If Experienced Hindu Goddesses Have A Potential For Stimulating The Onlooker'S Innermost Self. Experiencing Goddess Imagery Uplifts This Worldly Life And Ponders The Nature Of The Other -Worldly Existence. Furthermore, The Book Argues That The Goddesses Are Stimulating And Empowering Models Not Only For Indian Women But For All. Images Of Indian Goddesses Helps A Common Person Understand And Appreciate The Bewildering Number Of Female Images Expressed In India'S Sacred Art. The Book Is Not Only Absorbing And Inspiring, It Also Offers A Visual Treasury Of Goddess Art Images. Its Text Is Food For The Mind And The Illustrations Are A Feast For The Eyes.