The Indus Civilization c6.12

c6.12

Sir John Marshall has identified this figure as the Indian god Shiva, in his aspect of Pasupati, or Lord of Beasts. The fact that the god is shown on the seal-amulet with three faces, and perhaps even a fourth on the side turned away, gives strong support to Sir John’s theory, for Shiva was, and is, pictured in India with as many as five faces. It has always been suspected that he was one of the oldest Indian gods, and that his worship dated from the prehistoric period, a supposition which is justified by this interpretation of the figure on this seal-amulet. It must not be assumed, however, that Shiva was the name of this god of the Indus Valley people, for this is merely what he is commonly called to-day. He is now said to have as many as one thousand and eight names, most of them indicating separate functions.