[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Archaeology, epigraphy and coins](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy) › [The Indus Civilization](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935) › c6.30 # The Indus Civilization c6.30 The Indus Civilization c6.30 - **Language:** English ### [c6.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935.c6.30) The goat always occupies a secondary position on the seals, and may therefore have represented a minor deity. In more than one example it is closely connected with a tree spirit, and when such representations are clear enough, it is seen to possess a human face (Pl. M, 8). It has always been a favourite animal in India for sacrificial purposes, for its curious habit of shivering when sprinkled with water is considered a favourable omen for sacrifice, and it may perhaps have been so used by the inhabitants of the Indus valley. In many countries the goat is connected with a god or goddess of fertility, and it is not unlikely that the goddess in the tree on the amulets of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa was connected with fertility. This animal must have been held in some importance in the Indus valley, for its horns appear on a male figurine of a deity, as well as being worn by the tiger-goddess already described. - [Previous: c6.29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935.c6.29) - [Next: c6.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935.c6.31) - [Up: c6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935.c6) ## Cites (2) - [Harappā](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.harappa) - [Mohenjo-daro](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.mohenjo-daro) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935.c6.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.epigraphy.mackay-1935.c6.30) · Pramāṇa