Ancient Authority

Understanding Authority in Harappan Society

The Harappan civilisation shows clear signs of complex decision-making and large-scale organisation. This is evident from:

• Uniformity of artefacts: Pottery, seals, weights, and bricks are remarkably similar across the entire region.
• Standardised brick ratio: Bricks, though made in different places, had a uniform ratio from Jammu to Gujarat.
• Strategic settlement planning: Settlements were placed in specific locations for reasons like access to raw materials.
• Mobilised labour: Large workforces were needed to make bricks and build massive walls and platforms.

The central question is: Who organised these activities?

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8.1 Palaces and Kings — The Search for Rulers

Archaeological evidence does not provide clear answers about a single centre of power or depictions of rulers.

• The "Palace" at Mohenjodaro: A large building was labelled a palace, but no spectacular finds (like treasures or royal insignia) were associated with it.
• The "Priest-King" statue: A stone statue was named "priest-king" because archaeologists were familiar with Mesopotamian "priest-kings". However, Harappan ritual practices are not well understood, and there is no way to know if those who performed rituals also held political power.

Different Views on Harappan Rulership