What relationship did the government of the Indus valley civlization have with religion?
The government of the Indus Valley civilization had a close relationship with religion. Religion was an important aspect of their society, and the ruling class played a significant role in religious rituals and practices.
The major religious beliefs of the Indus Valley civilization are not fully understood, as their script has not been deciphered. However, archaeological findings suggest that the civilization had a strong focus on fertility cults and worshiped female deities associated with maternity and symbols of regeneration.
The government likely supported and regulated religious activities. The presence of elaborate religious structures such as the Great Bath and the Great Granary in the cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa indicates that the ruling elite played a role in organizing religious ceremonies and festivals.
Furthermore, there is evidence of a possible priestly class within the government who administered religious rituals and maintained the sanctity of religious sites. The presence of seals and figurines depicting a horned deity, often interpreted as a proto-Shiva, suggests the existence of a dominant deity or cult that may have had official recognition. However, the exact nature of the relationship between the government and religious institutions in the Indus Valley civilization remains speculative due to the limited understanding of their script and language.