Since the Harappa script has not been deciphered, nothing substantial can be said about the social life in Indus Valley Civilization.
-
The script was written from left to right and this is something on which almost all scholars agree.
The language might be proto-Sanskrit or proto-Dravidian, but nothing substantial can be said.
The deduction have been made upon the basis of the tools, seals, figurines, houses, granaries, bath, streets, roads, drainage systems, weights, etc.
-
The mother goddess was dominant shows that the society was matriarchal.
There was a division of labour and society was diversified and stratified. The people were scholars, artisans, traders, warriors and businessmen.
The male deity is one and depicted on various seals. This deity is surrounded by 4 wild animals and this gives an indication that it is Pashupatinath or a prototype of Lord Shiva.
-
The deity is surrounded by 4 animals viz. an elephant, a tiger, a buffalo and a rhinoceros. Apart from this there 2 deer's beneath the seat of the deity. He Mukut or headdress of the deity has two horns.
Stone symbols of both male and female sex organs have been found which gives in indication that Phallus or Linga worship was in practice.
The peepal tree has been depicted on many seals which gives a sense that it might be a sacred tree.
Humped bull was a venerated animal and there are evidences of snake worship and snake charmers.
-
No temples have been found so presence of places of worship is doubtful
The people had a sense of arts and crafts and it is proved by the toys, figurines, bangles, stone statues, metal statues, etc.
-
The people were expert in making seals.
Food:
There are evidences of cultivation of Wheat, Barley, Rice, Date, melon, lemon etc. people were cattle herders and used milk and milk products. There are evidences that people made sweets. Half burnt bones give evidence of nonveg life.
Dress:
A figure of a bearded man has been found in Mohenjo-Daro which indicated that they used sewn clothing's. The cloth used to cover the torso in the upper part of the body in such as way that it kept right hand Free.
There are evidences that they people took interest in cosmetics and had great aesthetic sense. Men kept long hair and kept bread or also shaven beard.
-
The people of Indus valley civilization were aware of Bronze mirrors, Ivory Combs, antimony rods but NOT hair dyes.
Sports and Entertainments:
The large number of terracotta figurines and toys such as cart, bull, elephant, monkeys, chariots, whistles etc. indicate that the children entertained themselves.
-
There are no clear evidences of Music in the civilization, however, the finding of a dance girl bronze figurine gives some insight about the social entertainment.
Tools, arms and weapons:
They are made up of Copper and Bronze. Axes, blades etc. have been found.