Deity Strangling Tigers Molded Tablet: The Fierce Fight of Harappa
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What is the Deity Strangling Tigers Molded Tablet?
The Deity Strangling Tigers Molded Tablet is a terracotta piece from the Indus Valley Civilization, found at Harappa and dating to 2500 BCE–1700 BCE. One side shows a figure, likely a goddess, strangling two tigers while standing on an elephant, with a spoked wheel symbol above her head. The other side has a person, possibly a man, spearing a water buffalo, with a gharial (a small crocodile) and a seated figure nearby.
The Story Behind It
Picture a dusty Harappa workshop, where a potter presses clay into a mold, crafting a tale of strength. On one side, a fierce goddess stands tall on an elephant, her hands wrapped around the necks of two roaring tigers. She’s not scared—she’s winning, her power shining under a spoked wheel in the sky. Flip it over, and a hunter thrusts a spear into a water buffalo, his foot pinning its head. Above him, a gharial swims, watching a calm figure sitting cross-legged, horns on his head and leaves sprouting high. Is this a battle of gods, a ritual of might? It’s like a comic strip from thousands of years ago, full of action and mystery.
A Long History
This tablet was dug up at Harappa in the 1920s, from a time when the Indus Valley hummed with life, around 2500 BCE to 1700 BCE. It’s double-sided, showing two big moments—maybe a goddess’s victory and a sacrifice. The terracotta has lasted ages, giving us a peek into their wild stories. It’s now kept at the National Museum in New Delhi.
Why It Matters
This tablet is epic—it might connect to later gods like Durga, who fights evil and gets buffalo sacrifices in Hindu rituals. The goddess strangling tigers shows raw power, while the buffalo scene hints at offerings to something big. The seated figure with horns could be a priest or deity, linking to yoga and old beliefs. It’s a snapshot of Harappa’s spirit, tough and sacred, echoing into today’s India.
Where to See It
You can visit the Deity Strangling Tigers Molded Tablet at the National Museum on Janpath Road in New Delhi. It’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed Mondays—check their website for entry fees. Look for other Harappa finds like seals and pots to dive deeper into their world.
Fun Facts
- The goddess might be an early Durga, battling tigers like a superhero!
- The spoked wheel could mean the sun or a chariot—pure power.
- Water buffalo sacrifices are still part of some Indian festivals today.
- The gharial’s a sneaky crocodile—why’s it watching the fight?
