Seated Man in Namaskar Pose: The Prayer of Harappa

What is the Seated Man in Namaskar Pose?
The Seated Man in Namaskar Pose is a small terracotta figure from the Indus Valley Civilization, found at Harappa and made between 2700 BCE and 2100 BCE. It’s cream-coloured and hand-shaped, showing a man sitting with his legs stretched out, knees slightly up, and hands pressed together in the namaskar mudra. His feet are partly broken, and his face is simple with a pinched nose and pellet eyes.

The Story Behind It
Imagine a quiet Harappa home, where an artist molds soft clay with care, shaping a man in prayer. He sits straight, legs out and knees bent, his hands meeting in namaskar—like saying hello or thank you to the sky. His face is basic, with a squeezed nose and round eyes, like little dots staring ahead. His feet are chipped, but you can feel his calm. Was he praying to the gods, asking for rain or peace? This little figure might’ve sat by a hearth, a silent wish from thousands of years ago.

A Long History
This figure was uncovered at Harappa, dug up from the Indus Valley’s busy cities that thrived between 2700 BCE and 2100 BCE. Made of terracotta—baked clay—it’s a snapshot of life back then, when people built big towns and traded far. The namaskar pose is still used in India today, making this guy a link to the past. It’s now safe at the National Museum in New Delhi.

Why It Matters
The Seated Man is special because he shows us how Indus Valley people might’ve prayed or greeted each other. The namaskar mudra—hands together—is a big part of Indian culture now, from yoga to saying hi. He tells us they valued peace or respect, and his simple style shows their everyday art. He’s a tiny piece of history that still feels familiar.

Where to See It
You can visit the Seated Man in Namaskar Pose 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 treasures like seals and statues to see more of their world.

Fun Facts