Three Animal Seal: The Triple Power of Mohenjo-Daro

What is the Three Animal Seal?
The Three Animal Seal is a small, square piece of grey-brown steatite, measuring 2.4 cm by 2.4 cm and just 0.53 cm thick. It comes from the Indus Valley Civilization, found at Mohenjo-Daro, dating to 2500 BCE–1700 BCE. This seal shows a single animal with three heads: a bull, a unicorn, and an antelope. Unlike most seals, it has no writing on it.

The Story Behind It
Imagine a quiet night in Mohenjo-Daro, where a craftsman shapes a tiny seal with a big idea. He carves one animal, but gives it three heads—a strong bull, a magical unicorn, and a swift antelope. Each head stares out, proud and alive. Some say this was a special charm, made for someone who wanted help from three gods at once. The bull brings power, the unicorn brings mystery, and the antelope brings speed. With no symbols above, it’s like a silent prayer, a secret wish carved in stone for protection or luck.

A Long History
This rare seal was uncovered at Mohenjo-Daro, one of the Indus Valley’s biggest cities, during digs in the 1920s. Made between 2500 BCE and 1700 BCE, it stands out because it mixes three animals usually seen alone on other seals. The lack of script makes it even more unusual—maybe it wasn’t for trade but something personal. It’s a glimpse into the minds of people from a lost time.

Why It Matters
The Three Animal Seal is cool because it blends three big symbols into one. The bull, unicorn, and antelope were important to the Indus Valley folks, maybe as totems or gods. This mix could mean someone wanted triple strength or blessings. It shows how creative and spiritual they were, linking their world to ours through art and imagination.

Where to See It
You can check out the Three Animal Seal at the National Museum on Janpath Road in New Delhi. It’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed Mondays—visit their website for entry details. Look for other Mohenjo-Daro finds like pots and seals to see more of this ancient life.

Fun Facts

• It’s super rare—no other seal crams three animals into one like this!
• The bull, unicorn, and antelope each star on their own seals, but here they team up.
• No writing might mean it was a lucky charm, not a trade stamp.
• The grey-brown stone gives it a moody, ancient vibe.