Unveiling Indus Folklore: Some Insights from Harappan Pottery

Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of both the archaeological material and anthropological dimensions of the Indus Valley Civilization. However, the issue of cultural continuity into the present remains a critical area of study. One of the most effective ways to explore this continuity is through intangible cultural expressions. Among these, the painted motifs on Harappan pottery are particularly striking and evocative, as they resonate with later folk narratives, including those preserved in the Panchatantra and Jataka tales. Such stories, once transmitted orally across generations, reflect deep connections between human communities and their environments. This paper examines selected painted motifs from the Harappan sites of Kalibangan and Lothal, interpreting them in relation to early narrative traditions. The analysis demonstrates how certain depictions on pottery may correspond to elements of folk tales, thereby offering insights into the symbolic and cultural world of the Harappans. The main aim of this study is to investigate how folklore reveals the interaction between people and their surroundings, while also contributing to the shaping of cultural and social identity in the Harappan Civilization. By contextualizing these painted designs within broader narrative traditions, this research highlights the enduring significance of intangible heritage in understanding the cultural continuity of the Indus Valley Civilization.