Science and Art of Calligraphy and Painting

Author(s): S Andhare
Publisher: Indian National Science Academy

Page 20

Fig 14 Cylindrical seals
clay carved in stone or cast in kaoline or lime, were intended as tools or instruments for carrying on trade and commerce is undoubtably clear. However, their technique of carving and moulding is as shrouded in mistry as the decipherment of the Indus script. Although a large number of Indian and western archaeologists and scholars have been working on the decipherment of the Indus script since a long time, no decisive and convincing solution has yet been found. Nevertheless, looking to the accuracy of calligraphy and drawing of animals on the seals, it becomes apparent that, this minute work must have warranted precision instruments like chisels and other tools about which the archaeology is silent, Apparently, no such tools or instruments have yet come to light other than the microlyths which may have been used during that period.
Indus seals and sealings:
Seals are a unique feature of the Indus Vally culture. These were used in barter system prevailing at that time. They were prepared out of clay i.e. terra cotta, steatite, kaoline and stone. The steatite ones are the most inagmatic artifacts found in the Harappan civilizations. They are extremely tiny articles measuring (3/4"+1/2)" squre. In most cases they have a pierced boss at the back to accommodate a cord for handling or for use as personal ornament. In case of cylindrical seals, the cord passes through the central hollow and is used for tying it along with the barter consignment. In the case of clay seals, when the