Which one among the following motifs does not appear on Harappan seals ?

Harappan seals, primarily made of steatite, feature a wide variety of animal motifs that served as identity markers or symbolic representations [1]. Common motifs include the humped bull (zebu), which is described as one of the most impressive and recurring themes. Other frequently depicted animals include the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and water buffalo [1]. The crocodile, specifically the narrow-snouted gharial often shown holding a fish, is also documented on Harappan seals and tablets [1]. However, the lion is notably absent from the Harappan seal repertoire. While the tiger is a common motif representing the wild grasslands, the lion does not appear in the archaeological record of Indus Valley seals [1]. This distinction is a key characteristic of Harappan iconography, which focused on local fauna like the unicorn, bull, and elephant rather than the lion.

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation > p. 1