In the religious life of the Indus Valley Civilization, archaeological evidence suggests that the people especially worshipped which type of deity or divine form?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the religious practices of the Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization. Because the script remains undeciphered, historians rely mainly on seals, statues and other artefacts to infer religious beliefs. One famous image is a horned figure seated in a yogic posture, surrounded by animals. Many scholars see this as an early or proto form of Shiva, referred to as Pashupati, meaning lord of animals. The question asks which type of deity the people especially worshipped according to such evidence.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The civilisation concerned is the Indus Valley Civilization.
- The question asks which deity form the people worshipped, based on archaeological finds.
- The options include Vishnu, Pashupati, Indra, Brahma and Durga.
- We assume familiarity with the famous Pashupati seal and related interpretations.

Concept / Approach:
Among the many seals discovered at Harappa and Mohenjodaro, a well known seal shows a horned figure sitting cross-legged in what appears to be a yogic posture, with animals around him. Many scholars interpret this as a precursor to the later Hindu god Shiva, particularly in his aspect as Pashupati, lord of animals and nature. While fertility goddesses and other symbols also appear, the question focuses on this key male deity form. The other options, such as Vishnu or Brahma in their classical Hindu forms, are not clearly evidenced in Indus artefacts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Indus Valley people left behind seals showing various animals, symbols and human figures, but no clear textual descriptions. Step 2: Remember that one famous seal, often reproduced in textbooks, shows a horned, possibly three-faced figure seated in a posture resembling yogic meditation, surrounded by animals. Step 3: Understand that many historians interpret this figure as a proto-Shiva, especially in the form of Pashupati, the lord of animals. Step 4: Recognise that Vishnu, Indra and Brahma in their classical Vedic or Puranic forms are not directly identified in Indus seals with the same certainty. Step 5: Select the option that refers to a proto-Shiva Pashupati figure as the deity worshipped by the Indus people.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification is easy if you recall standard statements from history textbooks: they say that the Indus people seem to have worshipped a mother goddess and a male deity resembling Shiva as Pashupati, based on seals. While some scholars debate the exact identity, exam oriented material consistently treats the Pashupati seal as evidence of a proto-Shiva cult. On the other hand, clear evidence of Vishnu, Brahma or Durga in familiar later forms is not emphasised for this civilisation. This consistent teaching supports the choice of the Pashupati-type deity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vishnu as the preserver god in classical Vaishnavism: There is no strong, direct archaeological evidence from Indus sites showing Vishnu in his later classical iconography.
Indra as the Vedic god of thunder and war: Indra is a major Vedic deity but is not clearly identifiable in Indus artefacts.
Brahma as the four-faced creator god: Brahma s iconography appears in later Hindu temples, not in Indus Valley seals.
Goddess Durga in her many warrior forms: While a mother goddess figure may have existed, specific warrior forms like Durga slaying demons are later developments and not clearly seen in Indus artefacts.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Vedic and later Hindu deities with those of the Indus Valley Civilization, assuming they must be the same. Another pitfall is to overlook the archaeological basis of our knowledge and rely instead on later religious ideas. Remembering the famous Pashupati seal and its association with a proto-Shiva figure helps you avoid these errors and choose the option that matches the material evidence.

Final Answer:
The people of the Indus Valley Civilization especially worshipped a proto-Shiva figure often identified as Pashupati, lord of animals.