Kalibangan and Lothal
Explanation
While the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) displayed remarkable uniformity in town planning and weights, religious practices exhibited regional variations. The discovery of structures identified as "fire altars" in specific settlements suggests the practice of ritualistic fire worship or sacrifices, distinct from the water-centric rituals implied by the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro.
Detailed Analysis:
- Kalibangan (Rajasthan): This site is most famous for the discovery of a series of seven fire altars located on a mud-brick platform within the citadel complex. These altars contained ash, charcoal, and terracotta cakes, strongly indicating the performance of fire rituals.
- Lothal (Gujarat): Apart from its famous dockyard, Lothal also yielded evidence of fire altars, suggesting that fire worship was a practice common to the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions of the Harappan civilization.
- Mohenjodaro and Harappa: These cities are primarily associated with the worship of the Mother Goddess and the Proto-Shiva (Pashupati) seal. While the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro suggests ritual bathing, distinct fire altars are not the defining characteristic of these major urban centers.
- Dholavira: This site is renowned for its unique water harvesting system, reservoirs, and tripartite city planning, rather than fire altars.
- Surkotada: This site is archaeologically significant primarily for the discovery of horse remains.
Key Takeaway:
The presence of Fire Altars is a distinctive feature specifically associated with Kalibangan and Lothal, indicating regional diversity in Harappan ritualistic beliefs.