What relationship did the government have with religion? Egypt and Indus Valley

Answer 1

The relationship between the government and religion in ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley civilization varied in some aspects.

Ancient Egypt:
In ancient Egypt, the government and religion were closely intertwined. The Pharaoh, who was both the political and religious leader, was considered the intermediary between the gods and the people. Religion played a vital role in maintaining the social order and stability of Egypt.

The Pharaoh was seen as a divine figure and was believed to be the son of the sun god, Ra. The government supported and funded religious activities, including the construction and maintenance of temples, offering sacrifices, and performing rituals to appease the gods.

The government also regulated religious practices, and religious officials held important administrative roles. The priests and priestesses played a crucial role in the worship of gods, religious ceremonies, and performing rituals for the well-being of the state.

Indus Valley Civilization:
The relationship between the government and religion in the Indus Valley civilization is not as well understood as in ancient Egypt. The civilization thrived around 2600 to 1900 BCE in the present-day regions of Pakistan and northwest India.

Religious practices and beliefs in the Indus Valley are primarily known through archaeological evidence, such as seals and figurines. However, the exact nature of their religious beliefs and the role of government in religious matters remain largely unknown.

Some scholars believe that a priestly class existed, which indicates the presence of religious organization and practices. However, it is unclear how the government interacted with this religious class or if any form of religious hierarchy was present.

The lack of deciphered written records from the Indus Valley civilization makes it challenging to fully comprehend the nature of their religious and governmental relationship. More research and discoveries may shed further light on this aspect of their civilization in the future.