Ancient Toys as Tools of Cognitive, Cultural, and Professional Development: A Cross-Civilizational Study

This research explores the ancient seals of South Asia as powerful carriers of socio-economic, religious, and identity-based symbolism. By examining seal imagery such as fish, bulls, shrines, and script-like symbols, the study decodes how these artifacts functioned as business trademarks, religious markers, and tools of social legitimacy. Using an interdisciplinary approach combining archaeology, semiotics, and cultural history, this thesis offers a groundbreaking interpretation of seals not just as administrative tools, but as identity-encoding devices in ancient South Asian civilizations.