The Indus Bull Seal as a Functional Administrative Document: A New Hypothesis Based on Symbolic and Archaeological Correlation

This research proposes a new functional interpretation of the iconic Bull Seal of the Indus Valley Civilization. Instead of viewing the seal purely as a symbolic or religious image, this hypothesis demonstrates that the seal likely served as a multi-functional administrative instrument. The seal encoded essential economic information including: origin authority (the central bull), verified weight category (weight block), purity and sealed authenticity (hand + grain symbol), transport mode (rope), vehicle identity (yoke bar), and land-route transport confirmation (wheel sign). Based on archaeological evidence of standardized cubical weights, bullock-cart transport, granary structures, and long-distance trade networks, this hypothesis reconstructs a complete supply-chain model. The seal functions as a shipment label similar to a modern E-Way Bill, quality certificate, and transport authorization combined. This hypothesis presents a practical, language-independent administrative interpretation and contributes a fresh analytical direction to Indus Valley research.