Crocodile in the Anthropomorphic Axe found in Kheri Gujjar, Haryana

 Abstract: Comparing the side view of the Indian mugger crocodile with that of the Anthropomorphic Axe bronze found in Kheri Gujjar, Sonepat (District), Haryana. This important bronze from the Early Historic period belongs to the Archaeological Survey of India collection and is often exhibited at the National Museum, Delhi. It has been tested to have the same metallurgical alloy composition as the Anthropomorphs found in Ganga-Yamuna doab region. The slightly curving arc of the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is well executed in this bronze. The two raised ridges in the head of the crocodile behind its eyes are shown as a v-shaped dent behind the eye in the bronze also. In a real crocodile photographed in Rajasthan, the v-shaped dent on its head is marked in a red circle for comparison. It is noteworthy that the crocodile identification fits with the burial urn figure of a crocodile found in Adichanallur, and also, the crocodile found in the amulet (~4700 BP) from 4MSR site, Rajasthan. A mugger crocodile sculpture from Bharhut stupa belonging to the later period is included.

The Indian boar usually has a teeth (danta), and its mouth is a sloping straight line downward with a sharp 90 degree turn. There is no v-shaped dent in the pigs. Dogs and pigs are considered "lowly" animals in India. We do not find dogs and pigs represented in the glyptic art of the Indus civilization. Since the Anthropomorphs face South direction in megalithic burials, they represent the god of Death. And, such association can only for Varuna, whose symbol is the crocodile. Hence, it is suggested that the Anthropomorphic Axe is not a wild boar, but represents the marsh crocodile. Crocodiles morphing to man is seen in Rock paintings in Bhimbetka and Satkunda as well. For 25 centuries, the continuation of this crocodile representing the Pole star in India is shown, https://nganesan.blogspot.com/2021/02/divine-couple-binjor-amulet-to.html

Reference: https://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/naman-ahuja-is-mastering-the-art-of-reaching-out-114092501180_1.html

https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/eras/anthropomorph

For Comparison with Marsh Crocodiles of India, Anthropomorphic Axe bronze along with Mugger crocodiles are given. Note the mouth with slight arc curving upward and the V-shaped dent caused by the ridges on its head. Nile crocodiles also have a similar dent.

https://crocodilian.com/cnhc/cst_cpal_dh_map.htm

The name, Mugger comes from Makara, the Sanskrit and Tamil term for crocodiles. A man feeding the Rajah, a mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), the sacred alligators at Muggur, Sindh, Pakistan, illustration from the magazine The Graphic, volume XVIII, no 461, September 28, 1878.

Makara sculpture, Bharhut (Indian Musem, Calcutta)