Srinagar, July 25 -- I wandered the lower town of Harappa under the midday sun that warmed the ancient baked bricks.

The air held the presence of a forgotten world. Kneeling near the remains of an artisan's workshop, a small square object half-buried in the dust drew my attention.

Brushing the dirt free revealed the Pashupati Seal.

The horned figure sat in his yogic pose, animal companions carved around him.

The stone grew warm in my hand. Carved animals seemed to shift, and a deep gentle voice sounded inside my mind. History books flashed through recollection as the voice identified itself.

"I am the protector of all beasts," it rumbled. "Giants walking the earth, creatures of the sea, even the little fish swimming the great Indus r...