The question asks to identify the most distinctive artifact of the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation from the given options. This requires knowledge of the key archaeological findings associated with this ancient civilization.
Correct Option: A) Harappan seal — Harappan seals are considered the most distinctive artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation due to their unique animal motifs (like the Pashupati seal and unicorn seal), the undeciphered Harappan script, and their widespread presence at various Harappan sites. They offer significant insights into the art, religion, and administration of the civilization.
The question asks about the material used to make Harappan seals. This is a factual question related to the archaeology and materials science of the Indus Valley Civilization. Recalling the common materials used for artifacts from this period is key.
Correct Option: C) Steatite is the stone from which most Harappan seals were made. Its properties (softness for carving, ability to harden upon firing) made it an excellent material for this purpose.
The question asks us to evaluate two statements about the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) and determine their correctness. We need to recall key characteristics of the IVC regarding its societal structure (secular vs. religious dominance) and its economic/technological advancements (use of cotton).
C) Both 1 and 2
The question asks for the specific term archaeologists use to describe a group of objects that share a distinctive style and are found together in a particular geographical area and time period. This is a fundamental concept in archaeology for classifying and understanding past human societies.
B) Culture — In archaeology, a "culture" or "archaeological culture" is defined as a recurring assemblage of artifacts, features, and structures that are found together in a specific time and place, and are believed to represent the material expression of a particular human group or society. This perfectly matches the description given in the question.
The question asks about the dietary habits of the Harappans, specifically what types of plant and animal products they consumed. To answer this, we need to recall archaeological evidence and historical accounts related to the Indus Valley Civilization's diet.
D) All the above. Harappans had a diverse diet that included a wide range of plant products (cereals, pulses, fruits) and animal products. Archaeological evidence confirms the consumption of fish, various types of meat (from domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo), and wild animals. Therefore, fish, meat, and beef were all part of their dietary practices.
The question asks to identify the correct characteristics of the Indus Valley Civilization from the given statements. We need to evaluate each statement based on archaeological evidence and historical consensus regarding the Indus people.
B) 2 only
Statement 2 is correct because archaeological findings, such as the Mother Goddess figurines and the Pashupati seal, provide strong evidence for the worship of both male and female deities in the Indus Civilization.