Compare the quality of sculptures in different materials in the Indus Valley Civilisation: 1. Stone statues found in the Indus Valley are scarce but display excellent modelling of volumes. 2. Bronze statues were made using the lost wax technique but are generally crude and lifeless. 3. Terracotta human figures are generally crude compared to stone and bronze. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Harappan artisans were skilled in various media, including stone, bronze, and terracotta. While the civilization is known for its utilitarian approach, the artistic quality varies significantly across these materials, reflecting different techniques and purposes. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Stone statues found in the Indus Valley sites are indeed scarce compared to seals or terracotta figurines. However, the few surviving examples, such as the Bearded Priest from Mohenjo-Daro and the Male Torso from Harappa, display excellent modelling of three-dimensional volumes and anatomical realism. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Bronze statues were made using the cire perdue (lost wax) technique. Contrary to the statement, these figures are not crude or lifeless. The famous Dancing Girl from Mohenjo-Daro is celebrated for its expressiveness, dynamic posture, and naturalistic quality, showcasing a high degree of artistic sophistication. - Statement 3 is Correct: Terracotta figurines, such as the Mother Goddess, were typically hand-modelled using the pinching method. In terms of artistic refinement and finish, these terracotta figures are generally crude and primitive when compared to the sophisticated stone carvings and cast bronze statues. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: In Indus Valley art, stone and bronze sculptures exhibit high technical skill and realism, whereas terracotta figures are more abundant but stylistically cruder and less refined.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 2: Arts of the Indus Valley

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Compare the quality of sculptures in different materials in the Indus Valley Civilisation:

Stone statues found in the Indus Valley are scarce but display excellent modelling of volumes.
Bronze statues were made using the lost wax technique but are generally crude and lifeless.
Terracotta human figures are generally crude compared to stone and bronze.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 3 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Harappan artisans were skilled in various media, including stone, bronze, and terracotta. While the civilization is known for its utilitarian approach, the artistic quality varies significantly across these materials, reflecting different techniques and purposes.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Stone statues found in the Indus Valley sites are indeed scarce compared to seals or terracotta figurines. However, the few surviving examples, such as the Bearded Priest from Mohenjo-Daro and the Male Torso from Harappa, display excellent modelling of three-dimensional volumes and anatomical realism.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Bronze statues were made using the cire perdue (lost wax) technique. Contrary to the statement, these figures are not crude or lifeless. The famous Dancing Girl from Mohenjo-Daro is celebrated for its expressiveness, dynamic posture, and naturalistic quality, showcasing a high degree of artistic sophistication.
Statement 3 is Correct: Terracotta figurines, such as the Mother Goddess, were typically hand-modelled using the pinching method. In terms of artistic refinement and finish, these terracotta figures are generally crude and primitive when compared to the sophisticated stone carvings and cast bronze statues.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: In Indus Valley art, stone and bronze sculptures exhibit high technical skill and realism, whereas terracotta figures are more abundant but stylistically cruder and less refined.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Arts of the Indus Valley

With reference to the "Mother Goddess" figures, consider the following statements: 1. They have pellet eyes. 2. The nose is depicted as flat and broad. 3. They are characterized by crude but distinct stylistic features. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the beads of the Indus Valley: 1. Beads were produced exclusively in spherical shapes. 2. Some beads were decorated with gold covers. 3. Some beads were decorated by painting designs on them. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What evidence suggests that spinning of cotton and wool was very common in the Indus Valley? 1. Depiction of spinning wheels on seals. 2. Discovery of a large number of spindles and spindle whorls. 3. Discovery of preserved cotton cloth in all graves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Stone statues found in the Indus Valley sites are indeed scarce compared to seals or terracotta figurines. However, the few surviving examples, such as the Bearded Priest from Mohenjo-Daro and the Male Torso from Harappa, display excellent modelling of three-dimensional volumes and anatomical realism.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Bronze statues were made using the cire perdue (lost wax) technique. Contrary to the statement, these figures are not crude or lifeless. The famous Dancing Girl from Mohenjo-Daro is celebrated for its expressiveness, dynamic posture, and naturalistic quality, showcasing a high degree of artistic sophistication.
Statement 3 is Correct: Terracotta figurines, such as the Mother Goddess, were typically hand-modelled using the pinching method. In terms of artistic refinement and finish, these terracotta figures are generally crude and primitive when compared to the sophisticated stone carvings and cast bronze statues.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: In Indus Valley art, stone and bronze sculptures exhibit high technical skill and realism, whereas terracotta figures are more abundant but stylistically cruder and less refined.