The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Copper tablets are a distinct category of inscribed artifacts found primarily at Mohenjo-daro in the Indus Valley Civilization. They differ from the more common steatite seals in their material, manufacturing technique, and the nature of the inscriptions.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The copper tablets found are generally square or rectangular in shape. They are typically flat, thin pieces of copper containing script and iconography on both sides.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The figures and signs on these tablets are not painted. They were produced through casting or engraving (incision). The imagery and script are either raised in relief or cut into the metal surface, rather than applied using dyes or pigments.
- Statement 3 is Correct: There is a notable difference in the text-image relationship between seals and copper tablets. On steatite seals, a single animal motif (such as the unicorn) appears with many different inscriptions, implying the text identifies the owner while the animal is a general emblem. In contrast, on copper tablets, specific inscriptions are consistently paired with specific animals. This indicates that the text is likely associated with the animal itself or the specific deity/concept it represents.
Key Takeaway: Copper tablets are engraved or cast artifacts found mainly at Mohenjo-daro that display a fixed correlation between the animal motif and the inscription, unlike the variable pairings observed on seals.