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

mcqeasy

The "Bearded Man" sculpture depicts a figure wearing a garment with trefoil patterns. This garment covers:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe right shoulder
BThe head as a turban
CThe left shoulder
DThe waist as a belt

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is The left shoulder.

Explanation

The "Bearded Man," often referred to as the "Priest-King," is a celebrated steatite sculpture excavated from Mohenjo-daro. It dates back to the Mature Harappan phase of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE).

Detailed Analysis:

The sculpture depicts a male figure wearing a shawl or upper garment adorned with trefoil patterns (designs resembling three-lobed leaves).
This garment is draped over the left shoulder and passes under the right arm, leaving the right shoulder bare.
The trefoil motifs were originally filled with red pigment, indicating the use of dyed textiles.
The figure also features a fillet (headband) with a circular ornament on the forehead and an armlet on the right upper arm, distinct from the trefoil garment.

Key Takeaway: The "Priest-King" sculpture from Mohenjo-daro is distinctively identified by a trefoil-patterned shawl draped over the left shoulder.

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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The correct option is The left shoulder.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The sculpture depicts a male figure wearing a shawl or upper garment adorned with trefoil patterns (designs resembling three-lobed leaves).
This garment is draped over the left shoulder and passes under the right arm, leaving the right shoulder bare.
The trefoil motifs were originally filled with red pigment, indicating the use of dyed textiles.
The figure also features a fillet (headband) with a circular ornament on the forehead and an armlet on the right upper arm, distinct from the trefoil garment.

Key Takeaway: The "Priest-King" sculpture from Mohenjo-daro is distinctively identified by a trefoil-patterned shawl draped over the left shoulder.