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

mcqeasy

The "Male Torso" sculpture carved in red sandstone is notable for which specific anatomical or structural feature?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AElongated earlobes
BSocket holes in the neck and shoulders
CA trefoil pattern shawl
DA fan-shaped headdress

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is Socket holes in the neck and shoulders.

Explanation

The "Male Torso" is a significant stone sculpture excavated from Harappa, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Carved from red sandstone, it is renowned for its naturalistic modeling and sophisticated rendering of human anatomy.

Option Analysis:

Socket holes in the neck and shoulders is Correct: The defining structural feature of this sculpture is the presence of socket holes in the neck and shoulders. These holes indicate that the head and arms were carved as separate pieces and attached to the main torso using dowels. This technique suggests a complex approach to sculpture assembly during the Harappan period.
A trefoil pattern shawl is Incorrect: The trefoil pattern shawl is the distinguishing feature of the "Priest-King" bust found at Mohenjo-daro, which is carved from steatite.
A fan-shaped headdress is Incorrect: A fan-shaped headdress is a characteristic feature of the terracotta Mother Goddess figurines found at Mohenjo-daro and other sites.
Elongated earlobes is Incorrect: While elongated earlobes are a feature of the Priest-King bust (suggesting heavy ornaments), they are not the primary structural characteristic associated with the Red Sandstone Male Torso.

Key Takeaway: The Red Sandstone Male Torso from Harappa is distinct for its realistic abdominal modeling and the use of socket holes to attach a separate head and arms.

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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easy

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 Socket holes in the neck and shoulders.

Explanation

Option Analysis:

Socket holes in the neck and shoulders is Correct: The defining structural feature of this sculpture is the presence of socket holes in the neck and shoulders. These holes indicate that the head and arms were carved as separate pieces and attached to the main torso using dowels. This technique suggests a complex approach to sculpture assembly during the Harappan period.
A trefoil pattern shawl is Incorrect: The trefoil pattern shawl is the distinguishing feature of the "Priest-King" bust found at Mohenjo-daro, which is carved from steatite.
A fan-shaped headdress is Incorrect: A fan-shaped headdress is a characteristic feature of the terracotta Mother Goddess figurines found at Mohenjo-daro and other sites.
Elongated earlobes is Incorrect: While elongated earlobes are a feature of the Priest-King bust (suggesting heavy ornaments), they are not the primary structural characteristic associated with the Red Sandstone Male Torso.

Key Takeaway: The Red Sandstone Male Torso from Harappa is distinct for its realistic abdominal modeling and the use of socket holes to attach a separate head and arms.