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

mcqeasy

The "Painted Earthen Jar" found in Mohenjodaro was crafted using which specific technique?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASlab building
BPotter's wheel
CCoil method
DHand-moulding

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is Potter's wheel.

Explanation

The pottery of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) represents a high degree of technical skill. The vast majority of pottery excavated from sites like Mohenjodaro and Harappa is wheel-made, with hand-made examples being rare.

Detailed Analysis:

The Painted Earthen Jar found at Mohenjodaro is a prominent artifact illustrating Harappan craftsmanship.
It was crafted using a potter's wheel, which allowed for symmetry and structural consistency.
After the vessel was shaped on the wheel, it was fired in a kiln. The surface was typically treated with a red slip (red ochre), and designs were painted in black using pigments. This style is broadly categorized under Red and Black Ware.
The designs often included geometric patterns, vegetation, and animal motifs.

Key Takeaway:

Harappan pottery is predominantly wheel-made, characterized by a distinct red background with black painted designs, reflecting advanced firing and shaping techniques.

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?

medium

medium

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?

medium

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?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: Arts of the Indus Valley

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture chapters

The correct option is Potter's wheel.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The Painted Earthen Jar found at Mohenjodaro is a prominent artifact illustrating Harappan craftsmanship.
It was crafted using a potter's wheel, which allowed for symmetry and structural consistency.
After the vessel was shaped on the wheel, it was fired in a kiln. The surface was typically treated with a red slip (red ochre), and designs were painted in black using pigments. This style is broadly categorized under Red and Black Ware.
The designs often included geometric patterns, vegetation, and animal motifs.

Key Takeaway:

Harappan pottery is predominantly wheel-made, characterized by a distinct red background with black painted designs, reflecting advanced firing and shaping techniques.