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?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 only Explanation The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is one of the earliest civilizations known to have cultivated cotton and produced textiles. Archaeological evidence for textile production relies heavily on non-perishable tools used in the process, as organic materials like cloth rarely survive the passage of time. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Excavations at various Indus sites have yielded a large number of spindles and spindle whorls made of terracotta, faience, and shell. The widespread availability of these tools in households suggests that spinning cotton and wool was a common activity among the people. - Statement 2 is Correct: There is no evidence of spinning wheels (charkha) being depicted on Indus seals. The spinning wheel is a much later invention, generally believed to have been introduced to India during the medieval period (around the 14th century). In the IVC, spinning was done by hand using drop spindles. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the IVC is credited with being one of the first centers for cotton cultivation, preserved cotton cloth is extremely rare due to the perishable nature of organic fibers in the humid Indian subcontinent. Traces of cotton cloth were found preserved at Mohenjo-daro (specifically attached to a silver vase due to metal salts preventing decay), but it is certainly not found in all graves. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: The primary evidence for spinning in the Indus Valley Civilization comes from the abundance of spindle whorls. The spinning wheel was not known in ancient India, and actual cloth fragments are rare archaeological finds.

What evidence suggests that spinning… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

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

mcqmedium

What evidence suggests that spinning of cotton and wool was very common in the Indus Valley?

Depiction of spinning wheels on seals.
Discovery of a large number of spindles and spindle whorls.
Discovery of preserved cotton cloth in all graves.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 14

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is one of the earliest civilizations known to have cultivated cotton and produced textiles. Archaeological evidence for textile production relies heavily on non-perishable tools used in the process, as organic materials like cloth rarely survive the passage of time.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Excavations at various Indus sites have yielded a large number of spindles and spindle whorls made of terracotta, faience, and shell. The widespread availability of these tools in households suggests that spinning cotton and wool was a common activity among the people.
Statement 2 is Correct: There is no evidence of spinning wheels (charkha) being depicted on Indus seals. The spinning wheel is a much later invention, generally believed to have been introduced to India during the medieval period (around the 14th century). In the IVC, spinning was done by hand using drop spindles.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the IVC is credited with being one of the first centers for cotton cultivation, preserved cotton cloth is extremely rare due to the perishable nature of organic fibers in the humid Indian subcontinent. Traces of cotton cloth were found preserved at Mohenjo-daro (specifically attached to a silver vase due to metal salts preventing decay), but it is certainly not found in all graves.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: The primary evidence for spinning in the Indus Valley Civilization comes from the abundance of spindle whorls. The spinning wheel was not known in ancient India, and actual cloth fragments are rare archaeological finds.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Arts of the Indus Valley

Which one of the following Indus Valley sites yielded the bronze figure of a bull that is described as being in no way inferior to human figures from Harappa?

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With reference to the terracotta art of the Indus Valley, consider the following statements: 1. Terracotta representations of the human form are generally more refined and realistic than stone statues. 2. Terracotta figures are more realistic in the Gujarat sites and Kalibangan than in other areas. 3. The terracotta mask of a horned deity has been found in Indus Valley sites. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the bead industry of the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements: 1. Bead factories have been discovered exclusively at the site of Mohenjodaro. 2. Beads were made from a variety of materials including carnelian, jasper, crystal, and steatite. 3. Some beads were made of two or more stones cemented together. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Painted Earthen Jar" from Mohenjodaro, consider the following statements: 1. The shape was manipulated by the pressure of the potter's fingers. 2. The jar was fired at a low temperature to maintain a soft texture. 3. The motifs include vegetals and geometric forms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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