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?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Indus Valley Civilisation (Harappan Civilisation) is renowned for its sophisticated craft production, particularly its bead-making industry, which demonstrates advanced technological knowledge and aesthetic sensibility. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Bead-making factories were not exclusive to Mohenjodaro. Specialized centers for craft production, specifically bead-making, have been identified prominently at Chanhudaro and Lothal. Chanhudaro was almost exclusively devoted to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making, and weight-making. - Statement 2 is Correct: Harappan craftsmen used a diverse range of materials to manufacture beads. These included stones such as carnelian (a distinct red stone), jasper, crystal, quartz, and steatite; metals like copper, bronze, and gold; and other materials like shell, faience, and terracotta. - Statement 3 is Correct: The technology of bead-making was highly developed. Some beads were composite, made of two or more stones cemented together. Others featured caps of gold. The shapes varied widely, including disc-shaped, cylindrical, spherical, barrel-shaped, and segmented forms. Key Takeaway: The Harappan bead industry was a specialized craft with dedicated production centers like Chanhudaro and Lothal, utilizing a wide variety of materials ranging from common steatite to precious stones like carnelian.

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

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With reference to the bead industry of the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements:

Bead factories have been discovered exclusively at the site of Mohenjodaro.
Beads were made from a variety of materials including carnelian, jasper, crystal, and steatite.
Some beads were made of two or more stones cemented together.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 and 3 only
B2 only
C1, 2 and 3
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilisation (Harappan Civilisation) is renowned for its sophisticated craft production, particularly its bead-making industry, which demonstrates advanced technological knowledge and aesthetic sensibility.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Bead-making factories were not exclusive to Mohenjodaro. Specialized centers for craft production, specifically bead-making, have been identified prominently at Chanhudaro and Lothal. Chanhudaro was almost exclusively devoted to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making, and weight-making.
Statement 2 is Correct: Harappan craftsmen used a diverse range of materials to manufacture beads. These included stones such as carnelian (a distinct red stone), jasper, crystal, quartz, and steatite; metals like copper, bronze, and gold; and other materials like shell, faience, and terracotta.
Statement 3 is Correct: The technology of bead-making was highly developed. Some beads were composite, made of two or more stones cemented together. Others featured caps of gold. The shapes varied widely, including disc-shaped, cylindrical, spherical, barrel-shaped, and segmented forms.

Key Takeaway: The Harappan bead industry was a specialized craft with dedicated production centers like Chanhudaro and Lothal, utilizing a wide variety of materials ranging from common steatite to precious stones like carnelian.

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 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Bead-making factories were not exclusive to Mohenjodaro. Specialized centers for craft production, specifically bead-making, have been identified prominently at Chanhudaro and Lothal. Chanhudaro was almost exclusively devoted to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making, and weight-making.
Statement 2 is Correct: Harappan craftsmen used a diverse range of materials to manufacture beads. These included stones such as carnelian (a distinct red stone), jasper, crystal, quartz, and steatite; metals like copper, bronze, and gold; and other materials like shell, faience, and terracotta.
Statement 3 is Correct: The technology of bead-making was highly developed. Some beads were composite, made of two or more stones cemented together. Others featured caps of gold. The shapes varied widely, including disc-shaped, cylindrical, spherical, barrel-shaped, and segmented forms.