The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The Harappan Civilisation is renowned for its sophisticated craft production, particularly bead-making. Specialized centres like Chanhudaro and Lothal were dedicated to the production of beads, shell-cutting, metal-working, and seal-making. The technology involved complex processes of sawing, flaking, grinding, and polishing.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Harappan craftsmen used a wide variety of materials to manufacture beads. Stones were a primary material, including beautiful red carnelian (obtained by firing yellowish raw material), jasper, crystal, quartz, and steatite.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The materials used for beads were not limited to stones. Beads were also made of metals like copper, bronze, and gold. Additionally, materials such as shell, faience, and terracotta (burnt clay) were widely used. Therefore, the assertion that metals were never used is factually wrong.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Steatite, a very soft stone, was easily worked and was a popular material. Apart from carving the stone directly, craftsmen developed a technique to make beads moulded out of a paste made with steatite powder. This technological innovation allowed for the creation of a variety of intricate shapes, unlike the limited geometrical forms (like cylindrical, spherical, or barrel-shaped) that could be made out of harder stones.
Key Takeaway: The Harappan bead industry was technologically advanced, utilizing a diverse range of materials including precious stones, metals (gold, copper), and steatite paste, which allowed for the mass production of moulded micro-beads.