With reference to the decoration of Indus Valley pottery, consider the following statements: 1. Black painted ware consists of a black slip with designs painted in red. 2. Polychrome pottery is rare and typically consists of small vases decorated with geometric patterns. 3. Graceful curves are the rule in household pottery, while straight and angular shapes are an exception. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Indus Valley Civilization produced a large variety of pottery, primarily wheel-made. It is broadly classified into plain and painted ware, with the painted variety being distinct for its specific color schemes and aesthetic forms. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The standard painted pottery of the Indus Valley is known as "Red and Black ware." It typically consists of a fine coating of red slip on which designs are executed in glossy black paint. The statement incorrectly reverses this description by suggesting a black slip with red designs. - Statement 2 is Correct: Polychrome pottery (pottery decorated with multiple colors) is rare in the Harappan context. It typically comprises small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black, green, and occasionally white and yellow. - Statement 3 is Correct: The structural aesthetics of Harappan pottery favor fluidity. Graceful curves are the rule in household pottery, while straight and angular shapes are considered an exception. Key Takeaway: Harappan painted pottery is predominantly Red and Black ware (red background with black designs). Polychrome pottery is rare, and the shapes are characteristically curvilinear rather than angular.

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

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With reference to the decoration of Indus Valley pottery, consider the following statements:

Black painted ware consists of a black slip with designs painted in red.
Polychrome pottery is rare and typically consists of small vases decorated with geometric patterns.
Graceful curves are the rule in household pottery, while straight and angular shapes are an exception.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization produced a large variety of pottery, primarily wheel-made. It is broadly classified into plain and painted ware, with the painted variety being distinct for its specific color schemes and aesthetic forms.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The standard painted pottery of the Indus Valley is known as "Red and Black ware." It typically consists of a fine coating of red slip on which designs are executed in glossy black paint. The statement incorrectly reverses this description by suggesting a black slip with red designs.
Statement 2 is Correct: Polychrome pottery (pottery decorated with multiple colors) is rare in the Harappan context. It typically comprises small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black, green, and occasionally white and yellow.
Statement 3 is Correct: The structural aesthetics of Harappan pottery favor fluidity. Graceful curves are the rule in household pottery, while straight and angular shapes are considered an exception.

Key Takeaway: Harappan painted pottery is predominantly Red and Black ware (red background with black designs). Polychrome pottery is rare, and the shapes are characteristically curvilinear rather than angular.

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: The standard painted pottery of the Indus Valley is known as "Red and Black ware." It typically consists of a fine coating of red slip on which designs are executed in glossy black paint. The statement incorrectly reverses this description by suggesting a black slip with red designs.
Statement 2 is Correct: Polychrome pottery (pottery decorated with multiple colors) is rare in the Harappan context. It typically comprises small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black, green, and occasionally white and yellow.
Statement 3 is Correct: The structural aesthetics of Harappan pottery favor fluidity. Graceful curves are the rule in household pottery, while straight and angular shapes are considered an exception.