With reference to the Harappan script, consider the following statements: 1. Writing has been found exclusively on steatite seals and nowhere else. 2. Most inscriptions are short, with the longest containing about 26 signs. 3. The use of writing was strictly restricted to the priestly class. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 only. Explanation Harappan inscriptions are predominantly short and occur on a variety of archaeological objects. The script remains undeciphered, which prevents definitive conclusions regarding its language, content or exclusive association with any particular social group. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1: Incorrect. Harappan writing has been found on seals, sealings, pottery, copper tablets, tools and other objects; it was not confined exclusively to steatite seals. - Statement 2: Correct. Most inscriptions consist of only a few signs, and the longest known inscription contains approximately 26 signs. - Statement 3: Incorrect. Archaeological evidence does not establish that writing was strictly restricted to a priestly class. Such a conclusion cannot be drawn from an undeciphered script. Key Takeaway: Harappan inscriptions were brief and appeared on diverse objects, while their users and contents remain uncertain because the script has not been deciphered.

With reference to the Harappan script,… - NCERT Class 12 History MCQ

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones - The Harappan Civilisation

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With reference to the Harappan script, consider the following statements:

Writing has been found exclusively on steatite seals and nowhere else.
Most inscriptions are short, with the longest containing about 26 signs.
The use of writing was strictly restricted to the priestly class.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Themes in Indian History - I · Page 15

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Harappan inscriptions are predominantly short and occur on a variety of archaeological objects.

The script remains undeciphered, which prevents definitive conclusions regarding its language, content or exclusive association with any particular social group.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: Incorrect. Harappan writing has been found on seals, sealings, pottery, copper tablets, tools and other objects; it was not confined exclusively to steatite seals.
Statement 2: Correct. Most inscriptions consist of only a few signs, and the longest known inscription contains approximately 26 signs.
Statement 3: Incorrect. Archaeological evidence does not establish that writing was strictly restricted to a priestly class. Such a conclusion cannot be drawn from an undeciphered script.

Key Takeaway: Harappan inscriptions were brief and appeared on diverse objects, while their users and contents remain uncertain because the script has not been deciphered.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones - The Harappan Civilisation

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