With reference to the Harappan seal, consider the following statements: 1. It is made of a stone called steatite. 2. Harappan seals are devoid of any animal motifs. 3. It contains signs from a script that remains undeciphered. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

It is made of a stone called steatite.
Harappan seals are devoid of any animal motifs.
It contains signs from a script that remains undeciphered.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 and 3 only

Explanation

Harappan seals are among the most distinctive artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization, serving primarily commercial and administrative functions, such as authenticating goods and property.

Statement 1 is Correct: The majority of Harappan seals were made of a soft stone called steatite (soapstone). While seals made of agate, chert, copper, faience, and terracotta have also been found, steatite was the most common material due to its workability.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Harappan seals are renowned for their intricate carvings of animal motifs. Common animals depicted include the one-horned rhinoceros (unicorn), tiger, elephant, buffalo, bison, goat, and crocodile. The "Pashupati Seal" depicts a figure surrounded by animals.

Statement 3 is Correct: Most seals contain a line of writing in the Harappan script. This script is pictographic in nature and, to date, remains undeciphered. Scholars have not yet been able to assign specific phonetic values or meanings to the signs.

Key Takeaway: Harappan seals are typically square-shaped, made of steatite, feature animal motifs, and contain an undeciphered script used for trade and identification.

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

In the context of Harappan domestic architecture at Mohenjodaro, which of the following is a distinctive feature of the residential buildings?

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The "Proto-Shiva" seal depicts a figure seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals. Which of the following animals are typically associated with this depiction?

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With reference to the subsistence strategies of the Harappan Civilisation, consider the following statements: 1. Millets have been found at Harappan sites in Gujarat. 2. Rice was the most commonly consumed grain in the Harappan Civilisation. 3. Bones of wild species such as boar and gharial are found at Harappan sites. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Mother Goddess" figurines: 1. They are made of terracotta. 2. They are always depicted as plain figures without any jewellery. 3. They are found in large numbers at Mohenjodaro. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Site) | List II (Feature) A. Dholavira | 1. Craft production centre B. Kalibangan | 2. Evidence of ploughed field C. Chanhudaro | 3. Water reservoirs D. Lothal | 4. Dockyard

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The correct option is

1 and 3 only

Explanation

Harappan seals are among the most distinctive artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization, serving primarily commercial and administrative functions, such as authenticating goods and property.

Key Takeaway: Harappan seals are typically square-shaped, made of steatite, feature animal motifs, and contain an undeciphered script used for trade and identification.