With reference to the "Mother Goddess" terracotta figures, consider the following statements: 1. They are usually crude standing female figures. 2. They are adorned with necklaces hanging over prominent breasts. 3. The mouth is indicated by a slit. 4. They wear a fan-shaped head-dress with a cup-like projection on each side. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1, 2, 3 and 4. Explanation The "Mother Goddess" figurines are among the most distinct terracotta artifacts recovered from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), particularly from sites like Mohenjo-Daro. Unlike the refined stone and bronze sculptures of the period, terracotta art was generally hand-modeled and cruder in execution. These figures are believed to represent a fertility deity or a symbol of prosperity. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Mother Goddess figures are typically crude, standing female figures. They are hand-modeled using the pinching method, distinguishing them from the more sophisticated seals or bronze casting of the era. - Statement 2 is Correct: These figures are heavily adorned with jewelry. A distinct feature is the presence of necklaces hanging over prominent breasts, emphasizing fertility and ornamentation. They also typically wear a loincloth and a girdle. - Statement 3 is Correct: The facial features are stylized and rudimentary. The eyes are typically made of clay pellets, the nose is beaked, and the mouth is indicated simply by a slit cut into the clay. - Statement 4 is Correct: The most characteristic feature of these figurines is the elaborate fan-shaped head-dress. On each side of the head-dress, there is a cup-like projection. Archaeologists speculate that these cups might have been used to burn oil or incense, suggesting a ritualistic function. Key Takeaway: The Indus Valley Mother Goddess terracotta figurines are characterized by their crude hand-modeling, fan-shaped head-dresses with cup-like projections, pellet eyes, slit mouths, and heavy ornamentation (necklaces and girdles).

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

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With reference to the "Mother Goddess" terracotta figures, consider the following statements:

They are usually crude standing female figures.
They are adorned with necklaces hanging over prominent breasts.
The mouth is indicated by a slit.
They wear a fan-shaped head-dress with a cup-like projection on each side.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Explanation

The "Mother Goddess" figurines are among the most distinct terracotta artifacts recovered from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), particularly from sites like Mohenjo-Daro. Unlike the refined stone and bronze sculptures of the period, terracotta art was generally hand-modeled and cruder in execution. These figures are believed to represent a fertility deity or a symbol of prosperity.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Mother Goddess figures are typically crude, standing female figures. They are hand-modeled using the pinching method, distinguishing them from the more sophisticated seals or bronze casting of the era.
Statement 2 is Correct: These figures are heavily adorned with jewelry. A distinct feature is the presence of necklaces hanging over prominent breasts, emphasizing fertility and ornamentation. They also typically wear a loincloth and a girdle.
Statement 3 is Correct: The facial features are stylized and rudimentary. The eyes are typically made of clay pellets, the nose is beaked, and the mouth is indicated simply by a slit cut into the clay.
Statement 4 is Correct: The most characteristic feature of these figurines is the elaborate fan-shaped head-dress. On each side of the head-dress, there is a cup-like projection. Archaeologists speculate that these cups might have been used to burn oil or incense, suggesting a ritualistic function.

Key Takeaway:
The Indus Valley Mother Goddess terracotta figurines are characterized by their crude hand-modeling, fan-shaped head-dresses with cup-like projections, pellet eyes, slit mouths, and heavy ornamentation (necklaces and girdles).

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 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Mother Goddess figures are typically crude, standing female figures. They are hand-modeled using the pinching method, distinguishing them from the more sophisticated seals or bronze casting of the era.
Statement 2 is Correct: These figures are heavily adorned with jewelry. A distinct feature is the presence of necklaces hanging over prominent breasts, emphasizing fertility and ornamentation. They also typically wear a loincloth and a girdle.
Statement 3 is Correct: The facial features are stylized and rudimentary. The eyes are typically made of clay pellets, the nose is beaked, and the mouth is indicated simply by a slit cut into the clay.
Statement 4 is Correct: The most characteristic feature of these figurines is the elaborate fan-shaped head-dress. On each side of the head-dress, there is a cup-like projection. Archaeologists speculate that these cups might have been used to burn oil or incense, suggesting a ritualistic function.