With reference to the motifs on Indus Valley seals, consider the following statements: 1. They bear a great variety of motifs, most often of animals. 2. The bull is invariably depicted without a hump on all seals. 3. Human figures and trees are never depicted on Harappan seals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization are among the most significant artistic and administrative artifacts recovered from sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Typically made of steatite (soft stone), these seals served commercial purposes and possibly acted as amulets or identity markers. They are renowned for their intricate carvings and the undeciphered Harappan script. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Harappan seals feature a wide variety of motifs. The most common depictions are of animals, including the "unicorn" (a mythical one-horned creature), rhinoceros, tiger, elephant, buffalo, and bison. These animal motifs are often accompanied by the Harappan script. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the "unicorn" is depicted without a hump, the humped bull (Zebu) is a distinct and frequently occurring motif on Indus seals. The carving of the humped bull is often cited as a high point of Harappan artistic realism, showing powerful musculature. Therefore, it is factually wrong to state that bulls are invariably depicted without a hump. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Human figures and trees are definitely depicted on Harappan seals, although less frequently than animals. Notable examples include the Pashupati seal, which depicts a cross-legged human figure surrounded by animals, and seals depicting a deity standing inside a Pipal tree. Narrative scenes involving human figures have also been found. Key Takeaway: Indus Valley seals are primarily characterized by animal motifs (both mythical and real, including humped bulls) and the Harappan script, but they also feature human figures, deities, and elements of nature such as trees.

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

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With reference to the motifs on Indus Valley seals, consider the following statements:

They bear a great variety of motifs, most often of animals.
The bull is invariably depicted without a hump on all seals.
Human figures and trees are never depicted on Harappan seals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization are among the most significant artistic and administrative artifacts recovered from sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Typically made of steatite (soft stone), these seals served commercial purposes and possibly acted as amulets or identity markers. They are renowned for their intricate carvings and the undeciphered Harappan script.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Harappan seals feature a wide variety of motifs. The most common depictions are of animals, including the "unicorn" (a mythical one-horned creature), rhinoceros, tiger, elephant, buffalo, and bison. These animal motifs are often accompanied by the Harappan script.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the "unicorn" is depicted without a hump, the humped bull (Zebu) is a distinct and frequently occurring motif on Indus seals. The carving of the humped bull is often cited as a high point of Harappan artistic realism, showing powerful musculature. Therefore, it is factually wrong to state that bulls are invariably depicted without a hump.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Human figures and trees are definitely depicted on Harappan seals, although less frequently than animals. Notable examples include the Pashupati seal, which depicts a cross-legged human figure surrounded by animals, and seals depicting a deity standing inside a Pipal tree. Narrative scenes involving human figures have also been found.

Key Takeaway:
Indus Valley seals are primarily characterized by animal motifs (both mythical and real, including humped bulls) and the Harappan script, but they also feature human figures, deities, and elements of nature such as trees.

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 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Harappan seals feature a wide variety of motifs. The most common depictions are of animals, including the "unicorn" (a mythical one-horned creature), rhinoceros, tiger, elephant, buffalo, and bison. These animal motifs are often accompanied by the Harappan script.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the "unicorn" is depicted without a hump, the humped bull (Zebu) is a distinct and frequently occurring motif on Indus seals. The carving of the humped bull is often cited as a high point of Harappan artistic realism, showing powerful musculature. Therefore, it is factually wrong to state that bulls are invariably depicted without a hump.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Human figures and trees are definitely depicted on Harappan seals, although less frequently than animals. Notable examples include the Pashupati seal, which depicts a cross-legged human figure surrounded by animals, and seals depicting a deity standing inside a Pipal tree. Narrative scenes involving human figures have also been found.