With reference to the seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements: 1. The standard Harappan seal was a square plaque made from steatite. 2. Every seal is engraved in a pictographic script which has been deciphered by scholars. 3. Seals were used for commercial purposes as well as amulets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation are among the most significant artistic and administrative artifacts recovered from sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. They provide crucial insights into the trade, religion, and script of the period. - Statement 1 is Correct: The standard Harappan seal was a square plaque, typically measuring 2x2 inches. While seals were made from various materials such as terracotta, gold, agate, chert, and ivory, the most common material used was steatite (a soft stone). - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Although the seals feature a script that is pictographic in nature (consisting of symbols representing words or concepts), this script has not yet been deciphered by scholars. The inability to read the script remains a major barrier to understanding the full history of the civilisation. - Statement 3 is Correct: Seals served multiple functions. Primarily, they were used for commercial purposes to stamp wet clay on bundles of goods, certifying their contents and ownership. Additionally, the presence of holes in some seals and their discovery on skeletons suggests they were also carried on the person, possibly serving as amulets or identity markers. Key Takeaway: Harappan seals were predominantly made of steatite and square in shape. While they bear a pictographic script, it remains undeciphered, distinguishing the Indus Valley Civilisation from contemporary civilisations like Mesopotamia where scripts have been read.

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

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With reference to the seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements:

The standard Harappan seal was a square plaque made from steatite.
Every seal is engraved in a pictographic script which has been deciphered by scholars.
Seals were used for commercial purposes as well as amulets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 2 only
C1 and 3 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The seals of the Indus Valley Civilisation are among the most significant artistic and administrative artifacts recovered from sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. They provide crucial insights into the trade, religion, and script of the period.

Statement 1 is Correct: The standard Harappan seal was a square plaque, typically measuring 2x2 inches. While seals were made from various materials such as terracotta, gold, agate, chert, and ivory, the most common material used was steatite (a soft stone).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Although the seals feature a script that is pictographic in nature (consisting of symbols representing words or concepts), this script has not yet been deciphered by scholars. The inability to read the script remains a major barrier to understanding the full history of the civilisation.
Statement 3 is Correct: Seals served multiple functions. Primarily, they were used for commercial purposes to stamp wet clay on bundles of goods, certifying their contents and ownership. Additionally, the presence of holes in some seals and their discovery on skeletons suggests they were also carried on the person, possibly serving as amulets or identity markers.

Key Takeaway: Harappan seals were predominantly made of steatite and square in shape. While they bear a pictographic script, it remains undeciphered, distinguishing the Indus Valley Civilisation from contemporary civilisations like Mesopotamia where scripts have been read.

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 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: The standard Harappan seal was a square plaque, typically measuring 2x2 inches. While seals were made from various materials such as terracotta, gold, agate, chert, and ivory, the most common material used was steatite (a soft stone).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Although the seals feature a script that is pictographic in nature (consisting of symbols representing words or concepts), this script has not yet been deciphered by scholars. The inability to read the script remains a major barrier to understanding the full history of the civilisation.
Statement 3 is Correct: Seals served multiple functions. Primarily, they were used for commercial purposes to stamp wet clay on bundles of goods, certifying their contents and ownership. Additionally, the presence of holes in some seals and their discovery on skeletons suggests they were also carried on the person, possibly serving as amulets or identity markers.