Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The art of the Indus Valley Civilization encompasses works in stone, bronze, and terracotta. While stone and bronze sculptures were often products of specialized craftsmanship, terracotta art was largely hand-modeled, widely distributed, and used for toys, animal figures, and cult objects.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Terracotta representations of the human form in the Indus Valley are generally crude and stylistically primitive compared to the stone and bronze statues. Stone sculptures (e.g., the Bearded Priest) and bronze figures (e.g., the Dancing Girl) display a high level of refinement, anatomical accuracy, and finish, whereas terracotta figures are typically rough and hand-modeled.
- Statement 2 is Correct: There are regional variations in the style of terracotta art within the civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that terracotta figures found in Gujarat sites and Kalibangan are more realistic and expressive than those found in other major centers like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Various terracotta masks have been excavated from Indus sites. Specifically, a terracotta mask of a horned deity has been identified, which likely held ritualistic or religious significance.
Key Takeaway: Indus terracotta art is characterized by its crude, folk-style modeling, contrasting sharply with the refined elite art of stone and bronze, though specific sites like Kalibangan show greater realism.