With reference to the terracotta art of the Indus Valley, consider the following statements: 1. Terracotta representations of the human form are generally more refined and realistic than stone statues. 2. Terracotta figures are more realistic in the Gujarat sites and Kalibangan than in other areas. 3. The terracotta mask of a horned deity has been found in Indus Valley sites. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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.

With reference to the terracotta art… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

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

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With reference to the terracotta art of the Indus Valley, consider the following statements:

Terracotta representations of the human form are generally more refined and realistic than stone statues.
Terracotta figures are more realistic in the Gujarat sites and Kalibangan than in other areas.
The terracotta mask of a horned deity has been found in Indus Valley sites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 3

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

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.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Arts of the Indus Valley

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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Which one of the following Indus Valley sites yielded the bronze figure of a bull that is described as being in no way inferior to human figures from Harappa?

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With reference to the bead industry of the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements: 1. Bead factories have been discovered exclusively at the site of Mohenjodaro. 2. Beads were made from a variety of materials including carnelian, jasper, crystal, and steatite. 3. Some beads were made of two or more stones cemented together. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Painted Earthen Jar" from Mohenjodaro, consider the following statements: 1. The shape was manipulated by the pressure of the potter's fingers. 2. The jar was fired at a low temperature to maintain a soft texture. 3. The motifs include vegetals and geometric forms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The "Painted Earthen Jar" found in Mohenjodaro was crafted using which specific technique?

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