CAPF AC 2020 Q51: Ancient History – Indus Valley Civilization
Which of the following is/are the most distinctive artefacts of the Harappan Civilisation?
1. Steatite seal
2. Bricks of a standardised ratio
3. Gold bangles
4. Silver spittoon
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Distinctive artefacts of the Harappan Civilisation
How to think: distinctive means found at almost every Harappan site and seen as its mark.
Rare or precious objects do not qualify.
| Item | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Steatite seal | Distinctive | NCERT calls the seal possibly the most distinctive Harappan artefact |
| 2. Bricks of a standardised ratio | Distinctive | Same ratio at all sites: height, breadth, length as 1 : 2 : 4 |
| 3. Gold bangles | Not distinctive | Gold was rare and precious |
| 4. Silver spittoon | Not distinctive | Not a Harappan object |
Other marks of Harappan culture:
| Object | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weights | Made of chert, usually cubical |
| Beads | Carnelian, jasper, steatite |
| Pottery | Red ware painted in black |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The seal is right, but the standardised bricks are distinctive too.
- (b) CORRECT. The steatite seal and standard bricks mark Harappan sites everywhere.
- (c) Incorrect. This drops the seal and adds gold bangles and a silver spittoon.
- (d) Incorrect. Gold bangles were rare finds, not a common mark of the culture.
Key point
Harappan hallmarks: steatite seals, bricks in a 1 : 2 : 4 ratio, chert weights, carnelian beads, red-and-black pottery.
Remember
Harappan mark: steatite seal and 1 : 2 : 4 bricks.
Common mistakes
- Choosing gold objects; precious metal was rare and often found in hoards.
- Forgetting that the brick ratio was the same from Harappa to Lothal.
- Not knowing that seals were made of steatite, a soft stone.
Exam tip
Educated guess: drop the precious items. A silver spittoon sounds out of place in the Bronze Age.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part I, Theme 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones
- NCERT Class VI History — Our Pasts I (In the Earliest Cities)