R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2008

Harappan Art and Symbols

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

One of the following sites from where the famous bull-seal of Indus Valley Civilization was found-

Answer: D

Concept Harappan seals are masterpieces of miniature art, with specific high-status motifs being characteristic of major imperial cities.

Explanation The most iconic 'Brahmani Bull' (Zebu bull) seal, known for its realistic muscularity and large hump, was discovered at Mohenjo-daro.

Logical Breakup

Mohenjodaro (D): Yielded the largest and most sophisticated collection of steatite seals, including the Bull and Pashupati seals.

Symbolism: The bull likely represented virility, strength, and potentially royal authority.

Question

What material were most Indus seals made of?

Answer

They were primarily made of steatite (soapstone), which was easy to carve and became hard after firing.

The precision of the Bull Seal proves that Harappan artisans possessed a deep understanding of animal anatomy and a highly refined aesthetic sense.