Official UPSC Format

The famous female figurine known as 'Dancing Girl', found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

Harappan artisans cast the Mohenjo-daro Dancing Girl figurine using solid bronze. Craftsmen utilized the intricate lost-wax casting technique to create the celebrated Indus Valley artifact.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option C
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reports on Indus Valley excavations, the 'Dancing Girl' is a paramount artifact reflecting advanced Harappan metallurgy.
  • Discovery & Material: Excavated from the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro, this 4,500-year-old statuette is made entirely of bronze.
  • Technique: It was created using the highly sophisticated 'lost-wax' casting method (Cire Perdue), proving that Harappan craftsmen had mastered the science of alloying and metal molding.
  • Artistic Significance: Despite its small size (just over 10 cm), the figurine is highly detailed, showing a confident stance and arms heavily adorned with bangles, providing deep insight into the cultural and artistic life of the civilization.

    • 🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    Carnelian and gold were widely used for Harappan beads and jewelry, while clay/terracotta was used for toys and Mother Goddess figurines. Candidates might confuse the medium if they mix up the Priest King (steatite), Mother Goddess (terracotta), and Dancing Girl (bronze).

    Active Recall Flashcard

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    What material is the 'Dancing Girl' figurine of Mohenjo-daro made of?

    Bronze (crafted via lost-wax casting).

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Dancing Girl Figurine
    Excavated At
    Mohenjo-daro
    Dancing Girl Figurine
    Made Of
    Bronze
    Bronze Artifacts
    Created Using
    Lost-wax Casting

    Logic Quest

    "What does the Dancing Girl tell us about Harappan society?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Harappan Metallurgical Achievements through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Art & Culture questions for your upcoming Prelims.