Easy Factual Recall

Harappan Metallurgical Achievements

Master Harappan Metallurgical Achievements using previous year trends.

Official Question UPSC 2025

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

Solution & Analysis

Answer: 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.

Quick Recall

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.

Concept Flow Mapping

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

Concept Question

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

Key Takeaway

Bronze (crafted via lost-wax casting).

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).

Core Insight

It proves advanced knowledge of metallurgy (alloying copper and tin into bronze) and highlights a society that valued performing arts and sophisticated adornment (evident by her bangles).