Identify the correct statements regarding the Harappan seals and sealings:
(A) The Harappan seal is possibly the most distinctive artefact of Harappan or Indus Valley civilization.
(B) Seals and sealing were used to facilitate long-distance communication.
(C) Harappan seals usually have a line of writing, probably containing the name and title of the owner.
(D) The sealing also conveyed the identity of the sender.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B), (C) and (D)
(A) The Harappan seal is possibly the most distinctive artefact of Harappan or Indus Valley civilization. Correct. The Harappan seal, made of a stone called steatite, is possibly the most distinctive artefact of the civilisation.
(B) Seals and sealing were used to facilitate long-distance communication. Correct. A bag of goods sent from one place to another was tied with rope, and seals were pressed on wet clay over the knot; an intact sealing showed the goods had not been tampered with on the way.
(C) Harappan seals usually have a line of writing, probably containing the name and title of the owner. Correct. This line of writing is in the Harappan script, which remains undeciphered to date.
(D) The sealing also conveyed the identity of the sender. Correct. Besides guarding the goods, the impression of the seal told the receiver who had sent them.
NCERT (2026-27): “The Harappan seal (Fig.1.1) is possibly the most distinctive artefact of the Harappan or Indus valley civilisation. Made of a stone called steatite, seals like this one often contain animal motifs and signs from a script that remains undeciphered.… 7.1 Seals and sealings … Seals and sealings were used to facilitate long-distance communication. Imagine a bag of goods being sent from one place to another. Its mouth was tied with rope and on the knot was affixed some wet clay on which one or more seals were pressed, leaving an impression. If the bag reached with its sealing intact, it meant that it had not been tampered with. The sealing also conveyed the identity of the sender.… 7.2 An enigmatic script … Harappan seals usually have a line of writing, probably containing the name and title of the owner. Scholars have also suggested that the motif (generally an animal) conveyed a meaning to those who could not read.…” |