What was the most ‘distinctive artefact’ of the Harappan civilization?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Seal
The Harappan seal is possibly the most distinctive artefact of the Harappan or Indus valley civilisation. Seals were made of a stone called steatite and often carry animal motifs and signs of a script that has still not been deciphered. Traders used them to stamp bags of goods, so a seal also tells us about long-distance trade.
NCERT (2025-26): “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. Yet we know a great deal about the lives of the people who lived in the region from what they left behind – their houses, pots, ornaments, tools and seals – in other words, from archaeological evidence.…”
Fig. 1.1 A Harappan seal |
