Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The Seals of Indus civilization were made of steatite. Reason (R): The terracotta, due to its fragile quality was not used as a medium for seals. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Logic Tip: Harappan seals required durable fine carving, so steatite was preferred over fragile terracotta.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization are among the most important archaeological discoveries of ancient India. These seals were used for:
• Trade identification
• Administrative control
• Religious symbolism
• Ownership marking Most Harappan seals were made from: \[ Steatite \]

Step 1:
Steatite is a soft stone that:
• Allows fine carving
• Can be polished
• Becomes harder after firing Because of these properties, Harappan artisans widely used steatite for seal making. Therefore: \[ Assertion (A) is correct \]

Step 2:
Terracotta objects were common in the Indus civilization, but terracotta:
• Is comparatively fragile
• Can chip or crack easily
• Is less durable for repeated stamping Seals needed:
• Durability
• Fine carving precision
• Long-term usability Thus, terracotta was generally unsuitable compared to steatite. Therefore: \[ Reason (R) is correct \]

Step 3:
The Reason properly explains the Assertion because:
• Steatite was preferred precisely because stronger and more durable material was needed than fragile terracotta. Hence: \[ Reason correctly explains Assertion \]

Step 4:
Harappan seals are historically important because they:
• Preserve the undeciphered script
• Show artistic sophistication
• Reflect trade systems
• Indicate religious symbolism

Step 5:
Since both statements are correct and the Reason explains the Assertion, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)}} \]