Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the Indus Valley Civilization?
(A) Craft specialization was in evidence.
(B) Tools and weapons were made of iron.
(C) Buildings were of different types.
(D) Harappan seals were used for correspondence.
(E) Seals were mainly used for religious rituals.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A) and (C) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only
• D. (B), (C) and (E) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Indus Valley Civilization is a topic within History that requires understanding various aspects of this ancient society. Let's evaluate the statements given: 

• (A) Craft specialization was in evidence. This is a correct statement as archaeological findings indicate the presence of specific artisans and specialized crafts such as pottery, bead-making, and metallurgy.
• (B) Tools and weapons were made of iron. This is incorrect as the Indus Valley Civilization is part of the Bronze Age, and the use of iron was not prevalent during this period.
• (C) Buildings were of different types. This is accurate since the civilization featured a variety of architectural structures, including residential houses, granaries, and public baths.
• (D) Harappan seals were used for correspondence. This is plausible because Harappan seals are believed to have been used in trade and possibly for communication, as they often bear inscriptions.
• (E) Seals were mainly used for religious rituals. While seals might have had a religious significance, their primary use seems more practical, related to trade and identity than strictly religious rituals.

Thus, the correct understanding aligns with statements (A), (C), and (D) only.

Answer 2

Correct Statements:

(A) Craft specialization was in evidence.

True. The IVC showed advanced craftsmanship in pottery, bead-making, metallurgy (bronze tools), and seal-carving, indicating specialized artisans.

(C) Buildings were of different types.

True. Structures included residential houses, granaries, public baths (Great Bath), and dockyards (e.g., Lothal), reflecting urban planning.

(D) Harappan seals were used for correspondence.

True. Seals (with undeciphered script) likely served as trade identifiers, administrative markers, or ownership stamps, not religious purposes.

Incorrect Statements:

(B) Tools and weapons were made of iron.

False. The IVC used bronze and copper (e.g., knives, axes). Iron was not used until the Vedic period (~1200 BCE).

(E) Seals were mainly used for religious rituals.

False. While some seals depict ritualistic motifs (e.g., Pashupati seal), their primary use was economic/administrative (trade, taxation).

Correct options: A, C, D