Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None of the statements given above is correct

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Indus Valley Civilization, unlike some other ancient civilizations, did not have grand palaces or temples. Their cities, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, were well-planned, but there is no evidence of large palaces or grand temples, which were typical in civilizations like Mesopotamia or Egypt.

Statement 2 is correct

• The Indus people are believed to have worshipped both male and female deities, as evidenced by figurines such as the “Pashupati Seal” and the Mother Goddess figurines.

Image Source: Harappa.com

Statement 3 is incorrect

• There is not much archaeological evidence to support the use of horses or horse-drawn chariots in warfare. The use of horses for chariots became prominent later, particularly during the Vedic period.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium