Consider the following statements regarding Indus Valley Civilization ...
Statement 1: Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the basins of the Indus River.
This statement is correct. The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was indeed a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the basins of the Indus River. It existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE and was spread across parts of what is now modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Statement 2: Complete burial of dead bodies was absent in the Indus Valley Civilization.
This statement is correct. Archaeological excavations at various Indus Valley sites have not revealed any evidence of complete burial of dead bodies. Unlike some other contemporary civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians, the Indus Valley people did not practice mummification or burial in elaborate tombs. Instead, they practiced various burial customs, including partial burial, cremation, and the use of secondary burials (where bones were collected and placed in pots or urns).
Statement 3: They had a strong disbelief in life after death, which was similar to the belief system of other contemporary civilizations.
This statement is incorrect. The belief system of the Indus Valley Civilization regarding life after death is not well understood due to the lack of written records. However, based on archaeological evidence, it is believed that they did have some form of belief in the afterlife. The presence of burial goods, such as pottery, jewelry, and figurines, in graves suggests a belief in an afterlife or a belief in the need to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. This belief in the afterlife is also seen in the practices of secondary burials, where bones were collected and placed in pots or urns, possibly indicating a belief in the journey of the soul to the afterlife.
Conclusion:
Out of the three statements, only two are correct. The Indus Valley Civilization was indeed a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the basins of the Indus River. However, contrary to the second statement, complete burial of dead bodies was absent in the Indus Valley Civilization. Regarding the third statement, there is evidence to suggest that the Indus Valley people did have some form of belief in the afterlife, indicating a departure from the belief system of other contemporary civilizations. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - only two of the statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Indus Valley Civilization ...
Statement 3 is incorrect.
What was the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)?
It was a Bronze Age civilization (3300-1300 BCE; mature period 2600-1900 BCE) extending from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India. Along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of three early civilizations of the Old World, and of the three the most widespread It flourished in the basins of the Indus River.
Burial Practices of the IVC:
Dead bodies were placed in the North-South direction (extended inhumation) and were accompanied by food, pottery, jewellery, etc. The graveyard was within the settlement. They practised three types of burial: –
- Complete burial
- Fractional burial (burial of bones after exposure of the body to birds and beasts)
- Cremation followed by burial of the ashes
Significance: It shows their strong belief in life after death, which was similar to the belief system of other contemporary civilizations, however; the items kept were not as expensive as other civilizations (unlike those of the elites in Egypt and Mesopotamia).
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