UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  With reference to the archaeological interpre... Start Learning for Free
With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:
1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.
2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.
3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Ci...
  • Attempts have been made to reconstruct the religious beliefs and the practices by examining seals, some of which seem to depict the ritual scenes. Others, with plant motifs, are thought to indicate nature worship. Some animals — such as the one-horned animal, often called the “unicorn” - depicted on the seals, seem to be mythical, composite creatures. In some seals, a figure shown seated cross- legged in a “yogic” posture, sometimes surrounded by animals, has been regarded as a depiction of the “Proto- Shiva”, i.e., an early form of one of the major deities of Hinduism.
  • Besides, conical stone objects have been classified as the Lingas. e Many reconstructions of the Harappan religion are made on the assumption that the later traditions provide parallels with the earlier ones. This is because the archaeologists often move from the known to the unknown, i.e., from the present to the past. While this is plausible in the case of stone querns and pots, it becomes more speculative when we extend it to the “religious” symbols. For instance, at the “Proto- Shiva” seals.
  • The earliest religious text, the Rigveda (compiled c. 1500-1000 BCE), mentions a god named Rudra, which is a name used for Shiva in the later Puranic traditions (in the first millennium CE). However, unlike Shiva, Rudra in the Rigveda is neither depicted as Pashupati (The lord of the animals in general and cattle in particular), nor as a Yogi. In other words, this depiction does not match the description of Rudra in the Rigveda. e The problems of the archaeological interpretation are perhaps most evident in the attempts to reconstruct the religious practices. Early archaeologists thought that certain objects, which seemed unusual or unfamiliar, may have had a religious significance.
  • These included terracotta figurines of women, heavily jewelled, some with elaborate head-dresses. These were regarded as mother goddesses. Rare stone statuary of men in an almost standardized posture, seated with one hand on the knee - such as the “priest-king” — was also similarly classified. In other instances, the structures have been assigned ritual significance. These include the Great Bath and the fire altars found at Kalibangan and Lothal. 
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Ci...
Statements Explanation:

- Statement 1: The Harappan seals indeed have provided valuable insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the Harappan Civilization. These seals often depict various animals, deities, and symbols which are believed to have religious significance. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2: The depiction of the 'Proto-Shiva' seal from the Harappan Civilization has been compared to the deity 'Rudra' mentioned in the Rigveda. While there are similarities, it is essential to note that the identification of the 'Proto-Shiva' seal as Lord Shiva is a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. Therefore, statement 2 is not entirely accurate.
- Statement 3: Structures like the 'Great Bath' at Mohenjo-Daro have been interpreted by archaeologists as having ritual significance due to their elaborate construction and possible association with water-related rituals or ceremonies. Similar interpretations have been made for other structures within Harappan cities. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C) 1 and 3 only, as statement 2 is not entirely accurate and subject to interpretation and debate.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice With reference to the archaeological interpretation of the Harappan Civilization, consider the following statements:1. The Harappan seals have helped in reconstructing religious beliefs and practices of that period.2. The depiction of the Shiva of the ‘Proto- Shiva’ seal exhibits complete similarity with the ‘Rudra’ of the Rigveda.3. The structures, like the ‘Great Bath’, have been assigned ritual significance.Which of the statements given above are correct?a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev