The idea of the religious practices of the people during IVC is given by the sculptures of that time. From the seals we interpret the knowledge of metrology and trade linkages of IVC with its contemporary civilizations.
The presence of script shows that the IVC had attained technological advancements and significant data was generated which was required to be written in script and recorded. The tools tells us not only the metals that were discovered at that time but also whether wars were common or not. Let us now study each of these aspects in detail.
The discovery of statues, figurines of men and women in terracotta, stone and metal indicate that people of the area were great artists and sculptors.
Stone figure of a bull, Mohenjodaro
The other sculpture made of grey sandstone is that of a bearded man wearing a trefoil patterned shawl, a fillet around the head and an amulet on the right arm. It is speculated that he was a Priest King or a wealthy merchant.
Bronze elephant
It depicts a figure seated cross-legged in a yogic posture with a horned headdress.
It depicts a mythological animal called a unicorn, which is a horse with a single horn on its forehead. It is the most frequently depicted animal in IVC seals.
It shows a vigorous humped bull.
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Religion, Sculpture, Seals & Tools of the people at IVC
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Seals with holes
The IVC people were expert in the art of pottery and were very fond of it.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Harappan tools included flat -axes, chisels, arrowhead, spearheads, knives, saws, razors, and fish-hooks.
II. Apart from tools people also made copper and bronze vessels.
III. Harappan people made small plates and weights of lead, and gold and silver jewellery of considerable sophistication.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
The Indus script
Ten signs found in Dholavira
Pot burials, Lothal
Choose the correct option?
1. What is the significance of religion in the Indus Valley Civilization? | ![]() |
2. How did sculpture contribute to the culture of the Indus Valley Civilization? | ![]() |
3. What can we learn from the seals of the Indus Valley Civilization? | ![]() |
4. What were the tools commonly used by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization? | ![]() |
5. How does the art of the Indus Valley Civilization compare to other ancient civilizations? | ![]() |