Question

With reference to the Indus valley pottery, consider the following statements:

1. The Indus Valley pottery consisted chiefly of very fine wheel-made wares, very few being hand-made.

2. Plain pottery was less common than painted ware.

3. Polychrome pottery was rare and mainly comprised of small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black, and green, rarely white and yellow.

4. Graceful curves were an exception, while straight and angular shapes were the rule.

 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 1 and 3 only

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

•  A large quantity of pottery excavated from the sites, enable us to understand the gradual evolution of various design motifs as employed in different shapes, and styles.
• The Harappans used diverse varieties of pottery for daily use. They used well-fired pottery.
• The Indus Valley pottery consists chiefly of very fine wheel-made wares, very few being hand-made. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Polychrome pottery is rare and mainly comprises small vases decorated with geometric patterns in red, black, and green, rarely white and yellow. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Incised ware is also rare and the incised decoration was confined to the bases of the pans, always inside and to the dishes of offering stands.
• Perforated pottery includes a large hole at the bottom and small holes all over the wall, and was probably used for straining liquor.
• Pottery for household purposes is found in as many shapes and sizes as could be conceived of for daily practical use.
• Miniature vessels, mostly less than half an inch in height are, particularly, so marvellously crafted as to evoke admiration.

• Plain pottery is more common than painted ware. Hence, statement 2 is NOT correct.
  • Plain pottery is generally of red clay, with or without a fine red or grey slip. It includes knobbed ware, ornamented with rows of knobs.
  • The black painted ware has a fine coating of red slip-on which geometric and animal designs are executed in glossy black paint.
• Straight and angular shapes are an exception, while graceful curves are the rule. Hence, statement 4 is NOT correct.

• The pottery is shaped like dish-on-stands, storage jars, perforated jars, goblets, S-shaped jars, plates, dishes, bowls and pots.
• The painted motifs, generally noticed on the pottery, are pipal leaves, fish-scale design, intersecting circles, zigzag lines, horizontal bands and geometrical motifs with floral and faunal patterns.