Question

Explain the development of art forms during the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Answer 1

Instructions: Since this is a long answer question, divide the answer into 3 portions.

• A short introduction about the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• Address the main question.
• End with a short, lucid conclusion

Solution:
The Harappan Civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, is one of the earliest known urban settlements in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from their urban planning skills, they are also well known for arts and crafts.

The Harappans of the Indus Civilisation were skilled craftsmen. They knew the art of making ornaments with different metals like gold, silver, copper, and bronze. They used various metals and stones in making different kinds of statues and figurines.

The discovery of the sculpture of a bearded man from Mohenjo-Daro indicates the existence of skilled artisans in the Harappan Civilisation. Similarly, the statue of a female dancer, cast in bronze, also known as the Dancing Girl, is evidence of the metal-casting skills of the Harappans.
More than 2000 seals have been discovered from various Indus Valley sites. These seals are made up of terracotta, soapstone, and copper. Some of the important seals are the Pashupati seal, the Bull seal and the Unicorn seal. All these indicate the artistic skills of the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Pottery has also been discovered in the excavations. The Harappans were familiar with the potter’s wheel and used a special kind of clay for their pottery. Pots have been discovered with different designs and paintings on them.

Other than this, several other artefacts in the form of furniture, utensils, and toys shed light on the artistic prowess of the Harappan Civilisation.