UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 32 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Indus Valley Secular Character
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2011
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicHarappan Civilization (Indus Valley)
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Verdict
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Both statements about the Indus Valley Civilization are correct.
Statement by statement
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization — Correct
The Indus Valley Civilization appears to have been mainly urban and civic in character. Unlike Egypt or Mesopotamia, no large temples, royal palaces or clearly dominant priestly structures have been found.
Religious elements were present, such as the Pashupati seal, Mother Goddess figurines, fire altars and sacred symbols, but they do not appear to have dominated public life. The civilization is better known for town planning, drainage, trade, weights and measures, and civic organisation.
2. Cotton was used for manufacturing textiles — Correct
The Harappans were among the earliest people to cultivate and use cotton for textiles. Evidence of cotton cloth has been found at Mohenjo-daro, and spindle whorls indicate spinning and weaving activities.
The word “Sindon”, used by the Greeks for Indian cotton, is believed to be derived from Sindhu, showing the association of the Indus region with cotton textiles.
Extra UPSC info
Mature Harappan phase: around 2600–1900 BCE.
Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Lothal and Rakhigarhi.
The civilization used burnt bricks, grid-pattern streets, covered drainage and standardized weights.
Important crafts included bead-making, bronze work, pottery, seal-making and textile production.
Lothal is associated with a dockyard-like structure and maritime trade.
Dholavira is known for water management and a large inscription-like signboard.
The script remains undeciphered.
How to crack it
The Indus Valley Civilization was mainly urban, commercial and civic in nature, with religion present but not dominant. It also had early evidence of cotton textile production. Therefore, both statements are correct.