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?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2Correct
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
The correct answer is C because both statements are historically accurate regarding the Indus Valley Civilization.
Statement 1 is correct because while archeological evidence like the Pashupati seal, mother goddess figurines, and ritual bathing structures suggests religious practices, there is no evidence of a powerful ruling priesthood or large temples. The civilization appears primarily focused on trade, urban planning, and civic organization rather than religious theocracy, making it predominantly secular in character compared to contemporary civilizations like Egypt or Mesopotamia.
Statement 2 is correct because the Indus Valley people were pioneers in the cultivation and use of cotton. Archeological excavations at sites like Mohenjo-daro have recovered fragments of woven cotton cloth. In fact, the Greeks referred to cotton as Sindon, a name derived from the Sindh region where the Indus Civilization flourished.
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