L-1 Art of Indus Valley Civilization

1
Art of Indus Valley Civilization
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The first discoveries of the Indus Valley Civilization were made at the site ofHarappa
near Sindh province (Now in Pakistan). Thus it is also known as Harappa Civilization.
Later excavations prove that the civilization had far greater extention to Mohanjo-Daro
and other cities.
Lot of art and craft objects have been discovered from these sites during excavations.
These include statuettes, toys, seals, jewellery, pottery and tools. Most scholars believe
this civilization had flourished between 2500 B.c. to 1750 B.C.
An attempt will be made to impart knowledge about the arts and crafts of this period
by selecting four art .works for the lessons.
1.1 OBJECTIVES
After studying this lesson the learner will be able to:
• know about the date of Harappa civilization;
• name the artwork which are mentioned in this lesson;
• describe the site of finding, size, style, colour, and place of collection
of the enlisted art objects; .
• mention the main characteristics of the enlisted art objects of this

period;
• differentiate and identify characteristics of the enlisted art works.

2:: Painting (Theory)
Art of Indus Valley Civilization:: 3
1.2 OTHER GODDESS
Title Mother Goddess

Medium Terra cotta
Date Harappa period circa 2500 B.C
Finding site Mohanjo-Daro
Size B.5X3.4.cm
Artist Unknown
Collection National Museum, New Delhi
General Description
This statue is made of clay and then baked in fire as per the terra cotta process. This
figurine is one of the finest example of terra cotta. The baking is perfectly done to
achieve an unblemished red colour. Some scholars have identified it as "mother
goddess".
The headgear of this statue, interestingly, comprises of two small bowl-like forms on
both sides of the head. These were probably used as lamps. These are again balanced
by another form in the middle of the head which is supposed to be an elaborate hair-
style. The figure is wearing a miniskirt with a broad belt to hold it in place. The figure
is adorned with all kinds of jeweUery.
XTQ
(1) Fill up the blanks

(a) The Mother Goddess statue is made of" ".
(b) This was found at the site of" ".
(c) The figure is wearing a" ".
4 :: Painting (Theory)
Seal with Bull Design

Art ofIndus ValleyCivilization :: 5
1.3 SEAL WITH BULL DESIGN
Title Seal with Bull Design

"Medium Steatite
Date Harappa period circa 2500 B.C.
Size 2.5X2.5Xl.4.cm.
Artist Unknown
General De cription
The seal is made of steatite and has an elaborate intaglio design of a bull as a symbol
of power and strength, which has been achieved by exaggerating the size of the hump
and the horns. The diagonal linear motif of the neck express the youthful energy of the
animal.
There are some writings on the upper part of the seal, which are not yet deciphered.
INTEXT QUESTIO S (1.3)
Choose the right answer.

(a) The seal is made of
(i) clay
(ii) stone dust
(iii) steatite
(b) This seal was found at
(i) Harappa
(ii) Mohanjo-Daro
(iii) Chanho-Daro
y
;"
Painted Pottery
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_.,
r
j Art ofIndus ValleyCivilization :: 7
1.4 PAINTED POTTERY -.
Title Storage Jar

Medium Clay
Date Harappa period circa 2500 R.C
Size Height 213),"
Artist Unknown
en rat De crlption
This jar is made on a Potters wheel with clay. The shape was manipulated by the
pressure of the crafty fmgers of the Potter. After baking the clay model, it was painted
with black colour. The motifs are of vegetals and geometric forms. Designs are simple
but with a tendency towards abstraction. High polished is used as a finishing touch.
~TEXT QUESTION (1.4)
Choose the right answer:-

(a) The Jar is made
(i) with Tools
(ii) on Potter's wheel
(iii) with Chisel
(b) The date of the Jar is
(i) 1st C.A.D.
(ii) 6th C.A.D .
.(iii) circa 2500 B.C
(c) The size of the jar is
(i) 24Y2"
(n) 21%"
(iii) 3()314"
Art of Indus ValleyCivilization:: 9
1.5 JEWELLERY
Title Jade Necklace

Medium Jade
Date Harappa period circa 2500 B.C.
Size Diameter 5.5cm.
Artist Unknown
General Delcriptlon
Jewellery was found in great abundance and variety at Indus Valley sites. Lot of Gold,
Silver or Jade Necklace, ear rings, pendants, belts and bangles were found.
This Jade Necklace is an excellent example of craftsmanship and designing. This is

made of 30 round beads and six oval beads. Three lockets in the middle part of the
Necklace enhance its beauty.
INTEXT QUESTIONS (1.5)
Choose the right answer
(a) The necklace is made of

(i) Diamond
(Ii) Ruby
(m) Jade
(b) The number of lockets are

(i) Two
(ii) Five
(iii) Three
(c) Now it is in the collection of

(i) Indian Museum, Kolkata
(ii) National Museum, New Delhi
(iii) Lahore Museum, Pakistan
1.6 SUMMARY
The artists and craftmen ofHarappa culture were extremely skilled in handling all kinds
of material like metal, stone carving terra cotta and painting pottery. These artists
preferred to use simplified motifs of animals, birds and plants. It is very clear that they
were influenced and motivated by their religious beliefs and the cult of Siva and Shakti
is very prominent in all their artworks.
1.7 ANSWER OF INTEXT QUESTION
1.2 (a) Terracotta (b) Mohanjo-Daro (c) Mini-skirt
1.3 (a) Steatite (b) Mohanjo-Daro

1.4 (a) Potter's wheel (b) Ca. 2500 B.C
(c) 51 em
1.5 (a) Jade (b) Three
(c) National Museum, New Delhi
1.8 MODEL QUESTIONS
1. Write an appreciative note on anyone artworks of Indus Valley civilization.
2. What do you know about terracotta?
3. Describe some features of Indus Valley Art.
1.9 GLOSSARY
Steatite Soapstone
Intaglio incised carving
Diagonal going from comer to other comer.
Motif form, shape, figures in a design
Deciphered To read a new script
Baking To give permanency to clay by the heat of fire
Jade Dark green precious stone
Terracotta Hard fired clay
Cult Religious belief

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1

Art of Indus Valley Civilization

After studying this lesson the learner will be able to:

• know about the date of Harappa civilization;

• name the artwork which are mentioned in this lesson;

• mention the main characteristics of the enlisted art objects of this

• differentiate and identify characteristics of the enlisted art works.

1.2 OTHER GODDESS

Title Mother Goddess

(1) Fill up the blanks

Seal with Bull Design

1.3 SEAL WITH BULL DESIGN

Title Seal with Bull Design

INTEXT QUESTIO S (1.3)

Choose the right answer.

1.4 PAINTED POTTERY -.

Title Storage Jar

~TEXT QUESTION (1.4)

Choose the right answer:-

Title Jade Necklace

This Jade Necklace is an excellent example of craftsmanship and designing. This is

INTEXT QUESTIONS (1.5)

Choose the right answer

(a) The necklace is made of

(b) The number of lockets are

(c) Now it is in the collection of

1.7 ANSWER OF INTEXT QUESTION

1.2 (a) Terracotta (b) Mohanjo-Daro (c) Mini-skirt

1.3 (a) Steatite (b) Mohanjo-Daro

1.8 MODEL QUESTIONS

1. Write an appreciative note on anyone artworks of Indus Valley civilization.

2. What do you know about terracotta?

3. Describe some features of Indus Valley Art.

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