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?

The Indus Valley Civilization is characterized as a predominantly secular society where religious elements, though present, did not dominate the socio-economic or political landscape. Unlike contemporary civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia, there is a notable absence of large structural temples. While archaeological findings like the Great Bath and various seals suggest ritualistic practices and beliefs in an afterlife, these elements coexisted within a primarily urban and trade-oriented framework. Regarding textiles, the Harappans were pioneers in cotton cultivation and processing. Archaeological evidence from Mohenjo-Daro, including cotton fibers preserved in silver jars and textile fragments dating back to approximately 3250–2750 BCE, confirms that cotton was used for manufacturing textiles. They were among the first in Eurasia to spin and weave cotton into garments, establishing a long-standing tradition of textile craftsmanship in India [1].

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation > p. 1