Harappan art 2500 1800 BC

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I-SEALS

• Are a square or rectangular or circular or triangular piece of material mainly stone with an Average size of 2”x2” .dominantly square seals were found on them ,we find pictographic scripts along with animal Impressions which are yet to be deciphered.
• Seals are made up of steatite (a river soft stone ) . Evidences of Copper Gold and Ivory seals has also been found in some instances
• 5 signs or symbols on an average are present on a seal
• Direction of writing is right to left
• Seals are decorated with animal motif such as Unicorn bull , rhinoceros ,tiger ,elephant, goat, buffalo, etc (except cow)
• Inscription of human figure are present on both side of the seals,even in some cases they are present on all 3 sides.

Significance /purpose of seal

• mainly used as unit of Trade and Commerce
• Also used as amulets for productive and spiritual purpose(mainly Copper),dead bodies found had a hole for wearing them
• Also used as an educational tool
• Example Pashupati seals and Unicorn seals

II -Terracotta figures (sculptures)

• Terracotta are fired baked clay
• These figures are handmade using punching methods
• For example mother goddess ,toys cards with wheels, birds and animals etc

III-Bronze sculptures

• Bronze casting was practised on a wide scale under Harappan art
• The technique used for Casting is known as “lost wax technique”
• Under this technique at first wax figures are covered with a coating of clay and allowed to dry. Then it is heated and molten wax is allowed to drain out through a tiny hole at the bottom of the clay cover .the hollow mould is then filled with bronze or any other metal . Once the metal is cooled the clay is removed
• Evacuations where it was prominent

1. Kalibangan presently Rajasthan
2. Daimabad presently Maharashtra
3. Harappa

Example -Bronze dancing girl

It is a naked girl wearing only ornaments which include bangles , armlets  & necklace the left hand is on the hip. It is made using lost wax technique

Others stone sculpture

• Bearded priest
• Male torso (red sandstone)

IV-  Pottery

• Red and black pottery(painted pottery)
• It consists of mainly wheel made wares. Very few are handmade
• The more common is plain pottery
• Under red and black pottery red colour was used to paint the background and black colour to draw design of trees, birds, animals, human figures and other geometrical patterns

Uses of pottery

• For household purpose (storage of water ,food grains )
• For decoration -miniature vessel used for decoration
• Used for perforated pottery
• Large hole at the bottom and small holes all over the wall and was probably used for straining liquor .

V-ORNAMENTS

• They are made up of a large variety of material ranging from precious metals, gemstones, bone and even baked clay
• Necklace armlets and finger rings were common and worn by both males and females .while Women wore a earings and anklets evidences of dead bodies Burried along with ornaments have also been found.
• Harrapans were also conscious of fashion ( as different hairstyles ,wearing of a beard etc have been found
• Cinnabar was used as a Cosmetic lipstick, Face paints and even eyeliner were also known to them.
• Spinning of Cotton and wool was common among Harappan

VI- EXTENSIVE TOWN PLANNING

• Houses were build of baked bricks, of fixed size.
• Use of stone and wood in building has also been found
• The concept of two storied houses were also present
• Public Bath was a common feature example great bath at Mohenjo Daro ,it had galleries and rooms on all sides.
• Granaries was another important creation which used to be located in Citadel .there construction was so intelligent that strategic conduct and platform can be found.
• Drainage System of Harappa was note worthy .there was a temporary cover to drains,underground
• Roads use to cut at right angles

 ,

The Harappan civilization was an ancient Indus Valley Civilization that flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia from 3300 to 1300 BCE. The civilization was centered on the Indus River valley, which is now in Pakistan and northwestern India. The Harappans were skilled in a variety of arts and crafts, including architecture, ceramics, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, seals, terracotta figurines, and textiles.

• Architecture

The Harappans built large cities with well-planned streets and Drainage Systems. The most famous Harappan city is Mohenjo-daro, which was located in what is now Pakistan. Mohenjo-daro was a large city with a Population of over 40,000 people. The city was laid out in a grid pattern with wide streets and well-planned drainage systems. The city also had a number of public buildings, including a large bath, a granary, and a citadel.

• Ceramics

The Harappans were skilled potters and produced a variety of ceramic objects, including pots, bowls, jars, and figurines. Harappan pottery was often decorated with geometric designs or animal motifs.

• Jewelry

The Harappans made a variety of jewelry, including beads, necklaces, earrings, and bangles. Harappan jewelry was often made of gold, silver, or copper. It was also often decorated with semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli and carnelian.

• Metalwork

The Harappans were skilled metalworkers and produced a variety of metal objects, including tools, weapons, and ornaments. Harappan metalwork was often made of copper, bronze, or gold. It was also often decorated with intricate designs.

• Sculpture

The Harappans produced a small number of sculptures, most of which were made of terracotta or stone. Harappan sculptures often depict human figures, animals, or religious symbols.

• Seals

The Harappans made a large number of seals, which were used for a variety of purposes, such as identification, authentication, and record-keeping. Harappan seals were often made of stone or steatite. They were typically decorated with geometric designs, animal motifs, or religious symbols.

• Terracotta figurines

The Harappans made a large number of terracotta figurines, which were used for a variety of purposes, such as religious offerings, toys, or decorations. Harappan terracotta figurines often depict human figures, animals, or religious symbols.

• Textiles

The Harappans produced a variety of textiles, including cotton, wool, and silk. Harappan textiles were often decorated with geometric designs or animal motifs.

The Harappan civilization was a sophisticated and advanced civilization that made significant contributions to the arts and crafts. The Harappans were skilled in a variety of arts and crafts, including architecture, ceramics, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, seals, terracotta figurines, and textiles. The Harappans produced a wide variety of objects, many of which are still admired today for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Harappan art:

1. What is Harappan art?
   Harappan art is the art of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from about 2600 to 1900 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India. Harappan art is characterized by its geometric designs, its use of terracotta, and its depiction of animals and humans.

2. What are some examples of Harappan art?
   Some examples of Harappan art include the Indus Valley seals, which are small, square or rectangular seals made of steatite or other stones. The seals often depict animals, such as bulls, elephants, and rhinoceroses, as well as human figures. Other examples of Harappan art include pottery, jewelry, and figurines.

3. What is the significance of Harappan art?
   Harappan art is significant because it provides us with a glimpse into the culture and beliefs of the Indus Valley Civilization. The art shows us what the Indus Valley people valued, such as animals, fertility, and trade. It also shows us how they lived, such as the types of clothes they wore and the houses they lived in.

4. Where can I see Harappan art?
   Harappan art can be seen in museums around the world, including the British Museum in London, the National Museum in New Delhi, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

5. What are some of the challenges of studying Harappan art?
   One of the challenges of studying Harappan art is that it is often difficult to date. The Indus Valley Civilization did not have a written language, so archaeologists must rely on other methods, such as carbon dating, to date the art. Another challenge is that much of the Harappan art has been destroyed over time. The Indus Valley Civilization was abandoned around 1900 BCE, and many of its cities were buried by sand and silt. As a result, much of the art has been lost or damaged.

6. What are some of the recent discoveries about Harappan art?
   In recent years, archaeologists have made a number of important discoveries about Harappan art. In 2003, archaeologists discovered a large cache of Indus Valley seals in the city of Mohenjo-daro. The seals provide new insights into the Indus Valley religion and culture. In 2010, archaeologists discovered a new type of Indus Valley pottery that is decorated with geometric designs. The pottery provides new evidence of the Indus Valley trade Network.

7. What are some of the unanswered questions about Harappan art?
   One of the unanswered questions about Harappan art is the purpose of the Indus Valley seals. The seals are often inscribed with symbols that have not yet been deciphered. Another unanswered question is the meaning of the geometric designs that are found on Indus Valley pottery.

8. What are some of the theories about the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?
   There are a number of theories about the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. One theory is that the civilization was destroyed by a natural disaster, such as a flood or an earthquake. Another theory is that the civilization was invaded by another group of people. Still another theory is that the civilization collapsed due to internal problems, such as a lack of Resources or a change in Climate.

9. What is the future of Harappan art research?
   Harappan art research is a growing field, and archaeologists are making new discoveries all the time. In the future, we can expect to learn more about the Indus Valley Civilization and its art. We may also learn more about the reasons for the decline of the civilization.

1. The Harappan civilization was located in:
   (a) India
   (b) Pakistan
   (c) Both India and Pakistan

2. The Harappan civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished from 2600 to 1900 BCE.
   (a) True
   (b) False

3. The Harappan civilization was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time.
   (a) True
   (b) False

4. The Harappan civilization was known for its sophisticated urban planning, its well-developed system of writing, and its advanced technology.
   (a) True
   (b) False

5. The Harappan civilization came to an end around 1900 BCE.
   (a) True
   (b) False

6. The cause of the decline of the Harappan civilization is still unknown.
   (a) True
   (b) False

7. Some possible causes of the decline of the Harappan civilization include:
   (a) Drought
   (b) Flooding
   (c) Invasion
   (d) All of the above

8. The Harappan civilization left behind a rich legacy of art, architecture, and technology.
   (a) True
   (b) False

9. Some of the most famous artifacts from the Harappan civilization include:
   (a) The Indus Valley seals
   (b) The Harappan pottery
   (c) The Harappan jewelry
   (d) All of the above

10. The Harappan civilization is still studied by archaeologists today.
    (a) True
    (b) False