Q. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below. (UPSC Prelims 2013)
Answer: 2 only
Notes: The correct answer is [B] 2 only. The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age society known for its sophisticated urban planning and distinct religious practices, which differ significantly from later Vedic or West Asian civilizations.

• Palaces and Temples (Statement 1 is Incorrect): Unlike the contemporary civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, no structures have been identified as "temples" or "palaces" in the Indus Valley. While they had impressive public buildings like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro and the Granaries, there is no evidence of a monumental religious or monarchical architecture dedicated to gods or kings.
• Worship of Deities (Statement 2 is Correct): Archaeological evidence suggests the worship of both male and female deities.
  • Female: Numerous terracotta figurines of a "Mother Goddess" have been found, symbolizing fertility.
  • Male: The famous "Pashupati Seal" depicts a male figure sitting in a yogic posture, surrounded by animals, often identified as a proto-Shiva. They also practiced nature worship, including trees (Pipal) and animals (Unicorn, Bull).
• Horse-drawn Chariots (Statement 3 is Incorrect): The Harappans were primarily a peaceful, proto-historic urban society. While the identity of the "horse" in IVC is a matter of intense debate among historians (with some bone remains found at Surkotada), there is no evidence that they used horses for warfare or employed horse-drawn chariots. Chariots became a defining feature of the later Vedic Period (Aryans). The Harappans primarily used bullock carts for transport.

Key Features of Indus Valley Civilization:

• Urban Planning: Grid system, burnt brick houses, and advanced drainage systems.
• Economy: Based on agriculture and flourishing trade with Mesopotamia (Meluha).
• Script: Pictographic and yet to be deciphered.

The absence of large-scale military equipment and religious monuments suggests a unique social structure possibly governed by a class of merchants or priests through consensus rather than absolute monarchy.