UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies
Question 47: History and Culture
Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The humped bull, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros and tiger all appear on Harappan seals and terracotta art, but the cow does not. The humped bull is the commonest animal on the seals, and the Pashupati seal shows an elephant, tiger, rhinoceros and buffalo around the central figure. Remember that the cow is the animal missing from Harappan seals, even though cattle bones show that cattle were kept.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: the cow is not shown on the seals.
- (b) The elephant appears on Harappan seals, including the Pashupati seal.
- (c) The rhinoceros appears on Harappan seals.
- (d) The tiger appears on Harappan seals, including the Pashupati seal.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.