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?

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Correct answer: Both 1 and 2. Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban cultures, is notable for its advanced urban planning, trade systems, and crafts, yet it was largely secular in nature with no dominant religious structure. Statement 1 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization is often considered more secular compared to other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia or Egypt, where religion played a dominant role in daily life and governance. Although evidence of religious practices exists (e.g., figurines, seals depicting deities, the Great Bath which may have had ritual significance), there is no clear evidence of a theocratic society or large, grandiose temples. The focus of the Indus civilization appears to be on urban planning, trade, and practical aspects of daily life. Statement 2 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest known civilizations to have used cotton for textile production. Evidence of cotton cultivation has been found at several Indus sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, where cotton fibers have been discovered, indicating i

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