Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1+2+3=6)

The Seal – An Urban Artefact

In India, early stone seals were stamped. In Mesopotamia until the end of the first millennium BCE,

cylindrical stone seals, pierced down the centre, were fitted with a stick and rolled over wet clay so that

a continuous picture was created. They were carved by very skilled craftsmen and sometimes carry

writing; the name of the owner, his god, his official position etc. A seal could be rolled on clay covering

the string knot of a cloth package or the mouth of a pot, keeping the contents safe. When rolled on a

letter written on a clay tablet, it became a mark of authenticity. So the seal was the mark of a city

dweller’s role in public life.

(28.1) Which type of materials was used to make a seals?

(28.2) What were the various types of seals?

(28.3) Who carved these seals? Write a few features of these seals (Mesopotamian seals).​

Answer 1

Answer:

The Seal – An Urban Artefact

In India, early stone seals were stamped. In Mesopotamia until the end of the first millennium BCE,

cylindrical stone seals, pierced down the centre, were fitted with a stick and rolled over wet clay so that

a continuous picture was created. They were carved by very skilled craftsmen and sometimes carry

writing; the name of the owner, his god, his official position etc. A seal could be rolled on clay covering

the string knot of a cloth package or the mouth of a pot, keeping the contents safe. When rolled on a

letter written on a clay tablet, it became a mark of authenticity. So the seal was the mark of a city

dweller’s role in public life.

Answer 2

The given passage belongs to the early stone seals and the questions are to be answered as per the passage.

• The passage activity involves understanding the passage, comprehending it and answering the questions as per understanding.

• The correct answers are -

1. Stones were used to manufacture seals. It is clear from the fact that cylinder-shaped stone seals were widely used in society up to the end of the first millennium BCE.

2. There were two types of seals. These were:

• The stamp seals
• The cylindrical seals

(iii) The seals were carved by skilled craftsmen. Some of the features of these seals are -

• The carving on the seals was really well done artistically.
• These seals' engravings show scenes from daily life.
• The seal's legitimacy is described in the written symbol.

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