The metal mainly used by the people of Indus was

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Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization) is widely classified as a Bronze Age civilization, dating roughly from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. The people of this civilization were highly skilled in metallurgy, primarily using copper and its alloy, bronze (copper mixed with tin). They utilized bronze extensively to manufacture tools, weapons, ornaments, and various artifacts, such as the famous "Dancing Girl" statue found at Mohenjo-daro. Their widespread use of this alloy is a defining characteristic of this period, marking a significant technological advance over the earlier Chalcolithic (Copper-Stone) period. Copper and bronze objects were commonplace across Indus sites, making bronze the metal most central to their economy and daily life.

The incorrect option is 1:
Gold was used by the Indus people, primarily for luxury items and ornamentation like beads and pendants, as indicated by archaeological finds. However, it was not the metal "mainly" used for everyday tools, weapons, or utilitarian purposes, which were central to the civilization's functioning.

The incorrect option is 2:
Iron was completely unknown to the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. The use of iron in the Indian subcontinent began much later, during the subsequent Vedic Period, which is why the Indus Civilization is categorically defined as pre-Iron Age.

The incorrect option is 3:
Silver was certainly used by the Indus people, mainly for jewelry and some vessels, often alongside gold. Similar to gold, it was a precious metal used for decoration and prestige, but its use was far less extensive and fundamental to their technology than the production of bronze.