A priest draped in shawl with short beard belongs to :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question is Option 3: Mohenjodaro.

1. **Explanation for Option 3 (Mohenjodaro):**
   Mohenjodaro is one of the major archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE in what is now Pakistan. The site is renowned for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization. Among the many artifacts discovered at Mohenjodaro is a famous statue known as the "Priest-King." This statue depicts a male figure draped in a shawl with a short beard, which aligns with the description given in the question. The intricate details of the shawl and the facial features suggest a person of high status, possibly a priest or a leader, which is why this depiction is often associated with Mohenjodaro.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Ropar):** Ropar, also known as Rupnagar, is an archaeological site in the Indian state of Punjab. While it is part of the Indus Valley Civilization, it is not as prominent as Mohenjodaro in terms of significant findings like the "Priest-King" statue. The artifacts found at Ropar do not include a figure that matches the description of a priest draped in a shawl with a short beard.

- **Option 2 (Lothal):** Lothal is another important site of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in the present-day Indian state of Gujarat. It is known for its dockyard and maritime activities rather than for statues or sculptures of priests. The artifacts from Lothal do not include a depiction similar to the "Priest-King" of Mohenjodaro.

- **Option 4 (Harappa):** Harappa is one of the principal sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. While it has yielded numerous artifacts, including seals and pottery, there is no specific statue or depiction of a priest draped in a shawl with a short beard that matches the description provided in the question. The "Priest-King" statue is uniquely associated with Mohenjodaro.

In conclusion, the description of a priest draped in a shawl with a short beard is most accurately associated with the "Priest-King" statue from Mohenjodaro, making Option 3 the correct answer.