Where did the 'Dancing Girl' bronze statue discover ?

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Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:
The iconic 'Dancing Girl' bronze statue is one of the greatest masterpieces of the Indus Valley Civilization and was discovered by the archaeologist Ernest Mackay in 1926 from the ruins of **Mohenjo Daro** (modern-day Sindh, Pakistan). This 10.5 cm high sculpture, dating to around 2500 BCE, is an exceptional example of the *lost-wax* (Cire Perdue) technique used by Harappan artisans. Its dynamic pose, confident posture, and intricate details like the bangles on her left arm speak volumes about the advanced artistic skill and aesthetic sensibilities of the people of this major urban centre. The statue is pivotal evidence of both advanced metallurgy and sophisticated figurative sculpture from this ancient period.

The incorrect option is 2:
Kalibangan, located in Rajasthan, India, is an important site of the Harappan civilization, but it is not the source of the 'Dancing Girl' statue. This site is primarily renowned for providing crucial evidence of the earliest ploughed agricultural field ever found, indicating early farming practices in the region. Furthermore, Kalibangan is noted for a unique series of fire altars, which strongly suggest early ritualistic and possibly sacrificial practices. While Kalibangan has yielded various archaeological finds, its focus is more on town planning and early agricultural development rather than sophisticated bronze sculpture like the 'Dancing Girl'.

The incorrect option is 3:
Harappa, located in Punjab, Pakistan, holds the distinction of being the first Indus site to be discovered and excavated, hence lending its name to the entire civilization. However, the 'Dancing Girl' statue was not found here. Harappa is famous for other significant finds that demonstrate a high level of Harappan artistry, most notably the *Red Sandstone Male Torso*. The discovery of this torso and a large number of seals marks Harappa's unique contribution, distinguishing it from the specific location where the bronze 'Dancing Girl' was unearthed.

The incorrect option is 4:
Lothal, situated in Gujarat, India, was a major Harappan port city and is famous for its deep connections to maritime and foreign trade. The most celebrated archaeological feature discovered at Lothal is a massive, artificial dockyard, which is key evidence of its role as a bustling coastal trading centre. Lothal's findings also include a bead-making factory and evidence of a fire-altar cult. While it is a crucial Harappan site for understanding their trade network, the highly significant 'Dancing Girl' bronze statue was not among the treasures discovered at this port settlement.