Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

"Among the painted designs, conventionalised vegetable patterns are common, and the elaborate geometric designs of the painted pottery of Baluchistan give way to simpler motifs, such as intersecting circles or a scale pattern. Birds, animals, fish, and more interesting scenes are comparatively rare."

(Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/lndus-civi/ization/Craft-technology-and-artifacts)

(a) Describe the significance of pottery in Harappan culture.

(b) How do the designs on Harappan pottery provide insights into their aesthetic sense and daily life?

(a) The art of pottery had reached its high watermark. Pottery was made on the wheel, and was, therefore, regular in shape. The Harappan potter was a skilled craftsman and produced plain, coloured and glazed pottery. It was then featured with intricate designs, geometrical patterns, and vibrant colours, showcasing their artistic talent. The Harappan pottery was famous for its colour, shape, rich design and perfect finish.

(b) The designs on Harappan pottery reflect their aesthetic sense through geometric patterns and their script, showing an appreciation for symmetry and order. The presence of animal and bird designs suggests a symbolic connection to nature. Pottery was both functional — used for storage, cooking, serving and decorative, likely playing a role in rituals. These designs highlight the Harappans’ blend of practicality and artistic expression in daily life.