Archaeological Artifacts in Harappan Towns
Question
Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns: I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered. III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?
Options
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Inferences 1 and 2 can be correctly drawn from the statements. Inference 1 is correct because the presence of handheld terra-cotta or terracotta spindle-whorls without mechanized wheels shows that yarn production was a manual, household activity. Inference 2 is correct because discovering standardized chert weights and ivory linear scales with systematic graduated markings confirms that the Harappans possessed advanced, uniform scientific and mathematical knowledge. Inference 3 is incorrect because spacious multi-room brick houses with personal wells and private bathing platforms indicate the growth of deep social stratification and private wealth, rather than an egalitarian 'common property system'.
Question details
Year
2026
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q18
Subject
History
Sub-topic
Ancient: Indus & Vedic
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT History Cl.12 Part-1 Ch.1 Bricks, Beads and Bones
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