Test: Bricks, Beads & Bones- 1 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

- Assertion (A) is true as archaeological evidence suggests that variations in burial practices, such as the presence of brick-lined pits and grave goods, indicate differing social statuses within the Harappan civilization.

- Reason (R) is also true because the inclusion of items like jewelry and pottery in graves does imply a belief in their usefulness in the afterlife.

- The reason provided supports the assertion by explaining how the graves reflect social differences through the artifacts included. Thus, the reason is indeed the correct explanation of the assertion.

In the excavation field, Mortimer Wheeler followed the stratigraphy of the mound, rather than digging mechanically along uniform horizontal lines. At the beginning of the First World War, he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery (Territorial Force), first remaining in London as an instructor in the University of London Officers' Training Corps.

Mohenjodaro had a well-planned drainage system with streets laid out in a grid pattern. Each house had its own drain connected to the street drains, ensuring a hygienic and organized urban environment.

Alexander Cunningham wrote a report on a Harappan seal, which he published in the form of a drawing, in 1875.

• Assertion: The assertion is true as the Harappan civilization is indeed recognized for its advanced urban planning, particularly during the Mature Harappan period.
• Reason: The reason is also true, as extensive archaeological findings support the presence of large buildings and complex drainage systems in Harappan cities, indicating advanced urban infrastructure.
• Explanation: The reason provides a correct explanation for the assertion since the urban planning and architectural achievements of the Harappan civilization are supported by the evidence of large structures and sophisticated infrastructure. Thus, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

• Early Harappan (6000 BCE - 2600 BCE): This is the formative phase of the civilization.
• Mature Harappan (2600 BCE - 1900 BCE): This is the period of urban prosperity and growth.
• Late Harappan (1900 BCE - 1300 BCE): This phase marks the decline of the Harappan civilization.

• The Great Bath in the Citadel of Mohenjodaro was used as a special ritual bath and possibly for public ceremonies, aligning with options i and iii.
• It was not used as a water reservoir for agriculture or primarily for public gatherings.
• The mention of eight connected bathrooms is not a primary purpose.

• Citadel (C): The Citadel was an elevated area in Harappan cities used for important buildings.
• Great Bath (B): The Great Bath was used for ritualistic bathing, located within the Citadel.
• Seal (A): Seals were common artifacts, often featuring undeciphered scripts and animal motifs.
• Faience (D): Faience was a material used to craft beads and other small valuable items.

• Statement I: The decline of the Harappan civilization is believed to be due to multiple factors including climate change, deforestation, and river shifts, not just the drying up of rivers.
• Statement II: The Harappan script remains undeciphered, meaning we do not have detailed insights into their political structure.

Mohenjodaro was designed as a well-planned urban center featuring a grid layout, with streets and roads that facilitated efficient movement and drainage. The city was divided into two main sections: the Citadel and the Lower Town, which showcased advanced urban planning that included standardized brick sizes and organized building platforms. This meticulous design reflects the sophistication of the Harappan civilization.