Test: Bricks, Beads & Bones- 2 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Harappan cities were known for their well-planned grid pattern streets and advanced drainage systems. Houses were often built around courtyards, and wells were commonly found in both public and private areas. However, windows were not placed on the ground floor to ensure privacy, making statement iii incorrect.

• Persian wheels were not employed at Harappan sites.
• This technology was introduced much later in history.
• The Harappans relied on wells, canals, and reservoirs for irrigation.
• Wells were common at many Harappan sites.
• Reservoirs, such as those found in Dholavira, were used to store water.
• Canals were used in some regions, although evidence for large-scale irrigation systems is limited.
• The Persian wheel, a mechanism used to lift water, was not a part of Harappan irrigation methods.
• It was introduced during medieval times.

- The Assertion is true as irrigation was crucial for agriculture in the semi-arid regions where the civilization thrived.

- The Reason is also true because archaeological evidence confirms the existence of canals and reservoirs.

- The Reason effectively explains the Assertion, demonstrating the necessity of irrigation for successful agricultural practices in the region.

The Harappans used stone, copper, and bronze for making tools and other artefacts. Terracotta was commonly used for creating models, including ploughs. However, iron was not used by the Harappans, as it came into use much later in history, making statement iv incorrect.

- The Assertion is true as there is substantial evidence indicating the Harappan civilization's involvement in trade.

- The Reason is also true, as the importation of copper from Oman highlights the long-distance trade connections.

- The Reason provides a correct explanation for the Assertion, showing how trade facilitated access to valuable resources.

The Harappans practiced agriculture, growing crops like wheat, barley, and lentils. They also domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and they engaged in fishing and hunting wild animals like deer and boar. However, rice was relatively rare at Harappan sites, making statement ii incorrect.

• The riverine routes along the Indus River and its tributaries were likely used by the Harappan civilization for transportation and trade.
• These waterways connected various parts of the Harappan civilization, enabling the trade of agricultural products, raw materials like stones and metals, and finished goods like pottery and beads.
• The Indus River and its tributaries facilitated easy transportation, allowing the Harappans to establish a network of trade both within and beyond their civilization.

• Archaeological findings reveal that both men and women have been buried with items like jewellery.
• Jewellery indicates the importance of these items in their society.
• Jewellery found in burials often symbolizes status, wealth, and sometimes religious beliefs of the deceased.
• The presence of jewellery in burials showcases its significance in ancient societies.
• Jewellery highlights its role as a form of personal expression and cultural symbolism.

- The Assertion is true as the existence of luxury items suggests differences in wealth and status among social groups.

- The Reason is also true, as the concentration of luxury items in larger settlements supports the idea of varying social classes.

- The Reason provides a correct explanation for the Assertion, illustrating how the distribution of items reflects social hierarchy.

• Material: The Harappan seals are primarily made of steatite, which is a type of soft stone commonly known as soapstone.
• Appearance: Steatite is a grayish-white material that was easily carved by the Harappan artisans to create intricate designs and symbols on the seals.
• Usage: These seals were used for various purposes, including trade, identification, and administrative activities in the ancient Indus Valley civilization.
• Symbolism: The images and inscriptions on the Harappan seals provide valuable insights into the culture, religion, and social organization of the Harappan people. 

- The Assertion is true because the decline was indeed influenced by various factors, including environmental shifts.

- The Reason is also true, as climatic changes would have adversely impacted agricultural productivity.

- The Reason effectively explains the Assertion, as agriculture is a vital component contributing to the civilization's sustainability.

The Harappans had a diverse diet that included grains like wheat, barley, lentils, and animal products from domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. They also consumed meat from wild species like boar and deer, but rice was rare in their diet, making statement ii incorrect.

• The bathroom was found in a Citadel, which is a fortress typically on high ground, providing strategic advantage for defense and surveillance.
• The bathroom was likely part of the Citadel's infrastructure, designed to meet the needs of the inhabitants within the fortified structure.
• The presence of a bathroom in the Citadel suggests that hygiene and sanitation were important considerations for the people living or working in the fortress.
• The discovery of the bathroom in the Citadel provides insights into the daily life and practices of the people who inhabited the fortress, shedding light on their living conditions and priorities.

Mohenjodaro was a well-planned urban center divided into a Citadel and a Lower Town, with streets laid out in a grid pattern and both areas featuring a drainage system. Buildings were constructed on mud-brick platforms to prevent flooding. Statement iv is incorrect because the Lower Town also had an advanced drainage system, not just the Citadel.

Archaeologists classify Harappan artefacts based on their material (such as stone, clay, metal, or bone) and their function (tools, ornaments, or ritual use). They often make comparisons with similar artefacts from other cultures to understand their use. However, artefacts were not classified based on the colour of the materials used.

• Nickel was identified as one of the elements present in both Omani copper and Harappan artifacts.
• This discovery sheds light on the material composition of these ancient objects and provides insights into their production and usage.
• The presence of nickel in these artifacts may indicate intentional alloying or contamination during the manufacturing process.

• Steatite Seals (B): Typically had animal motifs and an undeciphered script.
• Faience Beads (D): Considered precious and used in jewelry.
• Terracotta Models (A): Often made from clay, representing objects like toys.
• Chert Weights (C): Cubical and used for regulating exchanges.

• Decline of the Mature Harappan phase occurred around 1900 BCE.
• Discovery of Harappan seals happened in the early 20th century.
• Excavation at Harappa by John Marshall began in the 1920s.
• Establishment of settlements in Gujarat took place after the decline of the Mature Harappan phase as the civilization moved to new areas.

- The Assertion is true as the Harappan civilization is well-known for its urban planning, including the layout of streets and public baths.

- The Reason is also true because the use of standardized bricks and an efficient drainage system exemplifies the advanced infrastructure.

- The Reason provides a correct explanation for the Assertion, as the features mentioned directly contribute to the urban planning of the Harappan civilization.

• Statement I is true: The Harappan civilization used both baked and unbaked clay bricks extensively in construction.
• Statement II is false: The Harappans had long-distance contacts with regions like Mesopotamia, as evidenced by artifacts like seals and weights found in both regions.

Carnelian, a semi-precious stone, was used to create beads in Harappan civilization. The red color was achieved through a complex firing process, making these beads highly valuable and indicating advanced craftsmanship.

Terracotta toy models of bullock carts indicate the use of land routes for transportation, not riverine routes exclusively. Additionally, there is significant evidence of the Harappans engaging in long-distance trade and procuring materials like lapis lazuli, carnelian, and copper from distant regions.