List the materials required for craft production in Harappan civilization and discuss how these might have been obtained?

Question

Answer

Materials required for craft production in harappan civilization are :
•Carnelian (red colour)
•Jasper
•Crystal
•Quartz
•steatite
• Metals like copper, bronze and gold.

These materials were obtained by using two strategies :

1. They established settlements such as Nageshwar and Balakot in areas where shells were available . Other such sites were Shortughai in Afghanistan, near the best source of lapis lazuli, a blue stone .

2. Another strategy for procuring raw materials may have been to send expeditions to areas such as the khetri region of Rajastan for copper and South India for gold. These expeditions established communication with local communities.

Answer

Materials Required for Craft Production in Harappan Civilization

Metals

Stone

Clay

Textiles

Wood

Obtaining Materials

Metals

The Harappans used copper, bronze, and gold in their crafts. Copper was the most commonly used metal for tools and weapons. It was obtained from the Khetri mines in present-day Rajasthan. Bronze, on the other hand, was made by mixing copper with tin, which was not found in the Harappan region. It is believed that the Harappans obtained tin from Afghanistan or Iran through trade.

Stone

The Harappans used various types of stones like chert, jasper, and agate to make beads, seals, and tools. These stones were obtained from the nearby hills and mountains. The Harappans also imported stones like lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and turquoise from Iran.

Clay

Clay was used to make pottery and bricks. The Harappans used different types of clay depending on the function of the object. For example, fine clay was used to make pottery, while coarse clay was used to make bricks for construction. The clay was obtained from the floodplains of the Indus and its tributaries.

Textiles

The Harappans used cotton and wool to make textiles. Cotton was grown in the region and was spun into thread on a spindle. Wool, on the other hand, was obtained from sheep, which were domesticated by the Harappans. The wool was spun into thread and then woven into textiles using a loom.

Wood

The Harappans used wood for construction and making tools. The wood was obtained from the nearby forests. The Harappans also imported wood from distant regions like Afghanistan and Baluchistan.

Conclusion

The Harappans were skilled craftsmen who used a variety of materials to create objects of great beauty and utility. They obtained these materials through a combination of local sources and long-distance trade.

Top Courses for Humanities/ArtsView all

Chapter Notes for Humanities

NCERT Books & Solutions for Humanities

Online MCQ Tests for Humanities

Short & Long Question Answers for Humanities

Geography Class 11

Top Courses for Humanities/Arts

Top Courses for Humanities/Arts

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

Humanities Courses

Other Courses

How To Prepare?

Other Exams

Company