Questions and Answers
What is the significance of grouping artefacts recovered from the same unit together?
To analyze them collectively regardless of stratigraphic layers
Why do mounds form in archaeological sites?
Due to constant use and reuse of the landscape by people living in the same place
Which sites have been explored and excavated in Harappan archaeology?
Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhi Garhi, Dholavira
Why has the Harappan archaeology gained growing international interest since the 1980s?
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Which god is mentioned in the Rigveda and later associated with Shiva in Puranic traditions?
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In the Rigveda, how is Rudra different from the later depiction of Shiva?
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What characteristic does the early depiction of Rudra from the Rigveda match with?
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What magical and healing powers are claimed by shamans?
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What is the significance of the seated stone statuary of men with one hand on the knee?
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Why do scholars suggest the seated stone statues might represent shamans?
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Study Notes
- The Harappan Civilization is known through archaeological findings such as buildings, pots, and distinctive objects like seals, beads, weights, and baked bricks.
- Harappan seals are made of steatite and often contain animal motifs and undeciphered script.
- Archaeologists define culture as a group of distinct objects found together in a specific area and time.
- Harappan culture spanned from Afghanistan to Pakistan and Gujarat, with Harappa being the first discovered site.
- Prior to the Mature Harappan culture, there were several archaeological cultures with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture, pastoralism, and some crafts.
- Settlements were generally small with no large buildings.
- The Mature Harappan culture developed in areas previously occupied by Early Harappan cultures.
- Urban centers, such as Mohenjodaro, were unique features of the Harappan civilization with planned city layouts, drainage systems, and domestic architecture.
- Mohenjodaro's Lower Town was a walled section with several buildings on platforms, requiring massive labor efforts and evidence of central planning.
- Harappan cities had carefully planned drainage systems with roads and streets laid out in a grid pattern.
- Domestic architecture in Mohenjodaro's Lower Town featured residential buildings centered around a courtyard, with concern for privacy.
- Carnelian beads were produced through experimental firing processes.
- Archaeologists identify centers of craft production by examining raw materials, tools, unfinished objects, and waste.
- Harappans procured raw materials through land and riverine routes, and established settlements for procurement.
- The Harappan society may have had complex decision-making processes, as indicated by the uniformity of their artefacts.
- Mounds, such as Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhi Garhi, and Dholavira, are built up over time by constant use and reuse of the landscape.
- New issues have emerged in Harappan archaeology, including the cultural sequence, location logic, and international interest.
- Archaeologists reconstruct the past through material evidence, including pottery, tools, ornaments, and burial materials.
- Studying burials reveals differences in Harappan society, such as the way the burial pit was made or the presence of valuable artefacts.
- The Citadel in Harappan cities contained structures for special public purposes, including a massive warehouse and a large rectangular tank called the Great Bath.
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Description
Test your knowledge of archaeological techniques with this quiz. Learn about how centres of craft production were identified, as well as the processes of shaping stones, obtaining red color for carnelian beads, and using specialized drills in ancient civilizations.
