Indus Valley Civilization Artifacts Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

Harappa features a unique stone seal with a unicorn, dating back to 2500 B.C. to 1700 B.C., with similar seals found across the region.
Various animal symbols and inscriptions adorn these seals, but their writing remains undeciphered.
Evidence from early archaeological excavations, including Mesopotamian seals, toy carts, and fire altars, enriches our understanding of Harappan culture.
Depictions on seals and terracotta reflect diverse fauna, though cows are notably absent.
Mohenjodaro, translated as “Mound of the Dead Men,” lies along the Indus River in current Pakistan, discovered by Rakhal Das Banerjee in 1922.
The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro reaches a depth of 7 meters and a length of 79 meters, showcasing advanced urban planning with a rectangular layout.

Dholavira, the second largest Harappan site, is located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, excavated in 1990-91 by R.S. Bisht and his team.
Lothal is considered a micro version of Mohenjodaro and reveals significant evidence of traders and artisans, including beads and shell makers.
Kalibangan, in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district, contributes insights into advanced drainage systems, which were covered and progressive for the era.
Evidence of trade, internal and external, has been corroborated by findings from numerous sites such as Harappa, Lothal, and Ropar, among others.

Mehrgarh, in Balochistan, Pakistan, provides evidence of wheat cultivation dating to around 7000 B.C.
The oldest rice evidence found near the River Belan, Allahabad, dates back to 6500 B.C.
Cultural artifacts, including Ochre-Coloured Pottery (OCP), known for its distinctive ochre color and worn edges, have been discovered in various locations, including Atranjikhera and Hastinapur.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), established in 1871, plays a crucial role in the research and protection of India's cultural heritage.
The Burzahom site in Kashmir reveals prehistoric settlements, with human and animal skeletons exhibiting trepanning marks, indicating sophisticated burial practices.