Rigveda and Archaeological Evidence

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What is indicated by the finds of grain in the Early Harappan occupation areas?

The prevalence of agriculture

What is suggested by the representations on seals and terracotta sculpture?

That the bull was known and oxen were used for ploughing

What was found at the Harappan site of Kalibangan, associated with Early Harappan levels?

A ploughed field with two sets of furrows at right angles to each other

Why were canals likely necessary for agriculture in the Harappan sites?

Because most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands Signup and view all the answers

What is a possibility regarding the ancient canals?

That they may have silted up long ago Signup and view all the answers

What was found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan?

Traces of canals Signup and view all the answers

What was Wheeler trying to correlate with the archaeological evidence?

The Rigveda Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pur' mean in the Rigveda?

Rampart, fort, or stronghold Signup and view all the answers

What was discovered at the excavation of Harappa?

A highly evolved civilisation of essentially non-Aryan type with massive fortifications Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as the reason for the ultimate extinction of the civilisation at Harappa?

Deliberate and large-scale destruction Signup and view all the answers

Who questioned the evidence of a massacre in Mohenjodaro?

George Dales Signup and view all the answers

What did George Dales find out about the skeletons at Mohenjodaro?

They were found in contexts suggesting burials of the sloppiest and most irreverent nature Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that the script was written from right to left?

Some seals show a wider spacing on the right and cramping on the left, indicating that the engraver began working from the right and then ran out of space. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the variety of objects on which writing has been found?

It suggests that literacy may have been widespread, as writing is found on various objects used in daily life. Signup and view all the answers

What material were the weights used for exchanges made of?

Chert, a type of stone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the binary system used for lower denominations of weights?

It suggests that the weights were used for precise measurements, possibly for weighing small items like jewellery and beads. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the uniformity of Harappan artefacts?

It suggests that complex decisions were taken and implemented in Harappan society, indicating a level of central authority and organization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the discovery of metal scale-pans suggest about the Harappan society?

It suggests that the Harappan society had a system of measurement and trade that was sophisticated and precise. Signup and view all the answers

What techniques are being used to recover traces of ancient materials and remains?

Modern scientific techniques including surface exploration Signup and view all the answers

What was the main driver for early archaeologists, according to the passage?

A sense of adventure Signup and view all the answers

What did Wheeler see on the tallest mound that made him stop and rub his eyes?

Something that made him question his vision Signup and view all the answers

What was the schedule for Wheeler's inspection of the site, according to his colleague?

Start at 5:30 and finish by 7:30 Signup and view all the answers

What was the occupation of the figure crouched patiently in the entrance of the resthouse?

Punka-walla Signup and view all the answers

What was the sound that filled the night air, according to Wheeler's description?

The cries of innumerable jackals Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the terracotta figurines of women in the Harappan civilization?

They were regarded as mother goddesses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common posture depicted in the rare stone statuary of men in the Harappan civilization?

Seated with one hand on the knee. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Great Bath and fire altars found at Kalibangan and Lothal?

They were assigned ritual significance. Signup and view all the answers

What do the seals with plant motifs suggest about the Harappan religion?

They suggest nature worship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the figure depicted in a 'yogic' posture on some seals?

It is regarded as a depiction of 'proto-Shiva', an early form of one of the major deities of Hinduism. Signup and view all the answers

Why do archaeologists often rely on later traditions to reconstruct Harappan religion?

Because they often move from the known to the unknown, that is, from the present to the past. Signup and view all the answers