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Questions and Answers
Which of the following sites is NOT identified as one of the five largest Harappan sites in the Indian subcontinent?
What are the major eastern tributaries linked to Harappan sites?
Which geographical feature separates the Kachchh and Saurashtra zones?
According to findings, which year represents a significant climatic change corresponding to the late Harappan phase?
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Which of the following rivers is NOT a tributary of the Ghaggar-Sarasvati-Hakra river systems?
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What time period do the burials with drilled molars date back to?
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Which type of agriculture was supplemented in the subsistence economy mentioned?
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Which material was NOT mentioned as part of the burial jewelry?
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What indicates the presence of trade networks in the region?
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Which plant variety was specifically mentioned as part of the subsistence economy?
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Who was the first Director General of Archaeological Survey who visited Harappa?
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What significant action did Alexander Cunningham take during his visits to Harappa?
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What material was primarily used for ballast in the Lahore-Multan railway from Harappa?
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Which site was first identified by Lt.Col.James Todd as 'Kali-Bang' in 1829?
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What was reported about Harappa by Alexander Cunningham in terms of its size?
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What important artifacts from Harappan civilization were published prior to its identification?
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Which British Lieutenant visited the site of Amri and noted it as an archaeological site?
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Which of the following sites is NOT mentioned as significant before the identification of Harappan civilization?
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During which period was Mehrgarh, Pakistan settled?
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What was the primary domesticated animal unique to the Indian subcontinent found in Mehrgarh?
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Which plant crops were cultivated in Mehrgarh?
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What indicates that settlers in Mehrgarh became less mobile over time?
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What type of economy did the inhabitants of Mehrgarh rely on?
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What significant artifacts were found at Mehrgarh indicating early agricultural practices?
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Which wild fruit was harvested by the people of Mehrgarh?
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What does the evidence of domestic goat remains suggest about Mehrgarh's economy?
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Which animal bones found at Mehrgarh suggest they practiced hunting?
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What does the drilling in teeth found at Mehrgarh imply?
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Which scholar conducted the first assessment of Harappa?
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What was the significance of the excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro?
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Which artifacts established links between Harappa and Mesopotamia?
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What year did excavation at Mohenjo-daro officially begin?
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Who published an account comparing finds from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro in 1924?
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In which cemetery was a large Harappan period cemetery discovered?
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Which site was NOT mentioned as part of N.G. Majumdar's explorations?
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What significant discovery related to Harappan civilization occurred after India's independence in 1947?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Harappan Civilization
- Charles Mason's visit in 1829 marked the earliest recorded exploration of Harappa, associating it with Sangla, an ancient city related to Alexander the Great.
- Lt. Col. James Todd noted Kalibangan as "Kali-Bang" in the same year, highlighting early archaeological interests.
- Sir Alexander Burnes explored sites like Amri and Harappa, though he struggled to establish a chronology for findings.
- Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey, studied Harappa extensively between 1853 and 1875, reporting significant findings.
Archaeological Discoveries
- Harappa's circumference is approximately 4 km, with a height of 12-18 m; many site features were destroyed for railway ballast.
- Excavations were conducted from 1920-21, revealing the extensive infrastructure of Harappa and its connections to Mohenjo-daro.
- Similarities in artifacts across Harappa and Mohenjo-daro indicated significant inter-regional cultural relationships.
Seals and Scripts
- At least five Indus seals were published prior to the civilization's identification, revealing early forms of bureaucratic communication.
- Mesopotamian artifact comparisons provided insights into the trade and cultural exchanges between Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations.
Expansion and Excavation
- Post-1947, significant Harappan sites such as Dholavira and Rakhigarhi were discovered, emphasizing a rich Archaeological heritage.
- Numerous excavations in Gujarat during prolonged explorations uncovered transitioning phases of Harappan culture.
Geographical Settings
- Harappan sites primarily located along the Indus and Ghaggar-Sarasvati-Hakra river systems, with diverse climatic and geographical features.
- Major eastern tributaries include Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej, while western tributaries consist of Gomal, Kabul, and Bolan rivers.
Climate and Agriculture
- Significant climatic changes occurred c. 9500 BCE, 3000-2500 BCE, and 1300 BCE, impacting agricultural practices and settlement patterns.
- Mehrgarh, dated back to 9000 BCE, illustrates early food production and the transition towards state-level societies, with domesticated plants and animals.
Subsistence Economy
- Early inhabitants relied on a mixture of hunting, gathering, and agriculture, cultivating crops such as wheat and barley.
- Evidence of advanced agricultural practices includes impressions of crops, utilization of sickles, and hunting of various wild animals.
Social and Cultural Developments
- Settlements in Mehrgarh exhibited rectangular mud-brick houses with multiple compartments, indicating complex societal structures and storage needs.
- Grave findings at Mehrgarh reveal rich trade networks with objects made from marine shell, turquoise, and lapis lazuli farther afield.
Artifacts and Trade
- Terracotta figurines, jewelry made from various semi-precious materials, and evidence of early dentistry (drilled teeth) highlight advanced societal practices.
- Trade routes evidenced through marine shell artifacts contribute to understanding the extent and sophistication of Indus Valley commerce.
Conclusion
- The exploration and excavation of Harappan sites offer profound insights into one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, elucidating advanced agricultural, trade, and cultural practices that underpin human history.
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Description
Explore the fascinating beginnings of the Harappan Civilization in this quiz. You'll learn about the early discoveries and significant figures who contributed to our understanding of this ancient society. Test your knowledge and grasp key concepts of early world civilizations.
