Questions and Answers
Which two sites are identified as among the five largest Harappan sites in the Indian subcontinent?
From which river systems are most of the Harappan sites located?
How many major climatic changes corresponding to specific periods were identified by Carriee Morrill et al (2003)?
Which of the following rivers is NOT listed as a tributary linked to Harappan sites?
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What geographical feature lies on the east and southeast of the Harappan sites?
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What types of crops were supplemented in the subsistence economy described?
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Which of the following materials was used to create the ornamental items found in the Mehrgarh burial?
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How far was the Turbinella pyrum shell sourced from Karachi according to the trade networks?
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What evidence suggests that cooking methods included using hot rocks?
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Which item was not mentioned as part of the jewelry found in the burial?
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Who was the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey that visited Harappa?
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What did John Marshall's interest in Harappan seals lead to?
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What was a significant consequence of Alexander Cunningham's visits to Harappa?
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What was one problem noted by Alexander Cunningham during his visits?
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Which year did Alexander Cunningham visit Harappa for the first time?
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What did Charles Mason identify Harappa with during his visit?
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How many seals of the Harappan civilization were published prior to its identification?
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Which archaeological site was noted by Lt.Col. James Todd?
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Who conducted the first excavation at Harappa?
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What significant finding was noted by R.D. Banerji during excavations?
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Which site was discovered by D.R. Bhandarkar?
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What established contacts between the Harappan civilization and Mesopotamia?
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In which year did excavation at Mohenjo-daro officially end?
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Which Italian scholar visited Kalibangan in 1917?
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What was the outcome of the findings published by Marshall in 1924?
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Which site was known for containing a large Harappan period cemetery?
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What is the significance of the domesticated Zebu (Bos indicus) in Mehrgarh?
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Which of the following describes the types of houses found in Mehrgarh?
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What was a key agricultural practice in Mehrgarh as part of their subsistence economy?
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What does the presence of a sickle with chert blades suggest about the people of Mehrgarh?
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Which animal remains found in Mehrgarh indicate dietary diversity?
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What type of subsistence economy was prevalent in Mehrgarh?
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What agricultural products were cultivated in Mehrgarh?
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What indicates that Mehrgarh people had established trade connections?
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Which aspect of Mehrgarh’s animal husbandry was particularly significant?
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What type of seasonal settlement is associated with Mehrgarh?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Harappan Civilization
- Earliest recorded visit to Harappa by Charles Mason in 1829, linked it with Sangla, an ancient city associated with Alexander the Great.
- Lt. Col. James Todd noted Kalibangan as "Kali-Bang" in 1829, while Sir Alexander Burnes described Amri as an archaeological site in 1831 after visiting Harappa.
- Alexander Cunningham, first Director General of the Archaeological Survey, visited Harappa multiple times (1853, 1856, 1875) and noted a circumference of 4 km with a height of 12-18 m.
- Bricks from Harappa were used as ballast for approximately 100 km of the Lahore-Multan railway.
- Cunningham conducted a small excavation and established principal divisions at Harappa still used today (A-B, C, D, E).
Early Discoveries and Research
- At least five Harappan seals were published prior to their identification in archaeological significance; two additional seals known from private collections.
- Key sites reported include Sutkagen-dor, Dabarkot, Periano Ghundai, and Rana Ghundai.
- Sir John Marshall, DG of ASI from 1902, conducted assessments of Harappan seals leading to significant excavations.
- In 1909 and 1914, assessments by Pandit Hira Nanda Sastri and Harold Hargreaves prompted excavations starting in 1920.
- Significant discoveries at Mohenjo-daro by D.R. Bhandarkar and further excavations by R.D. Banerji from 1923-24 revealed connections between Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
Chronological Developments
- Research highlighted similarities between Indian and Sumerian antiquities post-1924.
- Pictographic similarities were noted between Harappan artifacts and Mesopotamian finds, establishing cultural exchanges.
- Sites in Sindh were explored and several new sites including Chanhudaro and Amri discovered during 1929-31.
- Extensive excavations continued until 1940-41 at Harappa and 1938 at Mohenjo-daro; Cemetery R-37 discovered in 1937 at Harappa.
Post-Independence and Discoveries
- After India's independence in 1947, explorations revealed additional Harappan sites, including major sites Dholavira and Rakhigarhi.
- Other notable excavated sites include Kalibangan, Banawali, Lothal, and Kunal, illustrating the chronology of early, mature, and late Harappan phases.
Geographical Settings
- Most Harappan sites are situated along the River Indus and Ghaggar-Sarasvati-Hakra river systems.
- Includes western tributaries Gomal, Kabul, and Bolan; eastern tributaries Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej.
- Surrounded by mountainous ranges including the Himalayas and Aravalli, rich in lead, silver, and copper resources.
Climatic Changes
- Research indicates three significant climatic changes corresponding to c. 9500 BCE, 3000-2500 BCE, and 1300 BCE affecting settlement patterns.
- Lake Kotla Dahar studies reveal rainfall distribution shifts during the mid-Holocene, impacting the Harappan civilization's terminal phase.
Mehrgarh: Early Food Producing Sites
- Mehrgarh, dating back to 9000 BCE, marks a transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Domesticated crops included barley and wheat (einkorn, emmer), while major livestock were zebu cattle and goats.
- Rectangular mud-brick houses suggest settled communities with storage capabilities for agricultural surplus.
Subsistence and Economy
- Subsistence economy included a combination of hunting, gathering, and agriculture, with evidence of crop cycles and wild fruit gathering.
- Significant findings include sickles with chert blades, date seeds indicating summer crops, and various remains of hunted animals like gazelles and elephants.
Burial Practices and Trade
- Burials at Mehrgarh included ornaments from distant regions (marine shell, turquoise, lapis lazuli) indicating trade networks.
- Terracotta figurines and marine shell artifacts discovered point towards cultural connections and trade with coastal areas.
- Evidence of early dentistry noted through drilled molars in ancient burials, signaling advanced social practices.
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Description
Explore the foundations of the Harappan Civilization through this informative quiz. Delve into its early history, archaeological discoveries, and significant figures such as Charles Mason. Test your knowledge on the cultural and historical aspects of this ancient civilization.
