Which of the following materials generally decompose and are rarely found in archaeological excavations?
1) Stone
2) Burnt clay
3) Metal
4) Organic materials such as cloth and wood

4

The understanding of the ancient Harappan civilization does not rely on the decipherment of the Harappan script. Instead, it is the analysis of material evidence that enables archaeologists to reconstruct Harappan life. This evidence encompasses various objects such as pottery, tools, ornaments, and household items. Organic materials like cloth, leather, wood, and reeds tend to decompose, especially in tropical regions. The durable materials that endure are stone, burnt clay (terracotta), metal, and the like.

It is crucial to consider that only broken or discarded objects would have been disposed of, while other items were likely recycled or repurposed. Consequently, valuable artifacts found intact either got lost in the past or were intentionally preserved and never recovered. In other words, such discoveries are more accidental than representative of typical findings.