Read the passage and answer the following question :
"There were several archaeological cultures in the region prior to the Mature Harappan. There cultures were associated with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture and pastoralism, and some crafts. It appears to be a break between the early Harrapan and the Harrapan civilisation, evident from large-scale burning at some sites, as well as abandonment of same settlements."
The site of Shortughai in Afghanistan sources which material for craft production?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Lapis Lazuli
Shortughai, in far-off Afghanistan, was settled near the best source of lapis lazuli, a blue stone that was very highly valued.
NCERT (2026-27): “6.1 Materials from the subcontinent and beyond … The Harappans procured materials for craft production in various ways. For instance, they established settlements such as Nageshwar and Balakot in areas where shell was available. Other such sites were Shortughai, in far-off Afghanistan, near the best source of lapis lazuli, a blue stone that was apparently very highly valued, and Lothal which was near sources of carnelian (from Bharuch in Gujarat), steatite (from south Rajasthan and north Gujarat) and metal (from Rajasthan).…” |