Consider the following statements about Harappan weights:
(A) The lower denominations of weights were binary.
(B) The higher denominations of weights followed the decimal system.
(C) The weights were generally spherical in shape.
(D) The weights generally carried no markings.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → A, B and D only
(A) The lower denominations of weights were binary. — Correct. The lower weights rose by doubling (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32), which is a binary series.
(B) The higher denominations of weights followed the decimal system. — Correct. The higher weights followed the decimal system (160, 200, 320, 640).
(C) The weights were generally spherical in shape. — Incorrect. The shape is wrong: Harappan weights were generally cubical.
(D) The weights generally carried no markings. — Correct. The weights were usually made of chert and carried no markings.
NCERT (2026-27): “7.3 Weights “lower denominations of weights were binary (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32), while the higher denominations followed the decimal system (160, 200, 320, 640). The smaller weights were probably used for weighing jewellery and beads. Metal scale-pans have also been found.” |