Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

What do archaeologists infer about the Harappan people from the representations of bulls on seals and terracotta?

Options:

Harappans used oxen for ploughing.

Harappans used to worship Nandi bull

Harappans used to eat cow and ox meat

Harappans used bull for hunting

Correct Answer:

Harappans used oxen for ploughing.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 1 - Harappans used oxen for ploughing.

While the prevalence of agriculture is indicated by finds of grain, it is more difficult to reconstruct actual agricultural practices. Were seeds broadcast (scattered) on ploughed lands? Representations on seals and terracotta sculpture indicate that the bull was known, and archaeologists extrapolate from this that oxen were used for ploughing. Moreover, terracotta models of the plough have been found at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana). Archaeologists have also found evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan), associated with Early Harappan levels. The field had two sets of furrows at right angles to each other, suggesting that two different crops were grown together.