What animal remains were discovered at Harappan sites and were likely domesticated?

A) Cattle, sheep, deer, and buffalo
B) Buffalo, pig, boar, and gharial
C) Cattle, sheep, goat, and buffalo
D) Pig, deer, gharial, and boar

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

C

The Mature Harappan culture, which emerged in areas previously occupied by the Early Harappan cultures, exhibited certain common elements and shared subsistence strategies with its predecessors. One aspect of their diet was consuming various plant and animal products, including fish. By examining charred grains and seeds, archaeo-botanists, and specialists in ancient plant remains, have been able to reconstruct the dietary practices of the Harappans.

Grains such as wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea, and sesame have been discovered at Harappan sites, providing insights into their cultivation and consumption. Millets have been found specifically in sites located in Gujarat. However, the occurrence of rice remains relatively rare in Harappan archaeological findings.

Regarding animal remains, bones of domesticated species such as cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo, and pig have been unearthed at Harappan sites. The studies conducted by archaeo-zoologists or zoo-archaeologists suggest that these animals were raised and kept by the Harappans. In addition to domesticated animals, bones of wild species like boar, deer, and gharial have also been found. It is unclear whether the Harappans hunted these animals themselves or acquired meat from other hunting communities. Fish and fowl bones have also been discovered, indicating that fishing and avian hunting were likely part of the Harappan diet as well.