Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

Identify the correct statements regarding the Harappan agricultural evidence -

(A) The prevalence of agriculture is indicated by the findings of grains.
(B) It is easy to reconstruct the actual agricultural practices.
(C) Terracotta sculpture indicates the oxen was perhaps used for ploughing.
(D) Some models of plough was found in Kot Diji and Shortughai.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Options:

(A), (B) only

(B), (C) only

(C), (D) only

(A), (C) only

Correct Answer:

(A), (C) only

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (C) only

Given statements:

(A) The prevalence of agriculture is indicated by the findings of grains.
(B) It is easy to reconstruct the actual agricultural practices.
(C) Terracotta sculpture indicate the oxen was perhaps used for ploughing.
(D) Some models of plough was found in Kot Diji and Shortughai.

Harappans and agriculture:

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. Archaeologists have also tried to identify the tools used for harvesting. Did the Harappans use stone blades set in wooden handles or did they use metal tools? Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for agriculture. Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sind. It is possible that ancient canals silted up long ago. It is also likely that water drawn from wells was used for irrigation. Besides, water reservoirs found in Dholavira (Gujarat) may have been used to store water for agriculture.