Why do archaeological records provide no immediate answers regarding centers of power or depictions of people in power in the Harappan civilization?

All of the above

Option 4: All of the above

Explanation:

1. The artifacts found do not provide any clues: Archaeological records from the Harappan civilization primarily consist of artifacts such as pottery, tools, seals, and ornaments. While these artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily life, technology, and trade of the Harappan people, they do not directly provide information about centers of power or depictions of people in power.

2. There is a lack of large, impressive structures associated with rulers: Unlike some other ancient civilizations where monumental architecture such as palaces or temples associated with rulers are prominent, the Harappan civilization lacks such large-scale structures that can be directly linked to centers of power. The absence of such structures makes it challenging to identify and understand the organization of political power within the civilization.

3. There is a lack of written records or inscriptions about rulers: The Harappan script, found on seals and artifacts, remains undeciphered, and there is a lack of written records or inscriptions that provide information about rulers, their titles, or their deeds. The absence of written records limits our understanding of the political and social organization of the Harappan civilization.

Therefore, the combination of these factors (lack of specific artifacts, monumental structures, and deciphered writing) makes it difficult to immediately identify centers of power or specific rulers in the Harappan civilization. Archaeologists rely on interpreting various aspects of the archaeological record to develop theories about Harappan society and leadership.