Which among the following were specialised bead-making centres of the Harappan Civilisation?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Chanhudaro and Lothal
Chanhudaro was a tiny settlement, less than 7 hectares, given almost entirely to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting and seal-making. Specialised drills have been found at Chanhudaro and Lothal, and the finished beads from Chanhudaro and Lothal were probably taken to the large cities such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Nageshwar and Balakot, near the coast, were also specialised centres, but for making shell objects such as bangles, ladles and inlay, not beads.
NCERT (2025-26): “5. Finding Out About Craft Production … Locate Chanhudaro on Map 1. This is a tiny settlement (less than 7 hectares) as compared to Mohenjodaro (125 hectares), almost exclusively devoted to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making and weight-making. … Specialised drills have been found at Chanhudaro, Lothal and more recently at Dholavira. If you locate Nageshwar and Balakot on Map 1, you will notice that both settlements are near the coast. These were specialised centres for making shell objects – including bangles, ladles and inlay – which were taken to other settlements. Similarly, it is likely that finished products (such as beads) from Chanhudaro and Lothal were taken to the large urban centres such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa.…” |