Why did the Harappans establish settlements at Nageshwar and Balakot?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → To procure materials for craft production
The Harappans procured materials for craft production in various ways. One was to set up settlements close to the source of a material: Nageshwar and Balakot were established near the coast, in areas where shell was available. They became specialised centres for making shell objects such as bangles, ladles and inlay, which were taken to other settlements. Shortughai in Afghanistan (near lapis lazuli) and Lothal (near carnelian, steatite and metal) were set up for the same reason.
NCERT (2025-26): “6.1 Materials from the subcontinent and beyond … The Harappans procured materials for craft production in various ways. For instance, they established settlements such as Nageshwar and Balakot in areas where shell was available. Other such sites were Shortughai, in far-off Afghanistan, near the best source of lapis lazuli, a blue stone that was apparently very highly valued, and Lothal which was near sources of carnelian (from Bharuch in Gujarat), steatite (from south Rajasthan and north Gujarat) and metal (from Rajasthan).… 5.1 Identifying centres … 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.…” |