Question

Imagine you are writing a research project on Harappan agriculture. Which three informations on archaeological evidence would you cite to explain it ?

Hint:

When discussing Harappan agriculture, structure your points around three key areas: 1. Tools (Terracotta plows at Bawali). 2. Fields (Furrow prints at Kalibangan). 3. Water (Cals at Shortughai Reservoirs at Dholavira).

Answer 1

To construct a comprehensive research alysis on Harappan agricultural practices, three major lines of physical archaeological evidence can be cited to demonstrate their sophisticated farming techniques:
• Terracotta Models and Sculptural Evidence of Draft Animals: Archeologists have excavated small clay terracotta models of plows at sites like Cholistan and Bawali (Harya). Furthermore, representations on Harappan seals and terracotta sculptures show that the bull was well-known, indicating that oxen were used to plow fields.
• Discovery of Ploughed Field Matrices: Direct evidence of agricultural field layout comes from the early-Harappan levels at Kalibangan (Rajasthan). Excavators uncovered a network of furrows running at right angles to each other, showing that farmers could sow two different crops simultaneously on the same plot of land.
• Irrigation Infrastructure and Botanical Remains: Because many Harappan centers were located in semi-arid environments, sophisticated water-magement systems were necessary. Traces of ancient cals have been identified at Shortughai (Afghanistan), while massive stone reservoirs at Dholavira (Gujarat) were likely used to store rainwater for crops. Additiolly, paleobotanists have recovered charred grains of wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas, and millets (especially in Gujarat), confirming a diverse agricultural economy.