Question

What was the primary focus of activities in Chanhudaro?

• A. Agriculture and farming
• B. Religious ceremonies
• C. Educational activities
• D. Craft production

Hint:

To identify craft centers in Harappan sites, look for "waste" or "rejects." Chanhudaro is often called the "Sheffield of India" (in an ancient context) due to its vast industrial output.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Chanhudaro is a significant archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Culture), located in present-day Sindh, Pakistan. Unlike larger administrative centers like Mohenjo-daro, Chanhudaro was a specialized settlement. Key characteristics include:
• Industrial Hub: It was almost exclusively devoted to craft production.
• Specialization: It is famous for being a major center for bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making, and weight-making.

Step 1: Identifying the Nature of the Settlement.
Archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of unfinished beads, drills, and raw materials (like carnelian, jasper, crystal, and steatite), proves that the entire settlement was a manufacturing unit. It was much smaller than Mohenjo-daro but essential for trade within the Harappan network.

Step 2: Evaluating Other Options.
While agriculture was the backbone of the entire Indus Valley economy (Option a), Chanhudaro's primary focus as a specific urban site was industrial. There is no significant evidence of large-scale religious structures (Option b) or formal educational institutions (Option c) that would define the site's primary activity.