Question

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

Hint:

• The discovery of the bull on Harappan seals and terracotta sculpture suggests that oxen were used for ploughing.
• Harappan agriculture was the foundation of the first urban civilization in South Asia.

Answer 1

Concept:

• Reconstruction of Harappan agriculture relies on 'archaeo-botanical' evidence (charred grains) and 'archaeo-zoological' evidence.
• Archaeologists also look for physical remains of agricultural tools and irrigation infrastructure to understand the technological level of the civilization.

Step 1: Evidence of ploughing and land preparation
Archaeologists have found terracotta models of the plough at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana).
Even more significant is the discovery of a ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan), which dates back to the Early Harappan levels. This field has two sets of furrows at right angles to each other, suggesting that two different crops were grown together at the same time.

Step 2: Evidence of irrigation technology
Most Harappan sites were located in semi-arid lands where irrigation was probably required for agriculture.
Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan. Additionally, water reservoirs found in Dholavira (Gujarat) may have been used to store water for agriculture, demonstrating a high level of hydraulic engineering.

Step 3: Evidence from charred food grains
Archaeologists have recovered a wide variety of charred grains, including wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea, and sesame.
In Gujarat, finds of millets are frequent, and although rice finds are relatively rare, the diversity of these grains indicates a highly developed and varied agricultural system that supported a large urban population.