Question

Terracotta-models of the 'plough' have been found at which sites?

• A. Manda and Shortughai
• B. Daimabad and Rangpur
• C. Cholistan and Banawali
• D. Lothal and Nageshwar

Hint:

Differentiate Harappan agricultural evidence:
1. Terracotta models of the plow: Cholistan and Banawali.
2. Ploughed field surface with two sets of furrows: Kalibangan.
3. Traces of canals: Shortughai.
4. Water reservoirs: Dholavira.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Reconstructing the agricultural practices of the Harappan civilization relies on direct archaeological finds, iconography, and miniature models.
While wooden agricultural implements rarely survive in the archaeological record due to decay, terracotta replicas offer indisputable evidence of technology.
Archaeologists rely on miniature terracotta models to determine whether oxen and plows were actively utilized for tilling fields.

Step 1: Reviewing Excavation Findings for Agricultural Tools:
Terracotta models of the plow have been discovered in stratified excavations at two prominent Harappan regions: Cholistan and Banawali.
Cholistan refers to the desert margin area in modern Pakistan along the dry bed of the Hakra river.
Banawali is a well-known Mature Harappan site located in Fatehabad district, Haryana, India.
These terracotta models establish that the Harappans were fully aware of the plow and used bullocks to cultivate agricultural land.

Step 2: Analyzing Other Key Archaeological Sites:
Kalibangan in Rajasthan revealed actual furrow marks dating to the Early Harappan phase, confirming plowed fields.
Shortughai in Afghanistan is renowned for traces of canal irrigation networks rather than plow models.
Lothal and Nageshwar were specialized production centers for shell objects and maritime commerce.
Thus, the combination of Cholistan and Banawali represents the exact sites yielding terracotta plow models.
Final Answer:
Terracotta-models of the plow have been recovered from Cholistan and Banawali.