Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:

Question

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:

I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.

II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations, have been discovered.

III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.

Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.

2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.

3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.

1. A. 1 and 2 only (Correct answer)
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer

Option A — A

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A.

Key Points

• Explanation: Inference 1 follows from Statement I: spindle-whorls occur widely in houses but spinning wheels are absent, which indicates thread was spun by hand at home — a slow and laborious activity.
• Inference 2 follows from Statement II: graduated weights and measurement scales point to a precise, standardised system, and hence to the scientific knowledge the Harappans possessed.
• Why inference 3 is wrong: Statement III describes houses built largely of baked brick around their own spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms and large rooms.
• Private wells and large private houses indicate private property and social differentiation — the very opposite of a common property system.

Additional Information

• Harappan weights were made of chert, were usually cubical, and followed a binary ratio in the lower denominations (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and so on) with a decimal ratio in the higher ones, 16 being a key unit — a standardisation found across sites, pointing to regulated trade.