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Difficulty: MediumAncient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

Consider the following statements regarding craft production and raw material procurement during the Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilization:

1. Shortughai in Afghanistan was a Harappan outpost established near the primary source of lapis lazuli.
2. Chanhudaro was a specialized settlement almost exclusively devoted to craft production such as bead-making, shell-cutting, and seal-making.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2Answer
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Both 1 and 2 are correct
Both statements are correct. Shortughai in northeastern Afghanistan was purposefully established near the finest sources of prized blue lapis lazuli stone. Chanhudaro, unlike larger urban centers such as Mohenjodaro or Harappa, was almost completely devoted to specialized craft activities including bead making, shell cutting, metalworking, seal making, and standardized weight production.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding raw material procurement sites.
Statement 1 is correct. Archaeological evidence confirms that Shortughai in northern Afghanistan was located near Badakhshan, the prime source of lapis lazuli.
Harappans established distant outposts near specific mineral and gemstone locations to control trade networks.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding craft production centers.
Statement 2 is correct. Chanhudaro was a small site (7 hectares) exclusively dedicated to specialized craft activities, including bead making, shell cutting, seal making, and weight making.
Archaeological finds of raw materials, unfinished objects, rejected fragments, and tools at Chanhudaro identify it as a specialized manufacturing center.
3
Select the correct combination option.
Both 1 and 2 are correct.
Since both evaluated statements are factually accurate, the option stating both statements are correct is the true answer.

Key Concept

Harappan Craft Specialization and Raw Material Trade Outposts
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Topics

Ancient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

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