BJ

BHAVESH JALPANAIR 128· 2024

Question Q.11Throw light upon and explainGS1GS1

Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.

Open scan (p.21)

Introduction

Seals and sealings are small square shaped tiles of roughly 2" x 2" (2 inch x 2 inch) carved in intaglio style (engraved).

23 words

Main Body

Their importance in reconstructing:

(I) Social life

1Social stratification: as seals found in citadel away from those in homes → Proved possible class structure
2Social living preferences: Some seals reflect communal living → Figures sitting around a guest bath

(II) Economic life

1Agricultural practices as seals have farming toys on them
2Availability of seals from mesopotamia → Trade with other civilisations

(III) Religious life

1Possible material worship? Proto-Shiva seal
2Seals found near fine altars signal possible idolatry!

Location in semi-arid regions:

1Development of a sophisticated water harvesting system (Ex: Dholuavira)

kathi harvesting system (Ex: Dholavira)

2Possibility of river or inlet hosting changed course over time (Ex: Loftel on banks of Bhaygara which has now dried out)
3Stationing near trade outpost as Harappan engaged in trade (Ex: shortfall in trans-Afghan border)
4Mastery over grain storage and possible water shortage tolerant grain cultivation

The National maritime heritage complex coming up at Loftel will open further mysteries about the great civilization.

168 words6 paragraphs

Conclusion

The National maritime heritage complex coming up at Loftel will open further mysteries about the great civilization.

17 words

  • Clear technical description of seals and sealings
  • Systematic three-part structure (social, economic, religious)
  • Specific examples (Proto-Shiva seal, Dholuavira)
  • Evidence-based reasoning

Topper

BHAVESH JALPAN

AIR 1282024

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Sculpture

Harappan seals and semi-arid settlements

Writing Stats

208

Total words

6

Paragraphs

Descriptive and analytical

Tone