Question Q.11GS1GS1

Throw light upon the importance of seals and sealing 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.

Main Body

Harappan civilization, with its mature phase around 2500-1500 BC spanned around 16 lac km² with more than 200 sites being identified.

Importance of seals and sealing in reconstruction:

Various seals and beads have been found at Harappan sites, mostly made of steatite and later cut to shape with a saw.

Religion:

(1) Pasupati seal - found at Mohenjodam contained a Pashto-Shiva like carving, giving insight into their religious beliefs.

(2) Bull is depicted in many seals showing that the animal might have been sacred.

Socio-economic life:

1Seals found at Lothal, belong to Mesopotamia civilization. It shows that trade used to happen between the two civilization and Lothal might have been a major port city.

2Some seals found have been worn regularly as amulets, showing that they believed in ghosts and spirits.

3Mostly seals were used to mark ownership, and to ensure that package hasn't been tampered with during transit.

Many Harappan sites like Kot Diji, Chanudaro, Lothal, Kalibangan are currently in semi-arid region.

Expanse of Harappan civilization

Reasons:

1Due to lack of canal making, they first established near Haroon & straw rivers eg Ghaggay-Hakra system, which dried up later due to tectonics.

2Rivers like Saraswati disappeared or changed their path making the region arid.

3The decline of Harappan civilization to some extent is also attributed to change in river courses & drying up of rivers.

Harappan civilization is one of the earliest civilizations mankind has discovered.

244 words11 paragraphs2 bullet points

Diagram

Map showing distribution of Harappan sites including Kot Diji, Chanudaro, Lothal, Kalibangan in semi-arid and arid regions

Provides correct chronology of Harappan civilization
Correctly identifies material used (steatite)
Links seals to religious practices
Mentions specific seals and their significance
Connects Harappan-Mesopotamian trade through seals
Identifies seals as ownership marks and security devices
Shows awareness of amulet function
Ties seals to practical and religious purposes
Correctly identifies location of Harappan sites
Provides environmental explanation for semi-arid settlement
Links river changes to civilization decline
Uses geological processes (tectonics) in analysis

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Page 23

Topper

ABHISHEK SHARMA

AIR 382024

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Architecture from ancient to modern times

Harappan civilization

Seals and settlement patterns

Writing Stats

244

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets