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.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Inference 1 — Correct: The widespread occurrence of spindle-whorls in Harappan households suggests that spinning was a common domestic activity. In the absence of the spinning wheel, Harappans likely used hand-operated drop spindles, making textile production largely manual.
Inference 2 — Correct: The discovery of standardized cubical chert weights and graduated measuring scales, such as the ivory scale from Lothal and shell scale from Mohenjo-daro, indicates advanced mathematical and metrological knowledge, useful in trade, architecture and construction.
Inference 3 — Incorrect: The presence of individual houses with private wells, bathing platforms and large rooms suggests elements of private ownership and social differentiation. A common property system would be more consistent with shared spaces and collective use of resources.