Question

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Harappan Settlements

So far, more than 2000 Harappan archaeological sites have been discovered in the Indian sub-continent. Most of the sites are found located between the Indus and the Saraswati River basins. Nearly two-thirds of these settlements are in the Saraswati basin, suggesting its immense importance for the Harappan Civilisation. Among these, five major cities have been identified. These are Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira and Ganweriwala. The remaining sites come under different categories such as Regional Centres, agricultural villages, ports and manufacturing centres.

Examine the importance of classifying Harappan sites.

Hint:

Classifying Harappan sites helps scholars understand the roles these places played in society and provides insights into how early civilizations were structured and interconnected.

Answer 1

To comprehend the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of the Harappan Civilization, classifying its sites is crucial. This allows historians to categorize settlements by their functions, including:

• Major urban centers such as Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, and Harappa, which functioned as political and economic focal points.
• Regional centers involved in trade and governance.
• Agricultural villages providing sustenance through farming.
• Coastal and production hubs contributing to commerce and industry.

Such categorization facilitates a more thorough examination of the civilization's operations, its trade routes, and inter-regional connections.