Question

The presence of granaries at Harappan sites most likely implies which of the following about their agricultural practices?

• A. Surplus Production
• B. Plantation Farming
• C. Shifting Cultivation
• D. Nomadic Lifestyle

Hint:

Granaries = surplus grain. Surplus production supports urban life, trade, and population growth—hallmarks of advanced civilization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The presence of granaries at significant Harappan locations, including Mohenjodaro and Harappa, points to the Indus Valley Civilization's established system for storing surplus agricultural yields. Granaries, which are substantial structures built for preserving grains and safeguarding them against pests, dampness, and decay over extended durations, strongly suggest that the Harappans were engaged in settled agriculture and generated more food than required for immediate needs. This agricultural surplus would have facilitated urban development, trade, and the division of labor. Alternative explanations are less likely:

• Plantation farming, linked to colonial commercial agriculture, is not applicable to Harappan practices.
• Shifting cultivation, which involves relocating to new plots, does not necessitate extensive storage facilities.
• A nomadic existence is incompatible with the construction of permanent structures like granaries.