Question

‘Traces of cals have been found at the Harappan archaeological site of Shortughai in Afghanistan but not in Punjab or Sindh.’
Identify the explation provided by archaeologists from the following :

• A. Agricultural tools in Afghanistan were more advanced than in Punjab.
• B. Archaeologists have not excavated Punjab and Sindh thoroughly.
• C. Punjab and Sindh had higher rainfall than Shortughai.
• D. Shortughai had access to the perennial rivers of the Himalayas.

Hint:

Keep the two main Harappan water magement systems clear:
• Cals $\rightarrow$ Found explicitly at Shortughai (Afghanistan).
• Water Reservoirs $\rightarrow$ Found explicitly at Dholavira (Gujarat).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question relates to the archaeological findings at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, where traces of canals were found, a feature not observed in the sites of Punjab and Sindh. Let's analyze the given options and identify the correct explanation:

1. Agricultural tools in Afghanistan were more advanced than in Punjab.
   1. This option suggests a technological explanation, but there is no historical evidence to suggest that Afghanistan had more advanced agricultural tools compared to Punjab during the Harappan period.
2. Archaeologists have not excavated Punjab and Sindh thoroughly.
   1. This option implies incomplete archaeological work, but it is known that extensive archaeological work has been undertaken in both Punjab and Sindh, making this explanation unlikely.
3. Punjab and Sindh had higher rainfall than Shortughai.
   1. This option is plausible because the presence of canals in Shortughai suggests the need for artificial irrigation. Higher natural rainfall in Punjab and Sindh would reduce the necessity for such irrigation systems, hence explaining why canals were not found in those regions.
4. Shortughai had access to the perennial rivers of the Himalayas.
   1. While this factor could be relevant for water supply, it does not directly explain the absence of canals in Punjab and Sindh, which had access to major rivers like the Indus. Additionally, if perennial rivers provided sufficient water, the need for canals would be less pronounced.

Based on the above reasoning, the correct explanation is that Punjab and Sindh had higher rainfall than Shortughai. The presence of canals in Shortughai but not in Punjab or Sindh can be attributed to the varying climatic conditions, with Punjab and Sindh receiving sufficient rainfall that may not have necessitated extensive irrigation systems.