Ancient History : Indus Valley Civilization

Q 1 / 6

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:

  1. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.
  2. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered.
  3. 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

Correct Option

The correct option is A. 1 and 2 only

[as per provisional answerkey]

Explanation

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was characterized by advanced urban planning, standardized systems of weights and measures, and a sophisticated craft production system. The archaeological evidence found across various sites provides insights into their domestic life, technological capabilities, and social structure.

  • Statement 1 is Correct: The discovery of spindle-whorls made of terracotta and faints in almost every household indicates that spinning cotton and wool was a common domestic activity. The absence of the spinning wheel (which was a much later medieval invention) implies that spinning was performed manually using spindles, making it a time-consuming and laborious process conducted at the individual household level.
  • Statement 2 is Correct: The Harappans utilized a highly standardized system of weights and measures. Weights were usually made of chert and followed a binary system in lower denominations (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc., up to 12,800) and a decimal system for higher values. The discovery of ivory and shell scales with precise graduations (linear measurements) at sites like Lothal and Mohenjo-daro demonstrates a high degree of mathematical and scientific accuracy.
  • Statement 3 is Incorrect: The description of large houses with private wells, courtyards, and bathing platforms signifies the existence of private property and social stratification rather than a "common property system." These features indicate that individual households managed their own resources. Common property or communal systems are usually associated with public structures like the Great Bath or granaries, not private residential units.

Key Takeaway

Harappan urbanism was defined by advanced scientific standardization in weights and measures and decentralized domestic craft production, while residential architecture emphasized private domesticity and social hierarchy rather than communal living.

SOURCEUpsc Cse Prelims Gs Paper I 2026