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.

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.

Quintessence Classes · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only. Inference 1 is correct: The wide occurrence of terracotta and cubical spindle-whorls inside individual houses confirms that spinning yarn was a widespread domestic activity. The absolute absence of mechanized spinning wheels (which were invented much later in history) means that twisting fibers into thread had to be done entirely by hand using these basic hand-spindles—making textile production a highly tedious, manual, and laborious activity done at home.Inference 2 is correct: The discovery of highly standardized weights (mostly cubical chert weights following binary and decimal systems) and ivory or shell measurement scales with precise, uniform graduations (such as those found at Lothal and Mohenjo-daro) proves that the Harappans possessed advanced scientific and mathematical knowledge to regulate trade, civic construction, and engineering.Inference 3 is incorrect: Statement III actually suggests the exact opposite of a "common property system." Large private houses with individual courtyards, private wells, dedicated bathing platforms, and multiple rooms point directly toward a well-stratified society with private property ownership. It highlights distinct socio-economic variations, where affluent families owned spacious, self-contained domestic units, rather than sharing communal or common living property.

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer & Explanation

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UPSC CSE 2026 Prelims

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