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History question from JKAS Prelims, 2023 by JKPSC

With reference to agricultural technologies in the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

1. Terracotta models of the plough have been discovered at Banawali.
2. Evidence of ploughed fields has been found at Kalibangan.
3. Traces of irrigation canals have been discovered at Shortughai (Afghanistan).

Which of the above statements are correct?

Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Correct Answer: Option D — 1, 2 and 3
Breakdown of the Statements

Statement 1 (Terracotta models at Banawali): Archaeological excavations at Banawali (located in modern-day Haryana, India) yielded terracotta models of ploughs. This provides direct evidence that the IVC people understood and used the plough for farming.

Statement 2 (Ploughed fields at Kalibangan): At Kalibangan (Rajasthan, India), archaeologists found evidence of a ploughed field dating back to the Early Harappan phase. Interestingly, the field showed two sets of furrows at right angles to each other, suggesting that two different crops were grown together.

Statement 3 (Canals at Shortughai): While most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands where agriculture required irrigation, traces of actual canals have been found specifically at Shortughai in Afghanistan. It is believed that while canals were used there, in other regions, water may have been drawn from wells or small masonry reservoirs (like those found in Dholavira).
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.

About this question

JKPSC JKAS 2023 Prelims

Details

Exam JKPSC
Recruitment JKAS
Stage Prelims
Year 2023
Subject History
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