Indus Valley Civilization

The grid pattern was one of the most remarkable features of Indus Valley urban planning. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were laid out using straight streets running north–south and east–west, intersecting at perfect right angles. This created neatly divided residential and commercial blocks, demonstrating a high level of precision in town planning. The use of the grid pattern also ensured proper drainage, easy movement, and efficient space management. Such planning reflects the administrative efficiency, civil engineering knowledge, and organized governance of the Harappan people. This design later influenced many ancient and modern cities around the world.

Faience was an important manufactured material in the Indus Valley Civilization. It was created by heating a mixture of powdered quartz, alkali, lime, and color pigments. When fired, the surface developed a bright blue or green glaze, making it look similar to precious stones like turquoise or lapis lazuli. Archaeologists have found faience beads, figurines, tiles, and bangles at sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. Its widespread use shows the advanced technological skills of the Harappans in high-temperature manufacturing, glazing techniques, and decorative craftsmanship. Faience items were also traded widely, reflecting the economic and cultural significance of this material.

The longest inscription found in the Indus Valley Civilization contains 417 signs. These signs are part of the Indus script, which remains undeciphered but is believed to represent an early form of written language.

In the Indus Valley Civilization, weights were made of a stone called chert. These weights were used in trade and commerce, indicating the presence of a well-established system of measurement.

Kalibangan, an important Harappan site, is where evidence of plowing fields has been found. Excavations have shown the presence of a well-planned agricultural system in the region, with evidence of furrows used for plowing.

In the Indus Valley Civilization, bead-making was a significant craft, and the people used a variety of materials to make these decorative objects. The main materials used for bead-making include:

1. Semi-precious Stones:
The most common materials used for bead-making were semi-precious stones, including carnelian, agate, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. These stones were cut, polished, and shaped into beads. The skillful cutting and polishing of these stones indicate the high level of craftsmanship. The trade of semi-precious stones is also evident from the presence of these materials in regions far from the Indus Valley, suggesting that these beads were a valuable commodity.

2. Glass:
Glass was another important material used to create beads in the Indus Valley Civilization. The people of the Indus Valley had the ability to manufacture glass, and the beads made from this material were colorful and varied in shape. This innovation in bead-making further demonstrates the advanced knowledge the people had of materials and their ability to work with complex substances.

3. Terracotta and Metals:
In addition to stones and glass, beads were also made from terracotta (baked clay) and metals like copper and bronze. Terracotta beads were simpler in design but were still widely used, while metal beads were more intricate and may have been used by the elite or for ceremonial purposes. The use of copper and bronze highlights the metallurgical skills of the Indus Valley people.

The Indus Valley Civilization, especially MohenJodaro, is known for its advanced urban planning and distinctive features. Two important features of MohenJodaro are:

1. Urban Planning:
The city of MohenJodaro was meticulously planned with a grid-like street layout, featuring wide main roads and narrow lanes. The streets were arranged in such a way that they formed a right angle, which reflects the advanced planning of the civilization. Additionally, the drainage system in the city was highly sophisticated. Wastewater from houses was carried through well-built drains that flowed into larger drainage channels. This indicates a high level of sanitation awareness and engineering expertise.

2. The Great Bath:
One of the most prominent features of MohenJodaro is the Great Bath, an elaborate structure that was likely used for religious or ritualistic purposes. It was a large pool measuring about 12 meters by 7 meters, with steps leading down to it. The pool was made watertight using bitumen and was surrounded by a verandah. The presence of the Great Bath suggests the significance of water rituals and the advanced construction skills of the Indus Valley people.

Indus civilization seals were made primarily of
Steatite
, a fine-grained variety of soapstone, which was widely used for creating seals due to its softness and ease of carving. These seals were essential in the administration and trade of the Indus Valley Civilization, often used for stamping and marking goods.

Step 1: Analyze the options.

- (A) Stone: While seals could be made from various stones, it is not the most common material used for Indus civilization seals.
- (B) Sandstone: This was used in some other artifacts but not the main material for the seals. - (C) Soil: This is not a suitable material for creating durable seals.
- (D) Steatite: This was the primary material for Indus seals, known for its softness and ability to hold fine detail.

Step 2: Conclusion.

The seals from the Indus Valley Civilization were predominantly made of Steatite. Hence, the correct answer is (D).

Final Answer: