Which of the following statements about the Harappan civilization is/are correct?
-
Harappan cities were primarily rural settlements.
-
The people practiced agriculture.
-
They traded with Mesopotamia.
-
They had no written script.
Only 2 and 3
Only 1 and 3
Only 2, 3, and 4
Only 1 and 4
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is A: Only 2 and 3.
Statement 2 is correct — Harappans were agrarian, cultivating wheat, barley, peas, and cotton, and used advanced irrigation near the Indus River.
Statement 3 is correct — Harappan seals found at Mesopotamian sites confirm trade, exchanging beads, pottery, and textiles for lapis lazuli, silver, and tin.
Statement 1 is incorrect — Harappan cities like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira were highly urban with grid-patterned streets, drainage systems, and public baths.
Statement 4 is incorrect — Harappans had a written script found on seals and pottery, though it remains undeciphered.