Evidence of Agriculture at Harappan Sites

The question asks about the specific Harappan site where evidence of a ploughed field has been found. Archaeological discoveries at various sites provide insights into the agricultural practices of the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization.

Discovering the Ploughed Field Evidence

Among the listed Harappan sites, evidence of a ploughed field was notably discovered at Kalibangan. This discovery is significant because it represents one of the earliest instances of agricultural preparation known from the Harappan period. The field showed criss-cross furrows, suggesting two directions of ploughing, possibly indicating the cultivation of two different crops simultaneously.

• Kalibangan: Located in present-day Rajasthan, India, Kalibangan is a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological excavations here revealed important findings, including the remains of both the Early Harappan and Mature Harappan phases. The evidence of the ploughed field belongs to the Early Harappan phase, predating the mature urban phase.

Significance of the Kalibangan Discovery

The finding of the ploughed field at Kalibangan is crucial for understanding:

• The agricultural technology used by the early Harappans.
• Their knowledge of preparing land for cultivation.
• The potential types of crops grown (indicated by furrow patterns).
• The continuity or changes in agricultural practices from the Early to the Mature Harappan period.

Other Harappan Sites Mentioned

• Cholistan: This region in Pakistan has numerous Harappan sites, but the specific direct evidence of a ploughed field like that at Kalibangan is not primarily associated with Cholistan sites in general descriptions.
• Amri-Nal: These sites (Amri and sites in the Nal region) in present-day Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan, are important for understanding the transition from pre-Harappan to Harappan cultures. While they show evidence of early settlements and some agricultural activity, the distinct discovery of a ploughed field is linked to Kalibangan.
• Harappa: One of the major urban centres of the Harappan Civilization, located in Punjab, Pakistan. Harappa provides extensive evidence of urban planning, craft production, and trade, but the specific archaeological discovery of a ploughed field is not its defining feature compared to Kalibangan.

Based on archaeological evidence, the discovery of a ploughed field is a key finding associated with the Harappan site of Kalibangan.

Revision Table: Key Harappan Sites & Discoveries

Additional Information: Harappan Agriculture

Agriculture was the backbone of the Harappan economy. The Harappan people cultivated a variety of crops. Evidence for agriculture comes from various sources:

• Botanical Remains: Seeds and grains found at sites indicate crops like wheat, barley, pulses, sesame, millet, rice, and cotton.
• Terracotta Models: Clay models of ploughs have been found at sites like Banawali.
• Irrigation: While large-scale canal irrigation evidence is limited, water reservoirs (like at Dholavira) and possibly wells were used for irrigation.
• Animal Husbandry: Domestication of animals like cattle, sheep, goat, and buffalo was also important.

The ploughed field at Kalibangan provides direct evidence of their land preparation techniques, making it a unique and significant archaeological find.