Assertion A: Harrapans were aware of reading, writing as is reflected by the inscriptions on the seals.
Reason R: There are evidence found on certain inscriptions of the Harappa civilization with regard to swara chinah (vowel signs).
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
Harappan Literacy: Assertion and Reason Analysis
This question asks us to evaluate two statements about the Harappan civilization, specifically concerning their knowledge of reading and writing.
Assertion A: Harappan Literacy
Assertion A states that Harappans were aware of reading and writing, as shown by inscriptions on seals. This is widely accepted in historical and archaeological studies. The discovery of numerous seals with short inscriptions in the Indus script provides strong evidence for the existence of a writing system and, consequently, literacy among at least some sections of Harappan society.
- Status: Correct.
Reason R: Vowel Signs in Harappan Script
Reason R claims there is evidence of 'swara chinah' (vowel signs) in Harappan inscriptions. The Indus script remains largely undeciphered. While scholars debate its nature (pictographic, logo-syllabic, etc.), there is no established consensus or definitive proof that it included distinct vowel signs comparable to those found in later Indian scripts like Brahmi. The nature of phonetic representation, if any, in the Indus script is still a subject of research and speculation.
- Status: Not correct. The existence of specific vowel signs as described is not a confirmed feature of the Harappan script.
Conclusion on Statements
Based on the analysis:
- Assertion A is correct, as the seal inscriptions are accepted evidence of Harappan writing.
- Reason R is not correct, as the presence of specific vowel signs is not established evidence.
Therefore, the correct option is that Assertion A is correct, but Reason R is not correct.
Important Questions from Harappa Civilization
Which of the following architectural elements is excluded from the construction sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Which Harappan site is known for having a significant dockyard, indicating its importance as a port city?
How many signs used to be part of the longest inscription found on Harappan seals?
The ancient name of which of the following rivers is Vipasha?
Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion (A): The People of Harappan civilization are said to have commercial links with the people of the Tigris and Euphrates basins.
Reason (R): There is no archaeological evidence to substantiate the hypothesis of trade links with Mesopotamia.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
