Understanding Harappan Agricultural Technology Evidence

The question asks us to identify which piece of evidence is NOT considered proof of the agricultural technology used by the Harappan culture, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization.

Let's examine each option provided and see if it relates to agriculture or other aspects of the Harappan civilization.

Analyzing the Evidence Options

1. Terracotta Bull

• Terracotta figurines of bulls have been found at various Harappan sites.
• Bulls were likely used for ploughing fields and transporting agricultural produce.
• Finding representations of bulls suggests their significant role, likely in agriculture.
• This is considered evidence related to Harappan agricultural practices.

2. Terracotta Models of Plough

• Actual models of ploughs made from terracotta have been discovered at sites like Banawali and Kalibangan.
• The presence of these models directly indicates that the Harappans were familiar with and used ploughs for tilling their land.
• This is strong evidence of their agricultural technology.

3. Grid Patterned Streets

• The cities of the Harappan civilization, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, are known for their well-planned layout with streets laid out in a grid pattern.
• This grid pattern is a feature of urban planning, related to city organization, traffic flow, and possibly drainage systems.
• While the city supported an agricultural population, the grid pattern of streets itself is not direct evidence of the technology used for farming the land or managing crops.

4. Traces of Canals at Shortughai

• Shortughai is a Harappan site in Afghanistan, near sources of water.
• Archaeological evidence has found traces of canals at Shortughai.
• Canals are used for irrigation, which is a crucial part of agricultural technology, especially for watering crops in potentially dry regions.
• The presence of canals is direct evidence of irrigation practices used by the Harappans to support agriculture.

Identifying the Non-Agricultural Evidence

Based on the analysis, the terracotta bull, terracotta plough models, and traces of canals are all directly related to agricultural activities and technology used by the Harappans. The grid patterned streets, however, relate to urban planning and city infrastructure, not the methods or tools used for farming.

Therefore, the evidence NOT considered as a proof of agricultural technology of Harappan culture is the grid patterned streets.

Revision Table: Harappan Agricultural Evidence

Additional Information: Harappan Culture and Agriculture

The Harappan civilization relied heavily on agriculture. They cultivated various crops, including wheat, barley, pulses, peas, sesame, lentil, chickpea, and possibly rice in some areas. Cotton was also grown, as indicated by finds of cotton fabric and spindle whorls. Animal husbandry was also important, with evidence of cattle, sheep, goats, and water buffaloes.

Beyond the evidence mentioned, other findings supporting Harappan agriculture include:

• Discovery of large granaries in cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, suggesting efficient storage of agricultural surplus.
• Evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan, showing furrow marks. This field appears to have been ploughed in two different directions, perhaps to sow different crops together.
• Terracotta figures and bones of animals like cattle, which were likely used for ploughing and transportation.

The sophisticated urban planning of Harappan cities, including their grid pattern, impressive drainage systems, and often raised citadel areas, showcases their advanced civic engineering and organization, which was supported by a productive agricultural base. However, the urban layout itself isn't considered a direct tool or technique of agriculture.