[Solved] Harappan Uniformity and Construction Evolution

Which of the following statements about Harappa Civilization is/are correct?
1. There is the extraordinary uniformity in artefacts as evident in pottery, seals, bricks and weights.
2. The late Harappa sites also maintained the same construction techniques as were used in mature Harappa sites. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[CAPF 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Indus Valley Civilization is defined by its standardization, but this uniformity declined as the civilization moved into its post-urban or 'Late' phase.

Authentic Source Evidence

Mature Harappan sites show a 4:2:1 ratio for bricks across vast distances (Uniformity). However, Late Harappan sites show a clear decline in construction quality, moving away from grid layouts and standardized baked bricks.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. Weights, seals, and pottery types remain consistent from Punjab to Gujarat during the urban phase.

Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. Late Harappa saw the abandonment of large public baths and granaries, and an increased reliance on mud bricks and less efficient drainage systems.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What does the brick ratio of 4:2:1 signify in Harappan history?"

It is proof of a centralized administration or shared standards that governed brick manufacturing across thousands of miles.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The transition from Mature to Late Harappa is characterized by 'localization'—the loss of standard pan-Indus traits in favor of regional variations."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Standardization 3