Harappan Agriculture

Discovery of Terracotta Plough | Banawali Harappan Site

A terracotta model of a plough was discovered at the Harappan site of Banawali in Haryana.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part I

Archived:

Updated:

Which among the following Harappan site terracotta of 'plough' was found?

[60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Miniature models of tools and transport are vital artifacts that help reconstruct the technology used in ancient daily life.

Authentic Source Evidence


A well-preserved terracotta model of a plough was discovered at Banawali (Fatehabad district, Haryana), proving the use of such implements in Harappan farming.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Banawali (B): Site of the terracotta model discovery.

  • Kalibangan (C): Site where a physical ploughed field (evidence of use) was found, though not a terracotta model.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What does the discovery of a plough model suggest?"

    It confirms that the Harappans practiced advanced agriculture using cattle-drawn ploughs, allowing them to cultivate large surplus crops.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Banawali and Kalibangan together provide the 'artifact' (plough model) and the 'activity' (ploughed field) that defined Indus agrarian society."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    UPSC Question Bank | Verified
    Live Archive Status