The Harappans were the first in Eurasia to grow which crop?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4: Cotton.
Explanation:
The inhabitants of the Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization) were among the first people in the world to begin cultivating cotton.
Historical Evidence: The earliest evidence of cotton cultivation comes from Mehrgarh (present-day Pakistan), dating back to approximately 5000 BCE. Fragments of cotton cloth and threads have also been discovered at various Harappan sites.
Greek Nomenclature: Because the Harappans cultivated cotton, the Greeks referred to it as 'Sindon,' a term derived from the word 'Sindhu.'
Trade: The people of the Harappan Civilization exported cotton and cotton textiles to other contemporary civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Other Major Crops of the Harappan Civilization:
Here are some important points for revision for competitive examinations:
Cereals: The Harappans cultivated wheat and barley on a large scale. Evidence of rice husks has also been found at Lothal and Rangpur.
Oilseeds: Mustard and sesame were also cultivated.
Others: Evidence of the production of peas and dates has also been found.
Additional Information (Analysis of Other Options):
Tobacco, Chilies, and Potatoes (Options 1, 2, 3): These crops were not present in India during the Harappan period. They were introduced to India much later (during the 16th–17th centuries) by the Portuguese.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: By what name did the Harappans know cotton, or what did the Greeks call it?
Answer: Sindon.
Question: From which site of the Indus Valley Civilization has evidence of 'rice husks' been found?
Answer: Lothal and Rangpur.
Question: Where has evidence of a 'ploughed field' been found within the Harappan Civilization?
Answer: Kalibangan.