Where was ‘carnelian’, a stone used by the Harappans for making beads, mostly found?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Gujarat.
Explanation:
- The people of the Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization) were skilled in the art of crafting beads and jewelry. Carnelian—a beautiful, red-colored gemstone—was primarily sourced from the Bharuch region of Gujarat.
- Centers for Bead-Making: Lothal in Gujarat and Chanhudaro in Sindh were the most significant industrial hubs for bead production. Remains of workshops and kilns used for crafting Carnelian beads have been discovered at Lothal.
- Processing: To impart its distinctive red hue, the Carnelian stone underwent a multi-stage heating process involving firing in kilns.
- Trade: The Harappans exported these gemstones and beads to distant lands, such as Mesopotamia and Oman.
Sources of Raw Materials in the Harappan Civilization (Quick Revision):
| Raw Material | Source Location |
|---|---|
| Carnelian | Lothal (Gujarat) |
| Copper | Khetri (Rajasthan) and Oman |
| Gold | South India (Karnataka) |
| Lapis Lazuli | Shortughai (Afghanistan) |
| Tin | Afghanistan and Iran |
| Shells | Nageshwar and Balakot (Gujarat) |
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Which site of the Harappan Civilization yielded evidence of a bead-making workshop?
Answer: Lothal and Chanhudaro.
Question: From where did the Harappans primarily procure 'Copper'?
Answer: From the Khetri region of Rajasthan.
Question: What process was applied to Carnelian stones to achieve their red color?
Answer: They were heated (fired) in a kiln.