RAS question
Evidence of horse bones in the Indus Valley Civilization context has been reported from:
Correct answer: (D) Surkotada.
Evidence of horse bones in the Indus Valley Civilization has been reported at the Harappan site of Surkotada in Gujarat.
Explanation
This evidence is associated with Surkotada because the horse remains found there are linked to the Archaeological Survey of India excavation record. The equid remains were identified as the true horse species Equus caballus from features such as cheek teeth, incisors and phalanges. Bones of Equus caballus occur at Surkotada from Period IA to IC. Horse evidence has also been claimed at other Harappan sites, but remains whose stratigraphic position is unclear are debated. Surkotada therefore remains the standard site associated with horse evidence in examinations on the Indus Valley Civilization.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Harappa is not the standard site for this association. Its reported horse remains are debated where their stratigraphic position is unclear.
- (B) Reported horse evidence from Mohenjo-daro is debated because its stratigraphic position is unclear, so it is not the standard examination answer; Surkotada is the principal site.
- (C) Dholavira is a major Harappan site, but this horse-bone evidence is associated with Surkotada, not Dholavira.
Concept
Understanding archaeological evidence from Harappan sites requires linking animal remains to the specific excavated contexts in which they were found. RAS examinations often ask which evidence comes from which site. Such questions distinguish merely memorising lists of Indus sites from understanding source-based chronology and material culture.