RAS question
Kalibangan in Rajasthan is known for:
Correct answer: (C) Pre-Harappan and Harappan ploughed field and fire altars.
Kalibangan in Rajasthan is known for evidence of Early Harappan and Mature Harappan occupation, including a ploughed field with criss-cross furrows and fire altars.
Explanation
Kalibangan is identified with the Harappan cultural sequence in Rajasthan because it preserves both Early Harappan and Mature Harappan phases. The ASI excavation report records two occupation periods at the site: Period I as Early Harappan and Period II as Mature Harappan. Its most distinctive evidence is the ploughed field with criss-cross furrow marks, ascribed to Early Harappan times, which matches the standard exam point that Kalibangan is known for an early ploughed agricultural field. The same report also treats fire altars as an important feature: it notes fire altars on ritual platforms and also records fire altars in private houses. Together, these explain why option C, not an artefact or structure from another Harappan site, is the best answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The Dancing Girl is not part of the given Kalibangan evidence, which centres on its Harappan phases, ploughed field and fire altars.
- (B) The Great Bath is not supported by the Kalibangan explanation or the ASI report passage used here; Kalibangan is tested for the ploughed field and fire altars.
- (D) A dockyard is not the distinguishing feature in the provided Kalibangan evidence, which instead points to agricultural furrows and ritual fire altars.
Concept
This tests Indus Valley Civilisation site-specific evidence, especially how Rajasthan's Kalibangan differs from better-known Harappan sites. It recurs in RAS because the site links Rajasthan history with core archaeological markers: cultural phases, agriculture and ritual structures.