RAS question
Which IVC site is known for the discovery of a terracotta model of a plough?
Correct answer: (D) Banawali.
Banawali is the Indus Valley Civilisation site known for the discovery of a terracotta model of a plough.
Explanation
Banawali is the right answer because Haryana Tourism identifies a terracotta plough model among the important finds from the Harappan phase of the site. Haryana Tourism describes Banawali as having a three-fold cultural sequence: Pre-Harappan, Harappan and Bara, and records that the site was excavated by Dr. R.S. Bisht of the Archaeological Survey of India. Its Harappan phase is marked by a well-planned fortified township laid in a radial pattern. The plough model matters because it is tied directly to the Harappan cultural layer, while other finds such as charred barley grains reinforce Banawali's importance for questions on agriculture and material culture in the IVC.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Mohenjo-daro is associated with the Great Bath and the Dancing Girl, not with the terracotta plough model.
- (B) Kalibangan is known for evidence of a ploughed field, which is different from the terracotta model of a plough found at Banawali.
- (C) Lothal is linked with the dockyard and fire altars, so it does not match the specific artefact: the terracotta plough model.
Concept
This tests the Ancient History syllabus area on Harappan sites and their diagnostic finds. It recurs in RAS because site-artefact matching is a compact way to test factual command over IVC agriculture, town planning and material culture.