Ancient Authority
Complex decisions were evidently made and executed within Harappan society, as indicated by the remarkable uniformity of Harappan artifacts like pottery, seals, weights, and bricks. Notably, even though bricks were not produced in a centralized manner, they maintained a consistent ratio throughout the region, from Jammu to Gujarat. Settlements were strategically established in specific locations for various purposes, and labor was organized for brickmaking and the construction of large-scale structures.
The question arises: who coordinated these activities? When examining centers of power or depictions of authority in archaeological records, there are no straightforward answers. While a large building at Mohenjodaro was identified as a palace by archaeologists, no extraordinary discoveries were associated with it. A stone statue, known as the “priest-king,” has been labeled as such due to parallels with Mesopotamian history, but the actual political power of such figures remains unclear.
Opinions among archaeologists vary regarding the nature of governance in Harappan society. Some suggest that it was egalitarian, with everyone enjoying equal status, while others propose the existence of multiple rulers, with different centers like Mohenjodaro and Harappa possibly having separate rulers. However, the prevailing view leans towards the idea of a single state, considering the uniformity in artifacts, planned settlements, standardized brick sizes, and the strategic establishment of settlements near sources of raw materials. This theory seems most plausible, as it’s unlikely that entire communities could collectively coordinate and implement such intricate decisions.
Chapter 1: Bricks,Beads and Bones| Class 12 Notes History
Crafted from a stone called steatite, Harappan seals typically feature animal motifs and symbols from a script that has yet to be deciphered. Despite the mystery surrounding the script, archaeologists have gleaned significant insights into the lives of the people inhabiting the region through the examination of their dwellings, pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals – collectively known as archaeological evidence.
This evidence serves as a window into the Harappan civilization, shedding light on various aspects of their society. However, while archaeological findings provide valuable insights, interpretations of these discoveries are subject to change as new evidence emerges. Although there are still unknown aspects of the civilization that may remain elusive, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the Harappan civilization!