Finding Out About Craft Production
Chanhudaro, a small settlement of less than 7 hectares, contrasted starkly with the sprawling Mohenjodaro, primarily serving as a center for various craft productions. Craftsmanship at Chanhudaro encompassed bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making, and weight-making. Beads were crafted from a diverse range of materials, including carnelian, jasper, crystal, quartz, steatite, copper, bronze, gold, shell, faience, and terracotta. These beads displayed various shapes and decorations, highlighting the artisans’ skill and creativity. Craft techniques varied according to the materials used; for instance, steatite beads were molded from a steatite powder paste, allowing for versatile shapes. The production process for carnelian involved chipping nodules into rough shapes, followed by fine flaking, grinding, polishing, and drilling. Specialized drills discovered at sites like Chanhudaro, Lothal, and Dholavira shed light on ancient technology.
Nageshwar and Balakot, situated near the coast, specialized in shell object production, such as bangles and ladles, which were distributed to other settlements. Similarly, finished products from Chanhudaro and Lothal likely made their way to larger urban centers like Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
To identify craft production centers, archaeologists typically seek raw materials, tools, unfinished objects, rejects, and waste material. Waste is particularly indicative of craft activity, with discarded pieces serving as valuable clues to production sites. While some craft activities were centralized in specialized centers like Chanhudaro, evidence suggests that larger cities such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa also engaged in craft production alongside their other urban functions.
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!