The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Indus Valley Civilization was characterized by a distinct economic interdependence between urban centers and rural areas. Cities functioned as hubs for administration, craft production, and trade, relying on the agricultural hinterland for sustenance and resources.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Archaeological evidence confirms that while rulers, scribes, and craftspersons resided in the cities, the countryside was inhabited by farmers and herders. These rural communities produced agricultural surplus (wheat, barley, pulses, etc.) and reared animals, supplying essential food to the non-food-producing urban population.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is no historical or archaeological evidence to suggest that city rulers engaged in farming themselves. The ruling class was occupied with administration, trade regulation, and urban management. Agriculture was the specific occupation of the peasantry living in the villages, distinct from the urban elite.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The countryside was the primary source of raw materials required for urban crafts and daily life. Cotton, which was cultivated in the region (notably found at Mehrgarh and Mohenjodaro), was grown in the fields and transported to cities for processing into cloth.
Key Takeaway:
Harappan urbanization was sustained by a surplus economy where the rural countryside provided food and raw materials (such as cotton) to support the specialized, non-agricultural activities of the city dwellers.