A red-coloured semi-precious stone
Explanation
Bead-making was a highly sophisticated craft within the Indus Valley Civilization. Artisans utilized a diverse range of materials, including metals (gold, copper), shells, terracotta, and various semi-precious stones, to create ornaments that were traded extensively.Analysis of Options:
- A soft steatite stone is incorrect: Steatite is a soft stone (talc), typically white or greyish in colour. While it was the most common material used for making seals and micro-beads, it is not carnelian.
- A red-coloured semi-precious stone is correct: Carnelian is a beautiful red-coloured semi-precious stone (a variety of chalcedony). The Harappans developed advanced technologies to drill these hard stones and often fired yellowish raw material to achieve the distinct red colour. Chanhudaro and Lothal were prominent centres for carnelian bead production.
- A type of marine shell is incorrect: Marine shells were used for making objects like bangles, ladles, and inlay pieces, particularly in coastal sites like Balakot and Nageshwar, but they are distinct from stone materials.
- A synthetic glazed material is incorrect: A synthetic glazed material refers to Faience, which was artificially produced using silica (sand or quartz) and gum, then glazed. It is not a natural stone.
Key Takeaway: Carnelian is a red semi-precious stone that was central to the Harappan lapidary (stone-working) industry, with specialized workshops found at sites like Chanhudaro and Lothal.