NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 3: In the earliest cities

mcqeasy

The discovery of spindle whorls in Harappan sites suggests that the inhabitants were engaged in:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASpinning of thread
BPottery making
CMetal casting
DBead drilling

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Spinning of thread

Explanation

Archaeological excavations in the Indus Valley Civilization have yielded specific artifacts that provide insight into the domestic and industrial activities of the period. Spindle whorls are key indicators of textile production technology.

Analysis:

Nature and Function: A spindle whorl is a disc-shaped or spherical object with a central hole, designed to be fitted onto a spindle. It acts as a weight or flywheel to maintain the momentum of the spin, facilitating the twisting of fibers into thread.
Archaeological Evidence: Numerous spindle whorls made of terracotta, faience, and shell have been discovered across various Harappan sites. This widespread availability suggests that the spinning of thread (cotton and wool) was a common craft, likely practiced at the household level.
Comparison with other options:
- Pottery making utilizes a potter's wheel, which is distinct in size and mechanism.
- Metal casting relies on crucibles and moulds.
- Bead drilling utilizes specialized drills (such as those found in Chanhudaro and Lothal), not whorls.

Key Takeaway: Spindle whorls are the primary archaeological evidence for the practice of spinning thread and the existence of a developed textile industry in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: In the earliest cities

Consider the following statements regarding the architectural features of Harappan cities: 1. Most cities were divided into two parts, the citadel and the lower town. 2. Walls of mud were built around each part of the city. 3. The bricks were laid in a simple stacking pattern to allow for easy dismantling. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

To ensure water-tightness, the brickwork of the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro was coated with a layer of:

easy

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the drainage system in Harappan cities: 1. Drains in houses were often connected to those on the streets. 2. Inspection holes were provided at intervals to clean the covered drains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the Harappan civilization, the stone known as 'Chert' was predominantly used to manufacture:

easy

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The correct option is

Spinning of thread

Explanation

Analysis:

Nature and Function: A spindle whorl is a disc-shaped or spherical object with a central hole, designed to be fitted onto a spindle. It acts as a weight or flywheel to maintain the momentum of the spin, facilitating the twisting of fibers into thread.
Archaeological Evidence: Numerous spindle whorls made of terracotta, faience, and shell have been discovered across various Harappan sites. This widespread availability suggests that the spinning of thread (cotton and wool) was a common craft, likely practiced at the household level.
Comparison with other options:
- Pottery making utilizes a potter's wheel, which is distinct in size and mechanism.
- Metal casting relies on crucibles and moulds.
- Bead drilling utilizes specialized drills (such as those found in Chanhudaro and Lothal), not whorls.

Key Takeaway: Spindle whorls are the primary archaeological evidence for the practice of spinning thread and the existence of a developed textile industry in the Indus Valley Civilization.