NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones - The Harappan Civilisation

mcqeasy

Which of the following pairs regarding Harappan artefacts and their likely functions is correctly matched?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ASaddle Querns : Grinding cereals
BSpindle Whorls : Weighing precious metals
CFaience pots : Storing large quantities of grain
DGreat Bath : Storing agricultural produce

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is Saddle Querns : Grinding cereals

Explanation

The question pertains to the identification of Harappan artefacts and their associated functions, drawing upon archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization. Understanding the purpose of these objects provides insight into the daily life, economic activities, and technological advancements of the Harappan people.

Statement-wise Analysis

Saddle Querns : Grinding cereals
- Correct. Saddle querns are stone tools characterized by a concave surface, used with a muller (another stone) for grinding grains and other food items. Archaeological findings at Harappan sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, confirm their widespread use for processing cereals.
Spindle Whorls : Weighing precious metals
- Incorrect. Spindle whorls are small, disc-shaped objects, often made of terracotta or shell, with a hole in the center. They were used to add weight to a spindle, facilitating the spinning of yarn from fibers like cotton or wool. Weighing precious metals was done using standardized weights, not spindle whorls.
Faience pots : Storing large quantities of grain
- Incorrect. Faience is a material made from ground silica, colored, and then glazed. Faience objects, including small pots, were considered valuable and were often used for ornaments, beads, or small containers for perfumes or precious items. They were not suitable for storing large quantities of grain due to their small size and fragile nature. Large-scale grain storage occurred in granaries.
Great Bath : Storing agricultural produce
- Incorrect. The Great Bath, a prominent structure at Mohenjo-Daro, is a large rectangular tank within a courtyard. Its precise function is debated, but it is widely believed to have been used for special ritualistic bathing or religious ceremonies, not for storing agricultural produce. Granaries were used for storing agricultural produce.

Key Takeaway

Saddle querns were utilized for grinding cereals, reflecting a fundamental aspect of Harappan food processing.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones - The Harappan Civilisation

In the context of Harappan domestic architecture at Mohenjodaro, which of the following is a distinctive feature of the residential buildings?

medium

The "Proto-Shiva" seal depicts a figure seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals. Which of the following animals are typically associated with this depiction?

medium

With reference to the subsistence strategies of the Harappan Civilisation, consider the following statements: 1. Millets have been found at Harappan sites in Gujarat. 2. Rice was the most commonly consumed grain in the Harappan Civilisation. 3. Bones of wild species such as boar and gharial are found at Harappan sites. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the "Mother Goddess" figurines: 1. They are made of terracotta. 2. They are always depicted as plain figures without any jewellery. 3. They are found in large numbers at Mohenjodaro. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Site) | List II (Feature) A. Dholavira | 1. Craft production centre B. Kalibangan | 2. Evidence of ploughed field C. Chanhudaro | 3. Water reservoirs D. Lothal | 4. Dockyard

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones - The Harappan Civilisation

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 12 History chapters

The correct Answer is Saddle Querns : Grinding cereals

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Saddle Querns : Grinding cereals
- Correct. Saddle querns are stone tools characterized by a concave surface, used with a muller (another stone) for grinding grains and other food items. Archaeological findings at Harappan sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, confirm their widespread use for processing cereals.
Spindle Whorls : Weighing precious metals
- Incorrect. Spindle whorls are small, disc-shaped objects, often made of terracotta or shell, with a hole in the center. They were used to add weight to a spindle, facilitating the spinning of yarn from fibers like cotton or wool. Weighing precious metals was done using standardized weights, not spindle whorls.
Faience pots : Storing large quantities of grain
- Incorrect. Faience is a material made from ground silica, colored, and then glazed. Faience objects, including small pots, were considered valuable and were often used for ornaments, beads, or small containers for perfumes or precious items. They were not suitable for storing large quantities of grain due to their small size and fragile nature. Large-scale grain storage occurred in granaries.
Great Bath : Storing agricultural produce
- Incorrect. The Great Bath, a prominent structure at Mohenjo-Daro, is a large rectangular tank within a courtyard. Its precise function is debated, but it is widely believed to have been used for special ritualistic bathing or religious ceremonies, not for storing agricultural produce. Granaries were used for storing agricultural produce.

Key Takeaway

Saddle querns were utilized for grinding cereals, reflecting a fundamental aspect of Harappan food processing.