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.