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

mcqeasy

Which of the following stones was primarily used to manufacture the distinctive red beads found in the Harappan civilization?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AQuartz
BLapis Lazuli
CCarnelian
DJasper

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Carnelian

Explanation

The Harappan civilization (Indus Valley Civilization) possessed a highly developed craft industry. Bead-making was one of the most significant specialized crafts, with products exported to regions as far as Mesopotamia. Specialized centers such as Chanhudaro and Lothal were dedicated to this industry.

Detailed Analysis:

Carnelian: This was the primary stone used to manufacture the distinctive red beads associated with Harappan culture. Carnelian is a semi-precious stone. The Harappan craftsmen developed a complex technology to produce these beads, which involved firing the yellowish raw material at various stages of production to achieve the characteristic red colour. They also utilized specialized drills (made of ernestite) to bore holes into these hard stones.
Lapis Lazuli: This is a deep blue metamorphic rock. While used in Harappan jewelry, it was not the material for the red beads. It was primarily sourced from Shortughai in Afghanistan.
Jasper and Quartz: These materials were also used for bead making, along with steatite, agate, and faience. However, the specific reference to "distinctive red beads" points directly to the specialized Carnelian industry.

Key Takeaway:

Carnelian was the specific stone used for the famous Harappan red beads, produced through advanced heat treatment techniques at specialized craft centers like Chanhudaro and Lothal.

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?

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

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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?

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

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The correct option is

Carnelian

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Carnelian: This was the primary stone used to manufacture the distinctive red beads associated with Harappan culture. Carnelian is a semi-precious stone. The Harappan craftsmen developed a complex technology to produce these beads, which involved firing the yellowish raw material at various stages of production to achieve the characteristic red colour. They also utilized specialized drills (made of ernestite) to bore holes into these hard stones.
Lapis Lazuli: This is a deep blue metamorphic rock. While used in Harappan jewelry, it was not the material for the red beads. It was primarily sourced from Shortughai in Afghanistan.
Jasper and Quartz: These materials were also used for bead making, along with steatite, agate, and faience. However, the specific reference to "distinctive red beads" points directly to the specialized Carnelian industry.

Key Takeaway:

Carnelian was the specific stone used for the famous Harappan red beads, produced through advanced heat treatment techniques at specialized craft centers like Chanhudaro and Lothal.