The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The subsistence strategies of the Harappan Civilisation were diverse, relying on a combination of agriculture, animal husbandry, and hunting. The dietary habits varied regionally based on climatic conditions and available resources.
- Statement 1 is Correct: Archaeobotanical finds confirm that millets have been discovered at Harappan sites in Gujarat. While the core areas of the civilisation relied heavily on wheat and barley, the semi-arid regions of Gujarat utilized drought-resistant crops like millets.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Rice was not the most commonly consumed grain. The staple food crops across the majority of the Harappan Civilisation were wheat and barley. Finds of rice are relatively rare and are generally limited to specific sites such as Lothal and Rangpur, often appearing in later phases.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Bones of wild species such as boar, deer, and gharial have been found at Harappan sites. This indicates that the Harappans supplemented their food supply by hunting wild animals or scavenging, in addition to consuming domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, and goats.
Key Takeaway: The primary staples of the Harappan diet were wheat and barley. Millets were regionally significant in Gujarat, while rice was rare. The presence of wild animal bones suggests a reliance on hunting alongside pastoralism.