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?

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.

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

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With reference to the subsistence strategies of the Harappan Civilisation, consider the following statements:

Millets have been found at Harappan sites in Gujarat.
Rice was the most commonly consumed grain in the Harappan Civilisation.
Bones of wild species such as boar and gharial are found at Harappan sites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

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Solution

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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Priest-King": 1. It is a large bronze statue. 2. The figure is seated with one hand on the knee. 3. It was found at the site of Mohenjodaro. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is

1 and 3 only

Explanation

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.