Module: General Practice
Q13: Consider the following statements regarding the specialized procurement centers of Nageshwar and Balakot:
1. Nageshwar and Balakot were specialized craft centers located deep inland, established strategically near major agricultural hubs to feed the artisan population.
2. These two settlements were dedicated exclusively to the manufacture of shell objects, such as bangles, ladles, and intricate inlay work.
3. Finished shell products from these specialized coastal centers were systematically transported to larger urban centers like Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. These two settlements were dedicated exclusively to the manufacture of shell objects, such as bangles, ladles, and intricate inlay work.
3. Finished shell products from these specialized coastal centers were systematically transported to larger urban centers like Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: B
🎯 Quick Answer:
Option B is the correct answer because statement 1 misidentifies the geographical location of Nageshwar and Balakot.Structural Breakdown: Rather than dragging heavy raw materials over long distances, the Harappans processed the materials at the source.
Nageshwar and Balakot were perfectly positioned to harvest whole shells from the ocean.
The artisans there processed these shells into finished luxury items like bangles and ladles.
Historical/Related Context: Another prime example of this "source-settlement" strategy is Shortughai in far-off Afghanistan, which was established specifically because it was near the best source of lapis lazuli, a highly valued blue stone.
Lothal was similarly positioned near sources of carnelian.
Causal Reasoning: Nageshwar (in Gujarat) and Balakot (in Pakistan) were established specifically on the coast, not deep inland.
The coastal proximity was absolutely essential, as their entire localized economy relied on the continuous extraction of marine shells, which were then crafted and exported to the landlocked capital cities.