A CLOSER LOOK

A CLOSER LOOK

The city of Dholavira was located on Khadir Beyt (also spelled as Bet) in the Rann of Kutch, where there were freshwater and fertile soil. Unlike some of the other Harappan cities, which were divided into two parts, Dholavira was divided into three parts, and each part was surrounded with massive stone walls, with entrances through gateways. There was also a large open area in the settlement, where public ceremonies could be held. Other finds include large letters of the Harappan script that were carved out of white stone and perhaps inlaid in wood. This is a unique find as generally Harappan writing has been found on small objects such as seals.

The city of Lothal stood beside a tributary of the Sabarmati, in Gujarat, close to the Gulf of Khambat. It was situated near areas where raw materials such as semi-precious stones were easily available. This was an important center for making objects out of stone, shell, and metal. There was also a storehouse in the city. Many seals and sealings (the impression of seals on clay) were found in this storehouse.

This huge tank may have been a dockyard, where boats and ships came in from the sea and through the river channel. Goods were probably loaded and unloaded here.

A building that was found there was probably a workshop for making beads: pieces of stone, half made beads, tools for bead making, and finished beads have all been found here.

More to know about seals and sealings

Seals may have been used to stamp bags or packets containing goods that were sent from one place to another. After a bag was closed or tied, a layer of wet clay was applied on the knot, and the seal was pressed on it. The impression of the seal is known as sealing.

If the sealing was intact, one could be sure that the goods had arrived safely.

The Harappans reared cattle, sheep, goat, and buffalo. Water and pastures were available around settlements. However, in the dry summer months, large herds of animals were probably taken to greater distances in search of grass and water. They also collected fruits like ber, caught fish, and hunted wild animals like the antelope.

Activity:

Seals are used even today. Find out what they are used for?

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK