Chanhudaro – Important Facts for Competitive Examinations
1. Introduction
- Location: Sindh, Pakistan.
- Significance: One of the major sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
- Time Period: 3300 BCE – 1300 BCE (Mature Harappan Phase: 2600–1900 BCE).
- Excavation: First excavated in 1931 by Ernest J.H. Mackay.
2. Key Features of Chanhudaro
✔ Small Yet Important Settlement
- Unlike Harappa or Mohenjo-Daro, it was a single settlement without a fortified citadel.
- Spread across 5 hectares, smaller than Harappa or Mohenjo-Daro.
✔ Major Bead-Making & Craft Center
- Famous for bead-making, shell bangle production, and terracotta toy manufacturing.
- Evidence of lapidary (stone-cutting) work and ivory crafting.
- Suggests a specialized artisan settlement.
✔ Well-Planned Urban Layout
- Presence of drainage system, streets, and houses similar to other Indus sites.
- Large-scale kilns for pottery production.
- No fortifications, indicating a peaceful trading hub.
✔ Important Discoveries
- A bronze dancing girl figurine, similar to the one found in Mohenjo-Daro.
- Seals with Indus script and terracotta tablets.
- Evidence of faience (glazed ceramic) production.
✔ Trade and Economy
- Connected with Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Mesopotamia through trade.
- Indications of cotton textile production and maritime trade.
3. Why is Chanhudaro Important?
- Major Industrial & Craft Production Center of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- First IVC site to be excavated without fortifications, showing it was a trade hub rather than a military stronghold.
- Bead-making and shell work suggest export-oriented production, indicating connections with other civilizations.
4. Subjective Questions for Exams
- Why is Chanhudaro considered a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
- Discuss the importance of craft production at Chanhudaro.
- How does Chanhudaro differ from other major Indus Valley sites?
- What evidence suggests that Chanhudaro was a major trading center?
5. Objective Questions for Exams
- Where is Chanhudaro located?
a) Gujarat
b) Rajasthan
c) Sindh, Pakistan
d) Haryana
Ans: c) Sindh, Pakistan - Which archaeologist excavated Chanhudaro in 1931?
a) R.D. Banerjee
b) Sir John Marshall
c) Ernest J.H. Mackay
d) Daya Ram Sahni
Ans: c) Ernest J.H. Mackay - Which of the following industries was most prominent in Chanhudaro?
a) Iron smelting
b) Bead-making
c) Shipbuilding
d) Brick manufacturing
Ans: b) Bead-making - What is a unique feature of Chanhudaro compared to other Indus Valley sites?
a) It was a fortified city
b) It had no citadel or fortifications
c) It was the capital of the Indus Valley Civilization
d) It was the largest city of the civilization
Ans: b) It had no citadel or fortifications - Which civilization had trade connections with Chanhudaro?
a) Roman
b) Mesopotamian
c) Persian
d) Chinese
Ans: b) Mesopotamian
Conclusion
Chanhudaro was a thriving industrial center in the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its craft production, bead-making, and trade. Its lack of fortifications makes it unique, highlighting its role as a peaceful commercial hub rather than a military city. 🚀
This is structured for competitive exam preparation with key points, subjective questions, and objective questions. Let me know if you need any modifications! 😊