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Aditya MathurAIR 98· 2025

Question Q.11GS1UNKNOWN

Throw light upon the importance of seals and seatings in the reconstruction of socio-economic and religious life of the Harappan people. Also, explain why many of the known Harappan settlements are in semi-arid regions.

Open scan (p.23)

Introduction

Indus-Valley Civilization was an advanced civilization that thrived in the region from 2600 BC - 1300 BC along Indus and its tributaries.

22 words

Main Body

Importance of Seals & Seatings

I. Reconstruction of Socio-Economic life

O Used for Trade & Commerce: as shown by symbol & sigils engraved in Steatite seals. () Found in Lothal (Dock)

O Used for Teaching: shown in use of symbols like () Ψ or seal ()?

Religion & Priesthood.

O Used in Houses: as weights & seals for day-to-day affairs

II. Reconstruction of Religious life

O Religion: () IVC people visible in seals - () Pashupati seal.

O Shamanic Practices: practiced by people visible in some seals found in Suktagandis

O Cross-Border Exchanger: () religions of merchants & travellers as seen in seals () Ratehigarhti of Lothal.

O Religion Persuade: () IVC people living such seals found in many IVC cities in fair number.

Many known Harappan Settlement in Semi-Arid Region

I. Natural factors () Thar Desert: extending from Rajasthan to Gujarat had low rainfall

() Monsoon Variability: which had manmade source of water

II. Human factors () Embark Water Network: Built by Harappan to compensate for lack of water

() Rivers Settlement: Built by hives to ensure adequate water () Gaggar hier.

— Aditya Mathur · AIR 98

183 words14 paragraphs

Conclusion

Indus Valley Seals & Seatings are a remarkable height of Harappans, and their value is still seen in World Heritage Site Recognition to Lothal by UNESCO.

26 words

Diagram

Diagram showing IVC cities/sites including Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Robtgarhi, Dholavira and Thar desert location

  • Good historical context with dates
  • Clear structure with categorization
  • Mentions specific artifacts and locations like Lothal
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Topper

Aditya Mathur

AIR 982025

Subject & Paper

GS1UNKNOWN

Topic

Indian Culture

Indus Valley Civilization

Harappan seals, seatings and socio-economic reconstruction

Writing Stats

231

Total words

14

Paragraphs

Linked PYQ

As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road construction projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private parties. The compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20-acre farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife’s name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees denuding the area of its green cover. Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities are as a public servant.

20M2018Critically examine