Question

How have the roles and methodologies of archaeologists contributed to the understanding of Harappan Civilization over time? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

The study of Harappan Civilization has evolved through the work of archaeologists using new methods and interdisciplinary approaches.

• Early excavations by Daya Ram Sahni (Harappa, 1921) and R.D. Banerjee (Mohenjo-Daro, 1922) laid the foundation of Harappan studies.
• Mortimer Wheeler introduced stratigraphy to differentiate between occupational layers.
• Recent archaeologists like R.S. Bisht and Vasant Shinde used satellite imagery, carbon dating, and DNA studies for more refined understanding.
• Study of faunal remains, tools, inscriptions, and burial sites provided insight into agriculture, economy, trade, and beliefs.
• Shift from focusing only on elite architecture to also studying common settlements has expanded knowledge of social structure.

Thus, archaeology has been crucial in revealing how Harappan society functioned and evolved over time.