Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns: 1) There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. 2) Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered. [2026]

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:

There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.
Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered.
There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.

Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.
Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.

Inference 1 is correct

While spindle-whorls have been found in Harappan excavations, the spinning wheel was a much later technological innovation. The absence of spinning wheels suggests spinning was done manually and, therefore, comparatively laborious. It was performed at the household level.

Inference 2 is correct

The discovery of standardised weights and measuring scales with graduations shows that the exchanges were regulated by a precise system of weights. Such standardised weights show that the Harappan people were technologically and engineering-wise advanced.

Inference 3 is incorrect

Harappan houses were being built around central courtyards with “their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms”. Large brick houses with courtyards, wells, and bathing areas indicate advanced urban planning. However, they do not suggest a common property system. In fact, the emphasis on individual household amenities and private residential space suggests a private property model.

This is a good example of an inference-based UPSC question that can actually be solved through careful elimination, even if one does not know every factual detail. Statements I and II clearly support logical inferences: spindle-whorls indicate household spinning activity, while standardised weights and graduated scales reflect scientific and mathematical knowledge. However, Statement III becomes doubtful because the existence of well-built houses with private wells and courtyards does not automatically imply a “common property system.” In fact, private residential features suggest individual household ownership rather than collective property arrangements. Thus, by identifying the exaggerated or weak inference in Statement III, an aspirant can eliminate the options containing it and arrive at the correct answer. This shows that UPSC often rewards analytical reading and logical elimination as much as factual knowledge.