Which one of the following Harappan sites was a specialised centre for making shell objects?

Craft production was a vital component of the Harappan economy, with specific settlements serving as specialized manufacturing hubs [1]. Archaeological evidence identifies Nageshwar and Balakot as primary specialized centres for making shell objects [2]. These sites were strategically established near coastal areas where marine shell resources were abundant [3]. The shell industry at Balakot involved the production of various items, including bangles, ladles, and inlay work, which were subsequently transported to larger urban centres like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa [2]. While Lothal was a significant industrial port, it was primarily renowned for its carnelian bead industry and metalworking rather than being the primary specialized shell centre [3]. In contrast, sites like Amri and Kot Diji represent earlier regional cultures or different phases of urbanization where shell working was not the defining specialized craft.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Early India: From the Beginnings to the Indus Civilisation > Craft Production > p. 11
2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > BRICKS, BEADS AND BONES > p. 11
3. [3] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > 6.1 Materials from the subcontinent and beyond > p. 12