Evidence of an “invasion”
Deadman Lane is a narrow alley, varying from 3 to 6 feet in width. At the point where the lane turns westward, part of a skull and the bones of the thorax and upper arm of an adult were discovered, all in a very friable condition, at a depth of 4 ft 2 in. The body lay on its back diagonally across the lane. Fifteen inches to the west were a few fragments of a tiny skull. It is to these remains that the lane owes its name. From John Marshall, Mohenjodaro and the Indus Civilisation, 1931.
a. Why is the lane called the Deadman Lane?
b. State the conclusions that scholars and archaeologists draw from this information?
c. Give reasons to justify that the earlier interpretations can sometimes be reversed?
(a) The lane is called Deadman lane:
1. Narrow lane about 3 ft to 6 ft in width from where human skeletal remains have been discovered.
2. Part of a skull and the bones of the thorax and upper arm of an adult were discovered.
3. The body lay on its back diagonally across the lane.
4. Tiny skull has also been found.
(b) Scholars and archaeologists have concluded that
1 the evidence points to an invasion.
2 According to them this invasion brought about the end of the civilization.
(c) Earlier interpretations are sometimes reversed because:
1. Fresh evidence that comes to light does not support earlier interpretations.
2. Eg: George Dales finds that the skeletons found did not belong to the same period.
Couldn't generate an explanation.
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