List the materials used to make beads in the Harappan civilisation. Describe the process by which any one kind of bead was made.

Beads making was an important occupation of the Harappans. They were the skilled bead makers.

Material used for beads making:

(a) Stones --Carnelian, Jasper, crystal, Quartz and steatite,

(b) Metals--Copper bronze and gold and shell and Terracotta or burnt clay were used to make beads

The process of bead making differed according to the materials used the beads had a variety of shapes but not the geometrical shapes like the hardest stone have.

I. First Stage – It was related to shaping the beads, which differed from material to material.

II. Second Stage – It was about colouring the beads, like yellowish raw material was converted into red colour of carnelian by use of Fire.

III. Third Stage - The nodules were chipped for making rough shapes and then they were given the final form.

IV. Final Stage – It included grinding, polishing, and drilling. Chanhudaro, Lothal, and Dholavira specialised in drilling.