A copper chariot dating to the late Harappan/Chalcolithic phase was discovered at which archaeological site in India?

Introduction / Context:
Archaeological discoveries often provide crucial insights into the technological and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations. Among such finds, metal objects and vehicles like chariots are particularly significant because they indicate advances in metallurgy, transport and possibly warfare or ritual. A well known question in Indian archaeology relates to the discovery of a copper chariot at a particular site associated with the late Harappan or Chalcolithic phase. This question tests whether you can correctly link that copper chariot find to its excavation site.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The object in question is a copper chariot. - It is described as belonging to Harappan times (more precisely late Harappan/Chalcolithic). - Four sites are offered: Kuntal, Rakhigarhi, Daimabad and Banawali. - We assume standard archaeological identifications used in competitive exam material.

Concept / Approach:
Daimabad, located in present day Maharashtra, is a Chalcolithic site where a remarkable hoard of bronze/copper objects was discovered, including a chariot, an elephant and related figures. This hoard is sometimes linked with the late Harappan cultural horizon and is frequently mentioned in exam oriented summaries as the site where a copper chariot was found. Rakhigarhi and Banawali are important Harappan sites in Haryana, but they are not associated with this particular metal chariot discovery in standard accounts. “Kuntal” is not recognised as a major widely known Harappan site in most basic exam texts, which further narrows the correct choice to Daimabad.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Daimabad is famous for a hoard of copper or bronze objects found in a Chalcolithic context, including a model of a chariot. Step 2: Note that this chariot find is frequently cited in discussions about the spread and influence of Harappan or post Harappan culture into the Deccan region. Step 3: Recognise that Rakhigarhi and Banawali are key Indus Valley sites in Haryana but are usually discussed in relation to town planning and seals, not specifically copper chariots. Step 4: Observe that “Kuntal” does not figure prominently in standard lists of Harappan sites in introductory exam guides. Step 5: Match this background knowledge with the options and select Daimabad as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Archaeology summaries and NCERT style notes routinely mention Daimabad's copper hoard, describing a chariot drawn by animals among the artefacts. They highlight it as evidence for advanced metalwork in Chalcolithic Deccan and potential cultural links with Harappan traditions. In contrast, Rakhigarhi and Banawali are emphasised for their urban layouts and pottery, not for this type of metallurgical find. Cross checking across multiple exam books confirms that Daimabad is consistently given as the site where a copper chariot was discovered.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kuntal is wrong because it is not widely recognised in mainstream exam literature as a Harappan or Chalcolithic site known for a copper chariot.

Rakhigarhi is wrong because, although it is an important Harappan urban centre, it is not associated with the specific copper chariot hoard in standard references.

Banawali is wrong as it is known for its fortified settlement and artefacts, but not for a copper chariot discovery.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to automatically choose a better known Harappan site like Rakhigarhi or Banawali whenever an Indus related question is asked, without paying attention to the special clue “copper chariot,” which points specifically to Daimabad. Another pitfall is not revising Deccan Chalcolithic sites because they seem secondary to the main Indus centres, causing you to miss questions that link the two cultural zones. To avoid this, note the special association: “Daimabad – copper chariot hoard – Chalcolithic/late Harappan influence,” and keep it in your memory for similar questions.

Final Answer:
The copper chariot of Harappan/Chalcolithic times was discovered at Daimabad.