Question

What symbolizes or confirms the Harappan Civilization's contact with distant lands?

1. Traces of Harappan artifacts in present Saudi Arabia.

2. A distinctive type of vessel, a large Harappan jar coated with a thick layer of black clay has been found at Omani sites.

3. Mesopotamian texts.

4. Harappan Seals.

1. 1, 2, and 3 only
2. 2, 3, and 4 only
3. 1, 2, 3 and 4
4. 1, 3 and 4

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 2, 3, and 4 only

The correct answer is 2, 3, and 4 only.

• Archaeological findings suggest that copper was also brought from Oman, on the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Chemical analyses have shown that both the Omani copper and Harappan artifacts have traces of nickel, suggesting a common origin.
• A distinctive type of vessel, a large Harappan jar coated with a thick layer of black clay has been found at Omani sites. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  • Thick coatings prevent the percolation of liquids.
• It is possible that the Harappans exchanged the contents of these vessels for Omani copper.
• Mesopotamian texts datable to the third millennium BCE refer to copper coming from a region called Magan, perhaps a name for Oman, and interestingly enough copper found at Mesopotamian sites also contains traces of nickel. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• Other archaeological finds suggestive of long-distance contacts include Harappan seals, weights, dice, and beads. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.
• It is worth noting that Mesopotamian texts mention contact with regions named Dilmun (probably the island of Bahrain), Magan, and Meluhha, possibly the Harappan region.
• They mention the products from Meluhha: carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and varieties of wood.
• Communication with Oman, Bahrain, or Mesopotamia was likely by sea.
• Mesopotamian texts refer to Meluhha as a land of seafarers.
• Besides, we find depictions of ships and boats on seals.