Economy(Trade And Commerce)

Question 1

Trade vs domestic use

Answer 1

Harappans had developed extensive trading
networks. A fair amount of craft production
was for trade and not for domestic
consumption. It was an important factor in
Harappan urbanization.

Question 2

Centralised control

Answer 2

There was a great degree of centralized
control: standard weights and measures,
systematized production techniques.

Question 3

Harappan trade with sumerians

Answer 3

We don’t know when the Harapan trade with Sumerian civilizations started but by
Akkadian period in Sumer (2370-2100 BCE), it
was well established.
o Cities like Ur and Nippur have Harappan
artifacts.

Question 4

3 places from where mesopotamian used to get goods

Answer 4

Mesopotamian script is deciphered – they used
to get goods from 3 places.
o Dilman (Bahrain), Magan (Oman),
Meluha (most probably Harappan zone)

Question 5

Merchants settled in sumeria

Answer 5

It is also quite likely that a group of Harappan
merchants settled there, for their seals are
found there.

Question 6

Shells imported from

Answer 6

Kutch

Question 7

Tin and lapis lazuli imported from

Answer 7

Northern afghanistan and central asia

Question 8

Carnelian

Answer 8

Southern Rajasthan

Question 9

Steatite

Answer 9

Southern Rajasthan

Question 10

Copper

Answer 10

Ganeshwar culture (North RJ)
Ahar culture (South RJ)
Oman

Question 11

Gold

Answer 11

Kolar
Central Asia

Question 12

Cu,Pb, Jasper

Answer 12

Balochistan

Question 13

Export of Harappa

Answer 13

Cotton was probably a major item of export from India.

• Other items: Copper, beads of agate/carnelian/lapis lazuli, ivory boxes and combs(found in kman and mesopotamia),
wood of different varieties, peacock. Terracotta pots, shell objects(found in mesopotamia and persian gulf)

• We also exported lots of jewellery.

Question 14

Failaka goods

Answer 14

A hoard of goods belonging to IVC found in failaka(Persian gulf). It shows trade between ivc and middle East.

Question 15

Import

Answer 15

Not much data unfortunately. Most probably some perishable items.

• Since it was possibly a barter trade, silver was imported in large quantities.

• Bitumen was not available locally, perhaps imported from Iran.

Question 16

Transportation technology

Answer 16

Riverine transport:
o Indus was a treacherous river to sail on, because of its shifting sand-banks, but
there would nevertheless have been considerable river transport.

Bullock cart was used for land transportation. However they used solid wheels. Spoke wheels are not found.

Question 17

Ports

Answer 17

Makran Coast:
▪ Sutkagendor (Dashti river)

Sutka Koh (Shadi Kaur river)

o Lothal dockyard – harbour facilities with wharf.

Overland toy cart is found in lothal,Harappa, dholavira, nausharo, daimabad

Question 19

Evidence of surgery

Answer 19

Evidence of drilling in teeth and skull is found