Strategies for Procuring Materials
The Harappans utilized a variety of materials for craft production, sourcing them both locally and from distant regions. While materials like clay were readily available in the alluvial plain, others such as stone, timber, and metal had to be obtained from outside areas. Terracotta toy models of bullock carts hint at the importance of land routes for transporting goods and people, while riverine routes along the Indus and its tributaries, as well as coastal routes, were likely utilized as well.
To acquire raw materials, the Harappans established settlements near natural sources, such as shell-rich areas like Nageshwar and Balakot, or regions with specific stones like lapis lazuli in Shortughai, Afghanistan, and carnelian in Bharuch, Gujarat. Expeditions may have been sent to regions like Khetri in Rajasthan for copper and south India for gold, establishing communication with local communities. Evidence of such contact is seen in occasional finds of Harappan artifacts in these areas, indicating trade and exchange networks.
Recent archaeological discoveries suggest that copper may have been obtained from Oman, as chemical analyses show similarities between Omani copper and Harappan artifacts. Vessels found in Oman, coated with a thick layer of black clay similar to those used by the Harappans, suggest a reciprocal exchange, possibly with Omani copper traded for Harappan goods. Mesopotamian texts mentioning regions like Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha, possibly referring to Bahrain, Oman, and the Harappan region respectively, further indicate long-distance contacts. Mesopotamian texts also describe products from Meluhha, suggesting trade in carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and various types of wood. Depictions of ships and boats on seals, along with references to Meluhha as a land of seafarers, indicate that communication with regions like Oman, Bahrain, and Mesopotamia likely occurred via sea routes.
Chapter 1: Bricks,Beads and Bones| Class 12 Notes History
Crafted from a stone called steatite, Harappan seals typically feature animal motifs and symbols from a script that has yet to be deciphered. Despite the mystery surrounding the script, archaeologists have gleaned significant insights into the lives of the people inhabiting the region through the examination of their dwellings, pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals – collectively known as archaeological evidence.
This evidence serves as a window into the Harappan civilization, shedding light on various aspects of their society. However, while archaeological findings provide valuable insights, interpretations of these discoveries are subject to change as new evidence emerges. Although there are still unknown aspects of the civilization that may remain elusive, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the Harappan civilization!