Arts and Amusements.
• Terracotta Figurines were either used as toys or objects of worship and represented men, women, birds, dogs, sheep, cattle, and monkeys. Terracotta models of plough were found in Cholistan and Banawali.
• Stonework: Some stone works are the citadel of Dholavira and stone slabs used in burials.
Trade and Commercial Exchange
Harappan seals have been found in regions like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Oman, indicating that Harappan trade flourished in these areas as well.
Sumerian or Mesopotamian texts from Iraq frequently mention three key trade centers: Magan, Dilmun, and Meluhha (the Indus Valley).
• Lapis Lazuli was imported from Shortughai.
• Carnelian beads were sourced from the Bharuch region.
• Gold came from Kolar, while tin was imported from Rajasthan.
• Steatite was brought from Iran, and turquoise from Persia.
• Ships and ports in Lothal facilitated imports and exports. Other significant Harappan and late Harappan ports included Lakhabawal, Kindarkhera, Kuntasi, Megham, Prabhasa, Todio, and Amra.
• Taxes were collected in grain, and granaries served as treasuries.
| Evidence Harappan External Trades: |
| Sumerian literature mentiond Indus civilization as Meluha. Indus seals were obtained from Mesopotamian sites of Ur, Kis, Susa, Logas. Cylindrical seals found in both Mesopotamia and Mohenjodaro. Mesopotamian cosmetic products found from Harappan sites. Coffin burials were frequently practiced in Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations. Mesopotamian seals with image of humped bull which was chiefly a Harappan figure. |
| Major Harappan Imports: | |
| Gold Silver Copper Tin Agate Chalcedony Lead Lapiz Lazuli Turquoise Amethyst Jade Carnelian | Afghanistan, Persia, Karnataka Afghanistan, Iran Baluchistan, Khetri (Rajasthan) Afghanistan, Central Asia Western India Gujarat Rajasthan, South India, Afghanistan, Iran Badakashan, Kashmir Central Asia, Iran Maharashtra Central Asia Gujarat |