A Brisk Trade
Class 6 Social Science · Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation · NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond section 6.6
Learn
The Harappans were busy traders, within their own civilisation and with faraway lands. They exported ornaments, timber, everyday objects, probably gold and cotton, and possibly some foods.
Their most famous products were beads of carnelian, a reddish semi-precious stone found mostly in Gujarat. Craftspeople invented special ways to drill tiny holes through them. They also carved hard conch shells into beautiful bangles, which needs great skill.
In return they probably imported copper, which was not so common at home. They mastered metal-working: adding tin to copper makes bronze, a harder metal used for tools, pots and figures. They used standard weights of stone, so trade was fair.
Goods travelled by land, by river and by sea: this was India's first intensive sea trade. Harappan beads have been found in Mesopotamia, which called the region Meluhha, and a Harappan ivory comb was found on the coast of Oman.
Explore: a bead's journey.
- Put the journey in order.
Remember
- Harappans traded beads, shell bangles, timber and cotton, and probably imported copper.
- They traded by land, river and sea, as far as Mesopotamia (Meluhha) and Oman.
Quick check
What did Mesopotamia call the Harappan region?
- Meluhha
- Jambudvipa
- Indike
- Bharot
Answer
Meluhha. Harappan beads found there prove the trade link.
Think about it
Why would traders need standard weights?
One answer
So that a buyer and a seller agree on how much of something is being exchanged. Without the same weights, trade would be unfair and full of arguments.
Practice
Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.