History Indus Valley Civilization Questions Medium
The evidence of trade routes and networks in the Indus Valley Civilization can be seen through various archaeological findings and artifacts. One of the key pieces of evidence is the discovery of seals and sealings, which were used for marking goods and containers. These seals have been found in different regions of the civilization, indicating long-distance trade and interaction.
Another significant evidence is the presence of exotic materials and goods that were not locally available. For example, the discovery of Mesopotamian artifacts such as cylinder seals and pottery in the Indus Valley suggests trade connections with Mesopotamia. Similarly, the presence of lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and turquoise from Iran indicates long-distance trade networks.
The existence of standardized weights and measures across different sites of the civilization also suggests a well-developed trade system. These standardized weights, made of materials like stone and terracotta, were used for measuring and trading commodities.
Furthermore, the discovery of dockyards and warehouses in cities like Lothal provides evidence of maritime trade. Lothal, located near the Gulf of Khambhat, had a well-structured dockyard with a complex system of channels and reservoirs, indicating its importance as a trading hub.
Archaeological excavations have also revealed the presence of granaries and storage facilities in various cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. These storage facilities suggest surplus agricultural production, which could have been traded with other regions.
Lastly, the presence of trade-related crafts and industries, such as bead-making, metalworking, and pottery, further supports the existence of trade networks. The production of these goods on a large scale indicates their demand and distribution beyond local consumption.
In conclusion, the evidence of trade routes and networks in the Indus Valley Civilization can be observed through the discovery of seals, exotic materials, standardized weights, dockyards, storage facilities, and trade-related crafts. These findings highlight the extensive trade connections and economic prosperity of the civilization.