History Indus Valley Civilization Questions Medium
The evidence of trade with China in the Indus Valley Civilization is limited, but there are a few indications that suggest some level of contact and exchange between the two regions.
One of the main pieces of evidence is the presence of Chinese pottery in the archaeological sites of the Indus Valley. Excavations have uncovered fragments of Chinese ceramics, such as celadon ware, in some of the major cities of the civilization, including Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. This suggests that there was a trade network connecting the Indus Valley with China, allowing for the exchange of goods, including pottery.
Another piece of evidence is the discovery of Chinese seals in the Indus Valley. These seals, made of materials like steatite, have been found in various sites of the civilization. The presence of these seals indicates that there might have been direct contact or trade between the Indus Valley and China, as the seals could have been used for marking and identifying goods during commercial transactions.
Additionally, some scholars argue that the presence of certain plants and animals in the Indus Valley, such as the peacock and the silk moth, could be indicative of trade with China. These species are native to China and their presence in the Indus Valley suggests that they might have been imported through trade routes connecting the two regions.
However, it is important to note that the evidence of trade with China in the Indus Valley Civilization is not as extensive or well-documented as the evidence of trade with other regions, such as Mesopotamia. The lack of written records and the limited archaeological findings make it challenging to fully understand the extent and nature of trade between the Indus Valley and China.