Question

‘‘Mesopotamian texts mention contacts with Meluhha.’’ Which of the following statements is supported by archaeological interpretation regarding it ?

• A. \( \text{Meluhha referred to South Indian megalith culture.} \)
• B. \( \text{Meluhha was an ancient kingdom ruled by Lord Shiva.} \)
• C. \( \text{Meluhha was the other name of ancient Egypt.} \)
• D. \( \text{Meluhha referred to a trading area of Harappa.} \)

Hint:

• Remember: Dilmun = Bahrain, Magan = Oman, Meluhha = Indus Valley.
• The presence of Harappan seals in Mesopotamia is the primary physical evidence for this trade.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
• Archaeological and literary evidence suggests that the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappa) had extensive maritime trade links with Mesopotamia.
• Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets from the 3rd millennium BCE refer to trade with three distant regions: Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha.
• Historians use the types of goods traded and the geographic descriptions to identify these ancient locations.

Step 1: Analyzing Mesopotamian literary references to Meluhha
Mesopotamian texts describe Meluhha as a land of seafarers and a source of exotic products such as carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and various types of wood.
The texts also mention a "Haja-bird" (identified by many as the peacock) belonging to Meluhha, which is a bird native to the Indian subcontinent.
These descriptions align closely with the natural resources and wildlife found in the Indus Valley region.

Step 2: Linking archaeological finds to the textual evidence
Archaeologists have discovered Harappan seals, weights, dice, and etched carnelian beads in Mesopotamian cities like Ur and Kish.
The standard of weights and the seal designs found in Mesopotamia are distinctly Harappan, proving a physical exchange of goods.
Since the artifacts match the products attributed to Meluhha in the texts, scholars conclude that Meluhha was the name used by Mesopotamians for the Harappan cultural and trading area.