Detailed Summary of Section 6.2: Contact with Distant Lands
Recent archaeological findings provide compelling evidence for the extensive trade networks of the Harappan civilization. Notably, the section discusses how copper, sourced from Oman, shows traces of nickel similar to Harappan artifacts, indicating possible trade exchanges. Large Harappan jars discovered in Oman reinforce this notion, suggesting that the Harappans may have traded the contents of these vessels for copper. Furthermore, references in Mesopotamian texts mention Copper from a land called Magan, likely a reference to Oman, alongside products from the Harappan region like carnelian and lapis lazuli.
The section also touches on how Harappan seals, weights, and other objects found in both Mesopotamia and the Harappan region highlight the connections between these cultures. Seals featuring distinct Harappan designs found in places like Bahrain reflect how far-reaching these trade relations were, emphasizing that the Harappans were not isolated but rather engaged in significant exchange with distant lands.