Seals, Script, Weights Symbols
This section discusses the crucial role of seals, script, and weights in the Harappan Civilization, reflecting sophistication in trade and communication.
1. Seals and Sealings
Seals were critical in maintaining security over goods exchanged across distances. Packages were secured using wet clay seals to ensure that they were not tampered with, helping in long-distance trade. The seals not only marked the identity of the sender but were often embellished with motifs, commonly depicting animals, which may have conveyed meaning to illiterate individuals.
2. An Enigmatic Script
The Harappan script remains largely undeciphered, featuring approximately 375 to 400 symbols. Inscribed on various materials such as seals, tools, and even terracotta tablets, this script is believed to have been written right to left. The frequent lack of lengthy inscriptions indicates that the written language may not have been widely used or perhaps limited in scope. Scholars continue to find it a mystery, flummoxing many historical linguists.
3. Weights
Weights were standardized and mostly made of chert. They played a significant role in trade, allowing for precise measurements that were vital for evaluating the worth of commodities exchanged. The weight system followed a structured numerical pattern that enabled traders to conduct business efficiently. From smaller weights used for precious items to larger ones for bulk goods, this systematic approach underlines the complex commercial relationships of the Harappans.
4. Conclusion
The study of seals, scripts, and weights offers a window into the social, economic, and possibly political structures of the Harappan Civilization, asserting its significance in ancient history.