Seals, Script, Weight
Seals and sealings played a crucial role in facilitating long-distance communication and ensuring the security of goods during transportation. A bag of goods would have its mouth tied with rope, and wet clay with one or more seals pressed onto it would be affixed to the knot. If the bag arrived with its sealing intact, it indicated that it had not been tampered with, and the sealing also revealed the identity of the sender.
Harappan seals typically feature a line of writing, likely containing the name and title of the owner. Additionally, the motif, often depicting an animal, may have conveyed meaning to those who couldn’t read. While the Harappan script remains undeciphered, it’s evident that it wasn’t alphabetical due to the large number of signs, estimated to be between 375 and 400. The script was likely written from right to left, as indicated by variations in spacing on seals.
Writing has been found on various objects, including seals, copper tools, jar rims, tablets made of copper and terracotta, jewelry, bone rods, and even ancient signboards. This suggests the possibility of widespread literacy, and it’s conceivable that there was writing on perishable materials as well.
Exchanges were regulated by a precise system of weights, typically made of chert and cubical in shape. Lower denominations of weights followed a binary system, while higher denominations used the decimal system. Smaller weights were likely used for weighing jewelry and beads, and metal scale-pans have also been discovered.
Chapter 1: Bricks,Beads and Bones| Class 12 Notes History
Crafted from a stone called steatite, Harappan seals typically feature animal motifs and symbols from a script that has yet to be deciphered. Despite the mystery surrounding the script, archaeologists have gleaned significant insights into the lives of the people inhabiting the region through the examination of their dwellings, pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals – collectively known as archaeological evidence.
This evidence serves as a window into the Harappan civilization, shedding light on various aspects of their society. However, while archaeological findings provide valuable insights, interpretations of these discoveries are subject to change as new evidence emerges. Although there are still unknown aspects of the civilization that may remain elusive, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the Harappan civilization!
Contact Us