Which of the following places has been referred to in Mesopotamian texts as a "land of seafarers"?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Meluhha
Mesopotamian texts refer to Meluhha, possibly the Harappan region, as a land of seafarers.
NCERT (2026-27): “6.2 Contact with distant lands … Mesopotamian texts mention contact with regions named Dilmun (probably the island of Bahrain), Magan and Meluhha, possibly the Harappan region. They mention the products from Meluhha: carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and varieties of wood. A Mesopotamian myth says of Meluhha: ‘May your bird be the haja-bird, may its call be heard in the royal palace.’ Some archaeologists think the haja-bird was the peacock. Did it get this name from its call? It is likely that communication with Oman, Bahrain or Mesopotamia was by sea. Mesopotamian texts refer to Meluhha as a land of seafarers. Besides, we find depictions of ships and boats on seals.” |