Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

Match List-I with List-II:

List- I

List- II

(A) Meluhha

(I) Oman

(B) Dilmun

(II) Haja-bird

(C) Magan

(III) Bahrain

(D) Shortughai

(IV) Afghanistan

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) (A)-(II), (B)-(I), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)
(2) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)
(3) (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)
(4) (A)-(III), (B)-(II), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)

Options:

1

2

3

4

Correct Answer:

3

Explanation:

Ancient Mesopotamian texts from the third millennium BCE mention copper originating from a region referred to as Magan, which is believed to be Oman. Interestingly, copper found at Mesopotamian sites also contains traces of nickel. Other archaeological findings suggestive of long-distance contacts include Harappan seals, weights, dice, and beads. Notably, Mesopotamian texts mention interactions with regions named Dilmun (likely the island of Bahrain), Magan, and Meluhha, possibly referring to the Harappan region. These texts also mention various products from Meluhha, such as carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and different types of wood. Within Mesopotamian mythology, there is a reference to Meluhha and a bird known as the haja-bird, whose call is to be heard in the royal palace. Some archaeologists speculate that the haja-bird could be the peacock, potentially deriving its name from its distinctive call. It is highly likely that communication and trade between the Harappans, Oman, Bahrain, and Mesopotamia occurred primarily through maritime routes, as suggested by references to Meluhha as a land of seafarers in Mesopotamian texts. Furthermore, depictions of ships and boats on seals further support the notion of maritime connections.

The Harappans employed various strategies to procure materials for craft production. They established settlements in specific locations where certain resources were available. For example, Nageshwar and Balakot were settled near areas abundant in shell, while Shortughai in Afghanistan was close to the source of lapis lazuli, a highly valued blue stone. Lothal was strategically located near sources of carnelian, steatite, and metal.