Consider the following statements regarding the economic and urban features of the Harappan Civilization: 1. The Indus cities utilized a standardized grid iron town planning system with advanced underground drainage networks constructed of burnt bricks. 2. Standardized chert weights and binary decimal measuring scales indicate a highly regulated trade and taxation mechanism. 3. The Harappans had no knowledge of maritime trade and relied exclusively on internal land routes for acquiring raw materials. Which of the statements given above are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct because Harappan urban centers are universally celebrated for their precise grid layouts, sophisticated sanitation systems, and uniform weights and measures adhering to standardized ratios. Statement 3 is incorrect because archaeological discoveries at Lothal, Sutkagendor, and Balakot confirm robust maritime trade links between the Indus Valley civilization and civilizations of the Persian Gulf and Mesopotamia. Harappan seals made of steatite frequently depict unicorn figures and proto-Shiva motifs.