Final answer:
The Harappan civilization had evidence of trade with other civilizations, including the presence of seashells in archaeological sites and the discovery of stone seals in Mesopotamia. Their advanced urban planning also suggests they were engaged in trade and commerce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Harappan civilization, centered around cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, had evidence of trade with other civilizations. One piece of evidence is the presence of seashells found in archaeological sites, indicating that the Harappans had access to coastal areas and engaged in maritime trade. Additionally, the discovery of stone seals with distinctive scenes from different cities within the Indus Valley in Mesopotamia suggests trade and cultural exchange between the Harappans and other civilizations. Furthermore, archaeological sites show that the Harappans had advanced urban planning, complete with efficient drainage systems and orderly streets, indicating a complex society engaged in trade and commerce.
The presence of seashells from the Indian Ocean at archaeological sites, references to the Indus Valley in Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets, and the discovery of Harappan seals in Mesopotamia all suggest that the Harappans traded with other civilizations.
The evidence that suggests the Harappans traded with other civilizations is the presence of seashells in archaeological sites. These seashells, imported from the Indian Ocean, were among the luxury items traded with Mesopotamia. Mention of the Indus valley as Meluhha in Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets further confirms the extensive trade relations, as these tablets document imports of precious stones like lapis lazuli and carnelian from the Indus Valley. Harappan seals depicting over 400-600 distinctive scenes have been found not only within the Indus Valley but also in Mesopotamian sites, which corroborates the idea of active trade between the two civilizations. Additionally, the discovery of Harappan artifacts in Sumer and Mesopotamian influences on Indus art and culture also point to a strong trade network between these ancient societies.