Question

We know there was trade between the Indus valley civilization and that of Mesopotamia. But it remains unclear to what extent the rise of the Indus valley culture can be attributed to connections with Mesopotamia. What elements of Indus valley culture may have been influenced by Mesopotamia? What elements are unique to the cities of the Indus valley?

a) Trade practices
b) Architectural styles
c) Agricultural techniques
d) Religious beliefs

Answer 1

The Indus valley civilization's rise shows influence from Mesopotamia through trade practices like the use of seals, but it also displays unique elements such as sophisticated urban planning and distinct religious beliefs. Agricultural practices and architectural styles were also particular to the Indus valley and shaped subsequent Indian civilizations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The extent to which the rise of the Indus valley civilization can be attributed to trade with Mesopotamia remains somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, there were elements of Indus valley culture that may have been influenced by Mesopotamia, such as the use of seals to mark property and authenticate goods in trade. The seals from the Indus valley, marked with animals and human figures, resembled the cylindrical seals used in Mesopotamia but reflected distinctive local styles.

Unique elements of the Indus valley included advanced urban planning, with features like orderly streets and sophisticated drainage systems. The spiritual life was also unique, as seen through the potential worshipping of deities mirroring later Hindu gods and the use of symbols in religious practices that would influence later Indian traditions. The agricultural practices of the Indus valley, such as harvesting domesticated crops with draft animals like water buffalos, and its distinctive styles of art and architecture, further highlight the civilization's unique elements independent of Mesopotamian influence.