Module: General Practice
Q26: Consider the following statements regarding the logistical purpose of Harappan seals and sealings:
1. Seals and sealings were primarily utilized to facilitate long-distance communication and ensure the security of transported trade goods.
2. The impression of the seal on the wet clay, formally known as a sealing, served as a tamper-evident mechanism during the transit of merchandise.
3. Aside from security, the distinct physical impression of the sealing also conveyed the exact identity of the sender to the recipient.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. The impression of the seal on the wet clay, formally known as a sealing, served as a tamper-evident mechanism during the transit of merchandise.
3. Aside from security, the distinct physical impression of the sealing also conveyed the exact identity of the sender to the recipient.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: D
🎯 Quick Answer:
Option D is the correct answer, as all three statements accurately describe the function of seals and sealings in Harappan logistics.Structural Breakdown: The logistical process involved tying a bag of goods with a rope.
On the knot, a layer of wet clay was applied.
The merchant would then press their carved stone seal into the clay, leaving a distinct physical impression.
This resulting clay piece is called a "sealing." Historical/Related Context: Hundreds of such sealings have been found across Harappan sites and even in foreign trading outposts like Lothal and Kalibangan, often with the impression of ropes still visible on the reverse side of the clay.
Causal Reasoning: The sealing system provided a brilliant, low-tech solution to trade security.
If a bag arrived at its destination with the clay sealing completely intact, the recipient knew the goods had not been tampered with.
Furthermore, the specific inscription and animal motif on the seal instantly verified the sender's identity, which was crucial for establishing trust in anonymous, long-distance trade networks.