Possible answer:

Sources of copper for the Harappans

The Harappan civilization (2600-1900 BCE) was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, located in the Indus River valley in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. The Harappans were skilled metalworkers who produced a wide range of copper and bronze objects, from tools and weapons to ornaments and vessels.

The sources of copper for the Harappans are not well documented, but archaeologists have suggested several possibilities based on the analysis of metal artifacts and geological samples:

- Rajasthan: This region in northwest India has rich deposits of copper ores, such as malachite and azurite, which can be smelted into copper. The Harappans may have exploited these mines or traded with local tribes who extracted the copper. Some Harappan copper objects show similarities with those found in Rajasthan, such as the use of arsenic as an alloying agent.
- Oman: This country in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula has large deposits of copper ores, such as chalcopyrite and bornite, which were mined and smelted by the Omanis and their neighbors since at least the third millennium BCE. The Harappans may have acquired copper from Oman through maritime trade, which was facilitated by the monsoon winds and the Gulf of Oman. Some Harappan copper objects show similarities with those found in Oman, such as the use of tin as an alloying agent.
- West Asia: This region, also known as the Near East or the Middle East, has been a major source of copper and other metals since the Neolithic period. The Harappans may have obtained copper from West Asia through overland or sea routes, which were connected to the Harappan civilization through the Baluchistan coast and the Makran coast. Some Harappan copper objects show similarities with those found in West Asia, such as the use of silver as an alloying agent.
- Egypt: This country in northeast Africa has some copper mines, but they were not as rich as those in Rajasthan or Oman. The Harappans may have acquired copper from Egypt through long-distance trade, which was facilitated by the Nile River and the Red Sea. Some Harappan copper objects show similarities with those found in Egypt, such as the use of gold as an alloying agent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Harappans probably got copper from various sources, including Rajasthan and Oman in the Indian subcontinent, and even from West Asia and Egypt in the Afro-Eurasian continent. The exact routes and modes of acquisition are still debated and may have varied over time and space. The Harappan civilization declined around 1900 BCE, possibly due to environmental factors, internal conflicts, or external invasions. The legacy of their metallurgical skills and cultural achievements, however, continues to inspire and fascinate scholars and the public alike.