Scale found at Harappan sites

Introduction:
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was one of the oldest urban civilizations in the world. It flourished in the Indus River Valley, which is present-day Pakistan and northwest India, around 2600 to 1900 BCE. Several archaeological sites have been excavated, providing valuable insights into the civilization's culture, trade, and technology. One of the significant findings at the Harappan sites is the scale, which was found at the site of Lothal.

Lothal:
Lothal is an ancient Harappan site located in present-day Gujarat, India. It was a major port city and an important center for trade and commerce during the Harappan period. Excavations at Lothal have revealed various structures, including a dockyard, warehouses, residential complexes, and a marketplace.

Discovery of Scale at Lothal:
During the excavations at Lothal, archaeologists found a unique artifact that resembled a scale. This scale was made of a special type of stone called chert, which was commonly used by the Harappans for making tools and implements. The scale had precise measurements marked on it, indicating its use for weighing purposes.

Significance of the Scale:
The discovery of the scale at Lothal provides important insights into the economic and trade practices of the Harappans. The presence of a standardized measuring system suggests that the Harappans had a well-developed system of weights and measures. This indicates that they engaged in trade and commerce on a large scale and required accurate measurements for transactions.

Trade and Commerce:
The presence of a scale at Lothal suggests that the city was involved in extensive trade activities. The Harappans had established trade links with various regions, including Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. The scale would have been used to weigh various goods and commodities, ensuring fair trade practices and standardization of weights.

Conclusion:
The discovery of the scale at Lothal, a Harappan site, provides valuable insights into the economic and trade practices of the civilization. It indicates their engagement in trade on a large scale and the presence of a well-developed system of weights and measures. The scale serves as evidence of the advanced knowledge and skills possessed by the Harappans in various domains, including commerce and technology.