Indus Valley Traders and their Exports

In the ancient Indus Valley civilization, which existed around 2500-1900 BCE, trade played a significant role in the economy. The Indus Valley traders engaged in both local and long-distance trade, exporting various commodities to different regions. Among the options provided, the correct answer is option B: Combs, pearls, and ivory. Let's explore why this option is the correct answer.

Combs
- Combs were one of the notable items exported by the Indus Valley traders.
- Archaeological excavations at various Indus Valley sites, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, have unearthed numerous combs made of a variety of materials, including bone and ivory.
- These combs were intricately carved and often decorated with intricate designs.
- The quality and craftsmanship of these combs suggest they were highly valued and sought after, making them an important export commodity.

Pearls
- Pearls were another item exported by the Indus Valley traders.
- The coastal regions of the Arabian Sea, particularly the area around present-day Bahrain, were known for their pearl fisheries during the ancient times.
- The Indus Valley civilization had access to these regions, allowing them to acquire pearls and export them to other areas.
- Pearls were highly prized and used for various purposes, including jewelry and adornment, making them a valuable trade commodity.

Ivory
- Ivory was also exported by the Indus Valley traders.
- Elephants were present in the Indus Valley region, and their tusks were used to obtain ivory.
- Ivory was a valuable material due to its strength, durability, and suitability for carving.
- Artifacts made of ivory, such as figurines, combs, and decorative items, have been found at Indus Valley sites, indicating its significance as an export commodity.

Other Options
- Option A (Silver, Turquoise, and Ivory): While ivory is correct, there is no evidence to suggest that silver and turquoise were major exports in the Indus Valley civilization.
- Option C (Turquoise, Combs, and Pearls): This option is incorrect because it does not include ivory, which is mentioned in the archaeological findings.
- Option D (Silver, Cotton Goods, and Pearls): Although cotton goods were produced and used in the Indus Valley civilization, there is no strong evidence to suggest that they were major exports. Silver, as mentioned earlier, has limited archaeological evidence, making this option less likely.

To summarize, the Indus Valley traders primarily exported combs, pearls, and ivory. These items were highly valued and played a significant role in the trade network of the Indus Valley civilization.