With reference to the trade and exchange systems of the Indus Valley Civilization, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Harappans maintained internal trade networks to procure copper from Rajasthan and gold from South India. 2. Cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia mention maritime trade with Meluha via Dilmun and Magan. 3. The Harappan civilization relied on standardized metallic coinage for conducting long-distance trade. Select the correct answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Harappans procured copper from the Khetri mines of Rajasthan and gold from Karnataka (Tekkalakota/Kolar region).
Statement 2 is correct: Mesopotamian texts refer to Meluha (Indus region) trading via Dilmun (Bahrain) and Magan (Oman/Makran coast).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Harappans operated purely on a barter system. No evidence of minted or metallic coins has been found at any Harappan site.