Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Indus Valley Civilization had a trade relation with Mesopotamia. Reason (R): Mesopotamia had evidence of import from Meluha. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Mesopotamian texts refer to “Meluha,” which is identified with the Indus Valley Civilization, proving trade relations between the two regions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The Indus Valley Civilization maintained extensive trade relations with contemporary civilizations including:
• Mesopotamia,
• Oman,
• Persian Gulf regions,
• Central Asia. Mesopotamian records provide important evidence regarding these trade relations.

Step 1: Analyzing Assertion (A). The assertion states: \[ \text{Indus Valley Civilization had trade relation with Mesopotamia} \] This statement is historically correct. Evidence includes:
• Mesopotamian seals,
• Indus seals found abroad,
• Maritime trade evidence,
• References in Mesopotamian texts. Thus: \[ (A) = \text{Correct} \]

Step 2: Analyzing Reason (R). The reason states: \[ \text{Mesopotamia had evidence of import from Meluha} \] This statement is also correct. Mesopotamian texts mention: \[ Meluha \] which scholars identify with: \[ Indus Valley Civilization \] Imports from Meluha included:
• Timber,
• Precious stones,
• Ivory,
• Beads,
• Metals. Thus: \[ (R) = \text{Correct} \]

Step 3: Checking whether Reason explains Assertion. The evidence of imports from Meluha directly proves: \[ \text{Trade relationship between Mesopotamia and the Indus Civilization} \] Therefore:
• Reason supports the Assertion,
• Reason correctly explains the Assertion. Hence: \[ (R) \text{ is the correct explanation of } (A) \]

Step 4: Final conclusion. Thus, both statements are correct and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Therefore, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)}} \]