Collections, Pre-History & Archaeology

The recovered weights range from the heavier ones with lifting rings attached to those of micro-miniaturised sizes used probably by jewelers for weighing precious metals, jewellery items and perhaps some rare and scarce spices. Harappan settlers seem to have decimal system in use for defining higher weights as also for measuring lengths. It seems some central authority controlled and ensured adherence to strict standards and fairness in trade and commercial activities. A large number of small rectangular blocks - both cubical and cylindrical made of tawny chert and marked with light grey bands, have been excavated from Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The archaeologists have identified these blocks as weights. Interestingly, all these finds are well finished and have polished faces. Occasionally they also have beveled edges, though none of them bears an inscription or mark indicating a weight and value. Along such weights Mohenjo-Daro excavations have also revealed a copper balance.