Among the archaeological remains excavated from the Indus Valley Civilization, which of the following most clearly indicates the commercial and economic development of that civilisation?

Introduction / Context:
This question asks you to identify which type of archaeological evidence best reflects the commercial and economic development of the Indus Valley Civilization. While many kinds of artefacts reveal aspects of Harappan life, some items, especially seals, are directly linked to trade, property marking and economic transactions. Recognising the economic significance of different artefact types helps you answer such MCQs accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options are pottery, seals, boats and houses.
• We want the item that most clearly points to commercial and economic development.
• We assume standard interpretations used by archaeologists and historians.
• We consider how each artefact type relates to trade, exchange and economic organisation.

Concept / Approach:
Seals from the Indus Valley Civilization are typically made of steatite and carry animal motifs and short inscriptions. They are believed to have been used for marking goods, identifying merchants or officials and facilitating trade, particularly long-distance commerce. Their widespread discovery not only in Harappan cities but also at sites in Mesopotamia indicates active commercial relations. While pottery, boats and houses tell us about daily life, technology or transport, seals are the artefacts most directly tied to trade and economic transactions, hence they are the strongest indicators of commercial and economic development.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Review what each artefact type suggests: pottery shows craftsmanship, houses show urban life, and boats hint at transport.Step 2: Focus on which artefact is specifically associated with trade, property marking and commercial exchange.Step 3: Seals with inscriptions and animal motifs are typically used to stamp goods, identify owners or merchants, and are often found in trading contexts.Step 4: The presence of Indus-style seals at distant sites, including Mesopotamia, points strongly to long-distance trade.Step 5: Therefore, choose 'Seals bearing symbols and animal motifs' as the best indicator of commercial and economic development.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most textbooks and exam guides explicitly highlight seals as evidence of trade and commercial activity in the Indus Valley Civilization. They explain how seals might have functioned like identification or trademark devices, and they stress their distribution across various sites. When this kind of question is asked in objective exams, model answers consistently favour seals as the primary economic indicator.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pottery of various designs: This shows craftsmanship and artistic sense, but not specifically commercial organisation.Boats and ship representations: These suggest transport and possibly trade routes, but direct evidence of trade activity is better represented by seals.Residential houses and streets: These reflect urban planning and living conditions, not trade mechanisms themselves.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to choose boats because they instinctively associate ships with trade. However, the question asks what most clearly indicates commercial and economic development. Boats indicate potential for trade but do not directly document economic transactions. Seals, on the other hand, are stronger evidence because they functioned in marking goods and verifying identity, activities that are central to organised commerce. Always look for the artefact with the most direct link to economic functions.

Final Answer:
Among the excavated remains, the seals bearing symbols and animal motifs most clearly indicate the commercial and economic development of the Indus Valley Civilization.