Discover the achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization in urban planning, trade, and its role in shaping
early Indian civilization.
Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
Class 6 NCERT Social
Science Exploring Society India
and Beyond
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Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilization (भारतीय सभ्यता की शुरुआत)
Indus Valley Civilization (इंडस घाटी सभ्यता)
Urban Planning and Trade (शहरी नियोजन और व्यापार)
Harappan Technologies and Water Management (हड़प्पा तकनीक और जल प्रबंधन)
Q. No. 1 Why
does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their
significance.
Ans. The civilisation discussed in the
chapter is referred to by several names:
- Indus Civilisation: This name originates from its
location in the Indus River Valley, where key cities like Harappa and
Mohenjo-daro were discovered. The Indus River and its tributaries played a
vital role in the civilisation’s development, providing fertile land for
agriculture and routes for trade and transportation. - Harappan Civilisation: This name stems from Harappa, the
first city of this civilisation to be excavated in 1920–21. Using the
first excavated city’s name is a common practice in archaeology when the
civilisation’s original name is unknown. - Indus-Sarasvatī or Sindhu-Sarasvatī
Civilisation: These
names acknowledge the significance of the Sarasvatī River, in addition to
the Indus, in the civilisation’s geographical extent. Many important
settlements of this civilisation, including Kalibangan and Banawali, were
situated along the Sarasvatī River. The terms “Sindhu” and
“Sarasvatī” are Sanskrit names for the Indus and Sarasvatī
rivers, respectively.
The multiple
names reflect the evolving understanding of the civilisation’s geographical
spread and cultural influences. As archaeological exploration continues, these
names help us acknowledge the different aspects of this ancient civilisation.
Q. No. 2 Write
a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the
Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
Ans.
The
Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation: A Glimpse into an Urban Past
The
Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation, flourishing from approximately 2600 to 1900 BCE
in the northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent, stands as a testament to
the ingenuity and advancements of its people. This civilisation exhibited
remarkable urban planning with cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro showcasing
well-organised streets, standardised brick construction, and impressive water
management systems, including drainage and large reservoirs. The discovery of a
massive dockyard at Lothal indicates their engagement in extensive maritime
trade, connecting them with regions as far as Mesopotamia and present-day Oman.
The Harappans demonstrated expertise in craft production, evident in their intricate
carnelian beads, shell bangles, and the standardised weights they used for
trade. Though their script remains undeciphered, the widespread use of seals
suggests a sophisticated system of record-keeping and administration. The
Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation, with its advanced urban infrastructure,
long-distance trade networks, and skilled craftsmanship, left an indelible mark
on the history of the Indian Subcontinent.
Q. No. 3
Imagine you have to travel from the city of Harappa to Kalibangan. What are your
different options? Can you make a rough estimation of the amount of time each
option might take?
Ans. Traveling from Harappa to Kalibangan
in ancient times would have primarily involved land routes, with the Indus
River serving as a convenient starting point for the journey. Utilizing the
river for the initial leg of the trip would offer a safe and efficient means of
transport. After navigating the river, travelers would continue their journey
overland, likely using horses, bullock carts, or traveling on foot. The
distance between Harappa and Kalibangan is approximately 200 kilometers, which
could take several days to cover, depending on the travel conditions and the
speed of the mode of transportation used. This combination of water and land
routes highlights the adaptability of the Harappans in utilizing their
geographical advantages for trade and communication.
Q. No. 4 Let us
imagine a Harappan man or woman being transported to an average kitchen in
today’s India. What are the four or five biggest surprises awaiting them?
Ans. Considering the food and utensils used
in the Harappan civilisation, here are four potential surprises for a Harappan
individual in a modern Indian kitchen:
- Variety and Availability of Food: The sheer variety of ingredients
available year-round in a modern kitchen, from fruits and vegetables from
different climates to processed foods, would be astonishing. Harappan diets,
while diverse, were likely more reliant on seasonal produce. - Modern Cooking Technology: Modern kitchens feature
appliances such as gas or electric stoves, ovens, microwaves,
refrigerators, and mixers, which would be completely unfamiliar and
astonishing to a Harappan individual. - Materials and Utensils: While the Harappans used pottery,
copper, and bronze utensils, a modern kitchen includes stainless steel,
plastic, and other materials for utensils and storage. The variety and
durability of modern utensils would be a significant difference. - Sources of Water and Sanitation: The ready availability of running
water through taps, along with modern sanitation systems in a contemporary
kitchen, would be a stark contrast to the wells, ponds, and drainage
systems of Harappan cities.
Q. No. 5
Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments /
gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century.
Ans. Here is a list of ornaments, gestures,
and objects from the chapter’s images that resonate with practices in the 21st
century:
- Bangles: The ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine from
Mohenjo-daro (Fig. 6.15-4) showcases a stack of bangles covering an entire
arm. This practice continues in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan today,
demonstrating a lasting cultural aesthetic. - Namaste: A terracotta figurine (Fig.
6.15-5) depicts a seated figure with hands joined in a ‘namaste’ gesture.
This gesture of greeting and respect remains prevalent in India and many
other parts of South Asia today. - Storytelling through Design: The pot from Lothal (Fig. 6.15-6)
features a design narrating the story of the thirsty crow finding a way to
drink water from a pot. This highlights the enduring tradition of
storytelling through visual art, still present in various art forms today. - Games and Toys: The discovery of game boards and
toys, like the engraved stone game board and terracotta whistle from
Dholavira and Karanpura (Figs. 6.14-5, 6.14-6), underscores the timeless
human need for recreation and play, reflected in our modern games and
toys. - Tools: The clay model of a plough (Fig.
6.9) resembles ploughs still used by farmers today, indicating the
continuity of certain agricultural practices and tools over millennia.
Q. No. 6 What
mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?
Ans. The elaborate network of reservoirs at
Dholavira, with at least six large reservoirs connected by underground drains
for water harvesting and distribution, provides valuable insights into the
Harappan mindset:
- Forward-Thinking and Preparedness: The construction of such a
complex water management system suggests a society that planned for the
future, anticipating periods of water scarcity, especially in the context
of the region’s climate. - Value of Community Effort and
Organisation: Building
and maintaining these reservoirs would have required significant communal
effort, organisation, and coordination, reflecting a collective spirit and
a strong sense of community. - Technological Prowess and
Ingenuity: The
engineering skills displayed in constructing reservoirs, some even cut
into the rock, highlight the Harappans’ technological advancement and
their ability to innovate and adapt to their environment. - Importance of Water and
Sanitation: The
emphasis on water management, evident in their urban planning and the
Dholavira reservoirs, indicates that the Harappans understood the
importance of clean water and sanitation for a thriving society.
Q. No. 7 In
Mohenjo-daro, about 700 wells built with bricks have been counted. They seem to
have been regularly maintained and used for several centuries. Discuss the
implications.
Ans. The presence of approximately 700
brick-lined wells in Mohenjo-daro, consistently maintained and used for
centuries, has several implications:
- Advanced Urban Planning: The sheer number of wells points
to a well-planned urban centre designed to provide its inhabitants with
access to a vital resource. The organised construction and maintenance of
these wells suggest the presence of a governing body responsible for urban
infrastructure. - Skilled Craftsmanship: Constructing durable and
functional wells requires skilled craftsmanship. The wells’ long-lasting
use demonstrates the Harappans’ proficiency in brickmaking and
construction techniques. - Importance of Hygiene and
Sanitation: The
existence of numerous wells, along with the city’s elaborate drainage
system, highlights the importance the Harappans placed on hygiene and
sanitation, reflecting a societal awareness of public health. - Population Density and Social
Structure: The
number of wells suggests a significant population density in Mohenjo-daro.
The presence of wells in individual houses, mentioned in the context of
the ‘Great Bath,’ might also indicate variations in social status and
access to resources.
Q. No. 8 It is
often said that the Harappans had a high civic sense. Discuss the significance
of this statement. Do you agree with it? Compare with citizens in a large city
of India today.
Ans. The features of Harappan cities, like
their organised town planning, water management systems, standardised weights
and measures, and lack of significant evidence of warfare, which could be interpreted
as indicators of a well-organised society that valued order and cooperation.