NCERT Answers

Q1. Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.

Answer (120–150 words):
The civilisation has many names:

• Indus Civilisation – because many cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro grew along the Indus River.
• Harappan Civilisation – named after Harappa, the first site excavated in 1920–21.
• Indus-Sarasvatī or Sindhu-Sarasvatī Civilisation – because many sites were also found along the Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra) River.

These names highlight its geographical spread. It was not limited to the Indus Valley but extended to present-day Punjab, Sindh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Using multiple names helps us understand the vastness of the civilisation and the role of different rivers in shaping its culture.

Q2. Write a brief report (150–200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.

Answer:
The Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation (2600–1900 BCE) was one of the world’s earliest urban civilisations. Its cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi show advanced town-planning with wide streets, fortifications, and drainage systems. Mohenjo-daro’s Great Bath and Dholavira’s large reservoirs prove their skill in water management.

Harappans were skilled farmers, growing wheat, barley, millets, rice, and cotton, which was used for making clothes. They domesticated animals and fished in rivers and seas.

They were also excellent craftspersons, making beads of carnelian, bronze tools, terracotta toys, ornaments, and figurines like the “Dancing Girl.” They traded actively with Mesopotamia, Oman, and other regions using land and sea routes.

Although the civilisation declined due to climatic changes and drying rivers, its achievements in urbanism, crafts, agriculture, and trade laid the foundation for later Indian culture.

Q3. 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?

Answer (model):

• On foot: This might take 25–30 days, as the distance is about 600 km.
• By bullock cart: About 15–20 days.
• By boat (using Indus and its tributaries): Around 10–12 days, depending on water flow.

Thus, rivers were the fastest means of transport in those times.

Q4. 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?

Answer:

• Use of LPG gas stoves and microwaves instead of firewood.
• Variety of steel, plastic, and glass utensils instead of clay pots.
• Packaged food, spices, and ready-to-cook items.
• Refrigerators for storage and mixer-grinders for cooking.
• Electricity and water taps inside the kitchen.

Q5. Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments / gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century.

Answer:

• Bangles covering the entire arm (still worn in Gujarat and Rajasthan).
• Beads, shell bangles, and pendants.
• Terracotta toys and whistles (similar to clay toys today).
• The “namaste” gesture.
• Board games resembling modern ludo or chess.

Q6. What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?

Answer (80–100 words):
The reservoirs at Dholavira reflect the Harappans’ advanced civic sense, planning, and concern for sustainable living. They realised the importance of water in a dry region and built huge reservoirs, some cut into rocks. These were connected by underground drains for harvesting and storing water. This shows their ability to organise collective labour, manage resources, and create long-lasting infrastructure. It highlights their scientific approach and sense of responsibility towards society.

Q7. 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.

Answer:
The 700 wells of Mohenjo-daro show the Harappans’ concern for hygiene, community health, and water supply. Their maintenance over centuries suggests there was a proper administration and civic body. It also means people valued clean water and had rules for its use. This indicates a highly organised society with collective responsibility, which is an important lesson even for modern cities.

Q8. 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.

Answer (150–180 words):
Yes, the Harappans had a high civic sense. Their cities had wide streets, advanced drainage, wells, public baths, and planned housing. Both small and big houses were built with similar quality, showing fairness in society. The Great Bath and large reservoirs prove their attention to cleanliness and water management.

In comparison, modern Indian cities often face problems like overflowing drains, unclean roads, and water shortages. While we have advanced technology, citizens sometimes neglect cleanliness and waste management. The Harappans, with fewer resources, still maintained discipline and collective responsibility.

Thus, their example teaches us that civic sense and cooperation are vital for healthy urban life.

Extra Questions – Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1. Why are Harappans also called Indus people?
Because their cities grew along the Indus River and its tributaries.

Q2. Which was the first Harappan site excavated?
Harappa (in present-day Pakistan).

Q3. Which metal alloy did Harappans make using copper and tin?
Bronze.

Q4. Name one important port city of the Harappans.
Lothal in Gujarat.

Q5. Which famous figurine from Mohenjo-daro shows artistic skills?
The bronze “Dancing Girl.”

Short Answer Questions

Q6. What did Harappans grow in their fields?
They grew wheat, barley, millets, rice, pulses, vegetables, and cotton.

Q7. What were Harappan seals used for?
Seals were used for trade and identification. They carried animal figures and script signs.

Q8. Mention two reasons for the decline of the Harappan civilisation.
Climatic change causing drought, and drying up of the Sarasvatī River.

Long Answer Questions

Q9. Explain the importance of Harappan trade.
Harappans traded beads, ornaments, cotton, timber, and food with Mesopotamia, Oman, and other regions. They used land, river, and sea routes. The dockyard at Lothal shows maritime trade. Seals helped identify goods. Trade spread Harappan culture and linked India with other civilisations.

Q10. What do we learn about Harappan society from excavated objects?
We learn that they used bronze mirrors, terracotta pots, weights, chisels, toys, and whistles in daily life. Figurines like the “Priest King,” “Dancing Girl,” and seals with deities show their culture and beliefs. Ornaments, bangles, and beads reflect fashion still familiar today. These finds tell us about their economy, religion, and lifestyle.