Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
6th StandardSocial Science
Chapter Summary
The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation - Chapter Summary
# The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
## Overview
This chapter introduces the earliest known civilisation of the Indian subcontinent — the Harappan or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation. It covers its defining features like urban planning, water management, agriculture, trade, crafts, and eventual decline. The civilisation, dating back to around 2600 BCE, was advanced in many ways and has left behind a rich archaeological legacy.
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. What Is a Civilisation?
- Civilisation refers to an advanced stage of human society.
- Key characteristics:
- Governance and administration
- Urbanism (planned cities)
- Diverse crafts and production
- Internal and external trade
- Written communication
- Culture and customs
- Surplus agriculture
### 2. Emergence of the Harappan Civilisation
- Emerged in northwest India and Pakistan, around fertile plains of the Indus and the now seasonal Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra) river.
- From 3500 BCE: Villages developed into towns and later cities.
- First known city excavated: Harappa (in 1920–21).
- Known as Harappan, Indus, or Sindhu-Sarasvatī civilisation.
- Called the "First Urbanisation of India".
### 3. Important Cities and River Systems
- Major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan, Lothal.
- Rivers: Indus, Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra), and their tributaries.
- Sarasvatī mentioned in the Rig Veda.
### 4. Town Planning and Architecture
- Cities divided into upper town (elites) and lower town (common people).
- Wide, straight streets oriented to cardinal directions.
- Fortified city walls and organized layout.
- Homes of varying sizes but similar construction quality (bricks).
- Unique buildings:
- The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro: possibly for rituals.
- Public and private wells, granaries, and storage rooms.
### 5. Water Management
- Cities had well-planned drainage systems.
- Homes had bathing areas connected to covered drains.
- Dholavira had large reservoirs, some cut from rock, up to 73 meters in length.
- Water storage and cleanliness were key priorities.
### 6. Agriculture and Food
- Grew wheat, barley, millets, rice, pulses, vegetables, and cotton.
- Domesticated animals and practiced fishing.
- Evidence of cooking with turmeric, ginger, banana, and dairy found in pot residues.
- Used tools like ploughs (e.g., Banawali clay plough model).
### 7. Trade and Craftsmanship
- Extensive trade network: inland and overseas (via land, river, and sea).
- Exported: ornaments (carnelian beads), cotton, wood, possibly food.
- Imported: copper, tin (for bronze), and other raw materials.
- Lothal (Gujarat) had a large dockyard, supporting sea trade.
- Used seals made of steatite with animal motifs and undeciphered script, possibly for trade and identification.
### 8. Daily Life and Objects
- Excavated objects show diverse daily activities:
- Bronze mirror, pots, weights, chisels.
- Whistles, toys, game boards.
- Figurines: “Dancing Girl”, “Priest King”, terracotta figures.
- Pot designs depicting folk tales (e.g., the thirsty crow).
- Games, toys, and utensils reveal leisure and domestic life.
- Objects indicate cultural continuity with modern traditions (e.g., bangles, sitting posture in “namaste”).
### 9. Cultural and Symbolic Artifacts
- Seals with animals and symbols suggest a system of communication or belief.
- Religious symbols include swastika and possible deity depictions.
- Art shows symbolism and possibly ritualistic or spiritual meaning.
### 10. Decline of the Civilisation
- Around 1900 BCE, cities began to decline.
- Harappans shifted back to rural life; administrative systems faded.
- Two main reasons:
- Climate change: reduced rainfall, drier conditions.
- Sarasvatī River dried up: cities like Kalibangan were abandoned.
- No evidence of warfare or invasions; a relatively peaceful society.
- Elements of culture and technology survived in later Indian civilisation.
## New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Civilisation | An advanced society with cities, rules, writing, and culture |
| Urbanisation | The growth and planning of cities |
| Tributary | A smaller river that joins a bigger river |
| Fortification | A strong wall built for protection around a city |
| Elite | The top or important group in society |
| Reservoir | A large place (natural or built) to store water |
| Pulses | Edible seeds like dal, beans, or lentils |
| Dockyard | A place where ships are loaded or unloaded |
| Seal | A carved object used to stamp or mark trade items |
| Figurine | A small statue, often made of clay or metal |
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **What is the other name for the Harappan Civilisation?**
**Answer**: Indus or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
**Explanation**: It is named after the rivers Indus and Sarasvatī.
2. **Name two important Harappan cities.**
**Answer**: Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
**Explanation**: These were the first excavated cities of the civilisation.
3. **What was the ‘Great Bath’ used for?**
**Answer**: Possibly for religious rituals.
**Explanation**: It had waterproofing and was not used for public bathing.
### Medium (2)
4. **Why was the civilisation called ‘Harappan’?**
**Answer**: Because Harappa was the first site discovered.
**Explanation**: Excavated in 1920–21, it gave the civilisation its name.
5. **List two reasons for the decline of the Harappan cities.**
**Answer**: Climate change and drying of the Sarasvatī river.
**Explanation**: These led to reduced agriculture and abandonment of cities.
### Difficult (3)
6. **How did the Harappans manage water?**
**Answer**: With drainage systems, wells, and stone reservoirs.
**Explanation**: Cities like Dholavira had advanced water storage and management.
7. **What do the Harappan seals suggest about their society?**
**Answer**: They likely used them for trade identification and symbolic purposes.
**Explanation**: The presence of script and animals hints at organized commerce.
8. **What crops did Harappans grow and what tool did they use?**
**Answer**: Wheat, barley, rice, millets, and they used ploughs.
**Explanation**: Evidence found in rural sites and terracotta plough models.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Why can the term 'Indus Valley Civilisation' be misleading?**
**Answer**: Because the civilisation extended beyond the Indus Valley.
**Explanation**: Sites also existed along the Sarasvatī and in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
10. **What do the toys and whistles reveal about Harappan life?**
**Answer**: They valued leisure and made toys for both children and adults.
**Explanation**: Indicates emotional and cultural development beyond survival needs.
---
## Overview
This chapter introduces the earliest known civilisation of the Indian subcontinent — the Harappan or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation. It covers its defining features like urban planning, water management, agriculture, trade, crafts, and eventual decline. The civilisation, dating back to around 2600 BCE, was advanced in many ways and has left behind a rich archaeological legacy.
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. What Is a Civilisation?
- Civilisation refers to an advanced stage of human society.
- Key characteristics:
- Governance and administration
- Urbanism (planned cities)
- Diverse crafts and production
- Internal and external trade
- Written communication
- Culture and customs
- Surplus agriculture
### 2. Emergence of the Harappan Civilisation
- Emerged in northwest India and Pakistan, around fertile plains of the Indus and the now seasonal Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra) river.
- From 3500 BCE: Villages developed into towns and later cities.
- First known city excavated: Harappa (in 1920–21).
- Known as Harappan, Indus, or Sindhu-Sarasvatī civilisation.
- Called the "First Urbanisation of India".
### 3. Important Cities and River Systems
- Major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan, Lothal.
- Rivers: Indus, Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra), and their tributaries.
- Sarasvatī mentioned in the Rig Veda.
### 4. Town Planning and Architecture
- Cities divided into upper town (elites) and lower town (common people).
- Wide, straight streets oriented to cardinal directions.
- Fortified city walls and organized layout.
- Homes of varying sizes but similar construction quality (bricks).
- Unique buildings:
- The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro: possibly for rituals.
- Public and private wells, granaries, and storage rooms.
### 5. Water Management
- Cities had well-planned drainage systems.
- Homes had bathing areas connected to covered drains.
- Dholavira had large reservoirs, some cut from rock, up to 73 meters in length.
- Water storage and cleanliness were key priorities.
### 6. Agriculture and Food
- Grew wheat, barley, millets, rice, pulses, vegetables, and cotton.
- Domesticated animals and practiced fishing.
- Evidence of cooking with turmeric, ginger, banana, and dairy found in pot residues.
- Used tools like ploughs (e.g., Banawali clay plough model).
### 7. Trade and Craftsmanship
- Extensive trade network: inland and overseas (via land, river, and sea).
- Exported: ornaments (carnelian beads), cotton, wood, possibly food.
- Imported: copper, tin (for bronze), and other raw materials.
- Lothal (Gujarat) had a large dockyard, supporting sea trade.
- Used seals made of steatite with animal motifs and undeciphered script, possibly for trade and identification.
### 8. Daily Life and Objects
- Excavated objects show diverse daily activities:
- Bronze mirror, pots, weights, chisels.
- Whistles, toys, game boards.
- Figurines: “Dancing Girl”, “Priest King”, terracotta figures.
- Pot designs depicting folk tales (e.g., the thirsty crow).
- Games, toys, and utensils reveal leisure and domestic life.
- Objects indicate cultural continuity with modern traditions (e.g., bangles, sitting posture in “namaste”).
### 9. Cultural and Symbolic Artifacts
- Seals with animals and symbols suggest a system of communication or belief.
- Religious symbols include swastika and possible deity depictions.
- Art shows symbolism and possibly ritualistic or spiritual meaning.
### 10. Decline of the Civilisation
- Around 1900 BCE, cities began to decline.
- Harappans shifted back to rural life; administrative systems faded.
- Two main reasons:
- Climate change: reduced rainfall, drier conditions.
- Sarasvatī River dried up: cities like Kalibangan were abandoned.
- No evidence of warfare or invasions; a relatively peaceful society.
- Elements of culture and technology survived in later Indian civilisation.
## New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Civilisation | An advanced society with cities, rules, writing, and culture |
| Urbanisation | The growth and planning of cities |
| Tributary | A smaller river that joins a bigger river |
| Fortification | A strong wall built for protection around a city |
| Elite | The top or important group in society |
| Reservoir | A large place (natural or built) to store water |
| Pulses | Edible seeds like dal, beans, or lentils |
| Dockyard | A place where ships are loaded or unloaded |
| Seal | A carved object used to stamp or mark trade items |
| Figurine | A small statue, often made of clay or metal |
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **What is the other name for the Harappan Civilisation?**
**Answer**: Indus or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
**Explanation**: It is named after the rivers Indus and Sarasvatī.
2. **Name two important Harappan cities.**
**Answer**: Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
**Explanation**: These were the first excavated cities of the civilisation.
3. **What was the ‘Great Bath’ used for?**
**Answer**: Possibly for religious rituals.
**Explanation**: It had waterproofing and was not used for public bathing.
### Medium (2)
4. **Why was the civilisation called ‘Harappan’?**
**Answer**: Because Harappa was the first site discovered.
**Explanation**: Excavated in 1920–21, it gave the civilisation its name.
5. **List two reasons for the decline of the Harappan cities.**
**Answer**: Climate change and drying of the Sarasvatī river.
**Explanation**: These led to reduced agriculture and abandonment of cities.
### Difficult (3)
6. **How did the Harappans manage water?**
**Answer**: With drainage systems, wells, and stone reservoirs.
**Explanation**: Cities like Dholavira had advanced water storage and management.
7. **What do the Harappan seals suggest about their society?**
**Answer**: They likely used them for trade identification and symbolic purposes.
**Explanation**: The presence of script and animals hints at organized commerce.
8. **What crops did Harappans grow and what tool did they use?**
**Answer**: Wheat, barley, rice, millets, and they used ploughs.
**Explanation**: Evidence found in rural sites and terracotta plough models.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Why can the term 'Indus Valley Civilisation' be misleading?**
**Answer**: Because the civilisation extended beyond the Indus Valley.
**Explanation**: Sites also existed along the Sarasvatī and in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
10. **What do the toys and whistles reveal about Harappan life?**
**Answer**: They valued leisure and made toys for both children and adults.
**Explanation**: Indicates emotional and cultural development beyond survival needs.
---
The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
Overview
This chapter introduces the earliest known civilisation of the Indian subcontinent — the Harappan or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation. It covers its defining features like urban planning, water management, agriculture, trade, crafts, and eventual decline. The civilisation, dating back to around 2600 BCE, was advanced in many ways and has left behind a rich archaeological legacy.
Key Topics Covered
1. What Is a Civilisation?
- Civilisation refers to an advanced stage of human society.
- Key characteristics:
- Governance and administration
- Urbanism (planned cities)
- Diverse crafts and production
- Internal and external trade
- Written communication
- Culture and customs
- Surplus agriculture
2. Emergence of the Harappan Civilisation
- Emerged in northwest India and Pakistan, around fertile plains of the Indus and the now seasonal Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra) river.
- From 3500 BCE: Villages developed into towns and later cities.
- First known city excavated: Harappa (in 1920–21).
- Known as Harappan, Indus, or Sindhu-Sarasvatī civilisation.
- Called the "First Urbanisation of India".
3. Important Cities and River Systems
- Major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Kalibangan, Lothal.
- Rivers: Indus, Sarasvatī (Ghaggar-Hakra), and their tributaries.
- Sarasvatī mentioned in the Rig Veda.
4. Town Planning and Architecture
- Cities divided into upper town (elites) and lower town (common people).
- Wide, straight streets oriented to cardinal directions.
- Fortified city walls and organized layout.
- Homes of varying sizes but similar construction quality (bricks).
- Unique buildings:
- The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro: possibly for rituals.
- Public and private wells, granaries, and storage rooms.
5. Water Management
- Cities had well-planned drainage systems.
- Homes had bathing areas connected to covered drains.
- Dholavira had large reservoirs, some cut from rock, up to 73 meters in length.
- Water storage and cleanliness were key priorities.
6. Agriculture and Food
- Grew wheat, barley, millets, rice, pulses, vegetables, and cotton.
- Domesticated animals and practiced fishing.
- Evidence of cooking with turmeric, ginger, banana, and dairy found in pot residues.
- Used tools like ploughs (e.g., Banawali clay plough model).
7. Trade and Craftsmanship
- Extensive trade network: inland and overseas (via land, river, and sea).
- Exported: ornaments (carnelian beads), cotton, wood, possibly food.
- Imported: copper, tin (for bronze), and other raw materials.
- Lothal (Gujarat) had a large dockyard, supporting sea trade.
- Used seals made of steatite with animal motifs and undeciphered script, possibly for trade and identification.
8. Daily Life and Objects
- Excavated objects show diverse daily activities:
- Bronze mirror, pots, weights, chisels.
- Whistles, toys, game boards.
- Figurines: “Dancing Girl”, “Priest King”, terracotta figures.
- Pot designs depicting folk tales (e.g., the thirsty crow).
- Games, toys, and utensils reveal leisure and domestic life.
- Objects indicate cultural continuity with modern traditions (e.g., bangles, sitting posture in “namaste”).
9. Cultural and Symbolic Artifacts
- Seals with animals and symbols suggest a system of communication or belief.
- Religious symbols include swastika and possible deity depictions.
- Art shows symbolism and possibly ritualistic or spiritual meaning.
10. Decline of the Civilisation
- Around 1900 BCE, cities began to decline.
- Harappans shifted back to rural life; administrative systems faded.
- Two main reasons:
- Climate change: reduced rainfall, drier conditions.
- Sarasvatī River dried up: cities like Kalibangan were abandoned.
- No evidence of warfare or invasions; a relatively peaceful society.
- Elements of culture and technology survived in later Indian civilisation.
New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Civilisation | An advanced society with cities, rules, writing, and culture |
| Urbanisation | The growth and planning of cities |
| Tributary | A smaller river that joins a bigger river |
| Fortification | A strong wall built for protection around a city |
| Elite | The top or important group in society |
| Reservoir | A large place (natural or built) to store water |
| Pulses | Edible seeds like dal, beans, or lentils |
| Dockyard | A place where ships are loaded or unloaded |
| Seal | A carved object used to stamp or mark trade items |
| Figurine | A small statue, often made of clay or metal |
Practice Questions
Easy (3)
-
What is the other name for the Harappan Civilisation?
Answer: Indus or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
Explanation: It is named after the rivers Indus and Sarasvatī. -
Name two important Harappan cities.
Answer: Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
Explanation: These were the first excavated cities of the civilisation. -
What was the ‘Great Bath’ used for?
Answer: Possibly for religious rituals.
Explanation: It had waterproofing and was not used for public bathing.
Medium (2)
-
Why was the civilisation called ‘Harappan’?
Answer: Because Harappa was the first site discovered.
Explanation: Excavated in 1920–21, it gave the civilisation its name. -
List two reasons for the decline of the Harappan cities.
Answer: Climate change and drying of the Sarasvatī river.
Explanation: These led to reduced agriculture and abandonment of cities.
Difficult (3)
-
How did the Harappans manage water?
Answer: With drainage systems, wells, and stone reservoirs.
Explanation: Cities like Dholavira had advanced water storage and management. -
What do the Harappan seals suggest about their society?
Answer: They likely used them for trade identification and symbolic purposes.
Explanation: The presence of script and animals hints at organized commerce. -
What crops did Harappans grow and what tool did they use?
Answer: Wheat, barley, rice, millets, and they used ploughs.
Explanation: Evidence found in rural sites and terracotta plough models.
Very Difficult (2)
-
Why can the term 'Indus Valley Civilisation' be misleading?
Answer: Because the civilisation extended beyond the Indus Valley.
Explanation: Sites also existed along the Sarasvatī and in Gujarat and Rajasthan. -
What do the toys and whistles reveal about Harappan life?
Answer: They valued leisure and made toys for both children and adults.
Explanation: Indicates emotional and cultural development beyond survival needs.