Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Extra Questions

Q1. Why are the inhabitants called ‘Harappans’ in this civilisation?

ANS: The inhabitants are called Harappans because Harappa was the first city of this civilisation to be discovered by archaeologists. Hence, the civilisation and its people came to be known as Harappan.

Q2. Mention a few materials related to Harappan culture.

ANS: The Harappans used materials such as baked bricks, stone, copper, bronze, gold, silver, shell, terracotta and steatite.

Q3. Note down a few cities of Harappan culture.

ANS: Some important Harappan cities were Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi.

Q4. Name the Indian states where Harappan culture spread.

ANS: The Harappan culture spread across present-day Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and parts of western Uttar Pradesh.

Q5. What is civilisation in general terms?

ANS: Civilisation refers to an advanced stage of human society marked by urban life, organised governance, specialised occupations, social institutions and cultural development.

Q6. Mention any two characteristics of civilisation.

ANS: Two characteristics of civilisation are planned urban settlements and a system of administration or governance.

Q7. When did civilisation begin in different parts of the world?

ANS: Civilisations began around 3500–3000 BCE in regions such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley and China.

Q8. Why are the Punjab plains very fertile?

ANS: The Punjab plains are very fertile because rivers deposit rich alluvial soil there, making the land suitable for agriculture.

Q9. Describe the course of the Sarasvati River a few millennia ago.

ANS: A few millennia ago, the Sarasvati River flowed from the Himalayas towards the Arabian Sea through present-day Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Q10. Where is the Sarasvati River mentioned for the first time?

ANS: The Sarasvati River is mentioned for the first time in the Rigveda.

Q11. Name the first two cities discovered in the Harappan civilisation.

ANS: The first two cities discovered were Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.

Q12. Name a large building used for collective purposes in Harappan cities.

ANS: The Great Bath was a large building used for collective purposes.

Q13. What are tributaries? Give one example.

ANS: Tributaries are smaller rivers that flow into a larger river. An example is the Ravi River, a tributary of the Indus.

Q14. What is the Great Bath?

ANS: The Great Bath was a large, well-constructed tank at Mohenjo-daro, probably used for ritual bathing and religious ceremonies.

Q15. What food items were eaten by the Harappans?

ANS: The Harappans ate wheat, barley, rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, fish and meat.

Q16. Mention a few items exported by the Harappans.

ANS: The Harappans exported beads, cotton textiles, pottery, jewellery and metal goods.

Q17. Name any two famous figures found in Harappan civilisation.

ANS: The Dancing Girl and the Priest-King are two famous figures found in the Harappan civilisation.

Q18. What term is used for an advanced stage of human society with urban planning and governance?

ANS: The term used is civilisation.

Q19. Name the earliest city discovered in India.

ANS: Harappa is considered the earliest city discovered in India.

Q20. Which grains were produced by the Harappans?

ANS: The Harappans produced wheat, barley and rice.

Q21. Where was evidence of a dockyard found?

ANS: Evidence of a dockyard was found at Lothal.

Q22. Name four excavation sites of the Harappan civilisation.

ANS: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira and Lothal are four excavation sites.

Q23. What do you mean by urbanisation?

ANS: Urbanisation refers to the growth of cities and the development of urban life with organised infrastructure and services.

Q24. Name a few objects of daily use found from Dholavira.

ANS: Objects such as pottery, beads, tools, seals and household items were found from Dholavira.

Q25. Why did the Harappans return to rural settlements?

ANS: The Harappans returned to rural settlements due to environmental changes, decline in trade, water scarcity and agricultural difficulties.

Q26. What caused the decline of the Harappan civilisation?

ANS: Climate change, drying of rivers, floods, earthquakes and decline in trade caused the fall of the Harappan civilisation.

Q27. When did early cities develop in India?

ANS: Early cities developed in India around 2600 BCE.

Q28. Why is the Harappan civilisation considered remarkable?

ANS: It is considered remarkable for its advanced town planning, drainage system, standardised bricks and organised civic life.

Q29. Who are archaeologists?

ANS: Archaeologists are scholars who study ancient cultures by excavating and analysing material remains.

Q30. Why is the Harappan civilisation called the First Urbanisation of India?

ANS: It is called the First Urbanisation because it marks the earliest development of planned cities and urban life in India.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q31. Write a short note on the Harappan civilisation.

ANS: The Harappan civilisation, also known as the Sindhu–Sarasvati civilisation, was one of the earliest urban civilisations of the world. It flourished around 2600–1900 BCE in north-western India and present-day Pakistan. The civilisation was known for its planned cities, efficient drainage system, standardised bricks, advanced agriculture and long-distance trade. Archaeological evidence shows a high level of social organisation and technical skill.

Q32. Explain the architectural features and ritual importance of the Great Bath.

ANS: The Great Bath was a massive rectangular tank built with baked bricks and waterproofed with natural bitumen. It had steps on both sides and surrounding rooms. Archaeologists believe it was used for ritual bathing, indicating the importance of cleanliness and religious practices in Harappan society.

Q33. What factors contributed to the development of the Harappan civilisation?

ANS: Fertile river plains, availability of water, favourable climate, agricultural surplus, skilled craftsmanship and organised administration contributed to the growth of the Harappan civilisation.

Q34. Describe the craft works of the Harappans.

ANS: The Harappans were skilled craftsmen who made beads, pottery, seals, metal tools and ornaments. They used copper, bronze, gold and silver and showed great expertise in bead-making and metallurgy.

Q35. What factors marked the decline of the Harappan civilisation?

ANS: The decline was caused by climatic changes, drying up of rivers, floods, decline in trade and environmental degradation, leading to the abandonment of cities.

Q36. What are the defining characteristics of Harappan urban planning?

ANS: Harappan cities followed a grid pattern with straight roads, well-planned drainage, standardised bricks, separate citadel and lower town, and advanced water management.

Q37. How did the Harappan civilisation contribute to the development of metallurgy?

ANS: The Harappans used copper and bronze extensively to make tools, weapons and ornaments, showing early mastery of metallurgical techniques.

Q38. What evidence suggests that the Harappans engaged in long-distance trade?

ANS: Seals, dockyards, foreign materials and references in Mesopotamian records indicate long-distance trade with regions like Mesopotamia.

Q39. Explain the water-management system of the Harappans.

ANS: The Harappans built wells, reservoirs, tanks and an advanced drainage system to manage water efficiently, showing excellent civic planning.