3. Harappan Civilisation
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Six History and Civics.
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About the chapter
The Harappan Civilisation was one of the oldest urban civilisations in the world. Many of its sites were found in the Indus valley. This chapter describes its town planning, drainage, the Great Bath, trade and art. It also explains why the civilisation declined.
Key points
- It is also called the Indus Valley Civilisation.
- Harappan cities had broad roads in a grid pattern and baked-brick houses.
- They had an excellent covered drainage system.
- The Great Bath was found at Mohenjodaro. A dockyard was found at Lothal.
- The Harappans traded with distant regions like Mesopotamia.
- Changes in rivers, natural calamities and fall in trade led to its decline.
Words to remember
- Civilisation – an advanced way of life with cities, trade and crafts
- Town planning – planning roads, houses and drains of a city in advance
- Citadel – the raised, walled part of a Harappan city
- Dockyard – a place where ships are built, repaired or loaded
- Seal – a small object with pictures and script on it
Exercise
(1) The Harappan Civilisation was discovered on the banks of this river:
- A) Ganga
- B) Yamuna
- ✓ C) Indus
- D) Godavari
Answer: Indus
(2) The Great Bath of the Harappan Civilisation was discovered at this site:
- A) Dholavira
- B) Lothal
- C) Kalibangan
- ✓ D) Mohenjodaro
Answer: Mohenjodaro
(3) A dockyard has been discovered at this site of the Harappan Civilisation:
- ✓ A) Lothal
- B) Rakhigarhi
- C) Banawali
- D) Dholavira
Answer: Lothal
(1) Trade with distant regions was the primary reason for the expansion of the Harappan Civilisation. — True
(2) The people of the Harappan Civilisation were not aware of public health. — False
The Harappans were aware of public health. They had covered drains and toilets in houses.
(3) A decline in trade was one of the reasons for the decline of the Harappan Civilisation. — True
Concept map of the distinctive features of the Harappan Civilisation.
Fill any six features shown above. You may also write ‘fortification wall and Citadel’ or ‘wells and toilets in houses’.
- R — RAKHIGARHI
- L — LOTHAL
- J — MOHENJODARO
- D — DHOLAVIRA
- G — KALIBANGAN
Count the squares in each row and column first. Then choose the city name with the same number of letters.
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(1) The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro
The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro is a fine example of Harappan architecture. It is a large water tank. It is about 12 metres long, 7 metres wide and 2.5 metres deep. It was built of baked bricks. There was a special system to bring water in and let it out. Small rooms surrounded the tank. Some scholars think religious rituals were performed here.
(2) Clothing style and Ornaments of Harappan people
The Harappans used cotton and silk clothes. Men and women wore a knee-length skirt and an upper garment. They made beads of clay, semi-precious stones, shells, copper, silver and gold. They wore necklaces, earrings, armbands, bangles, rings and waistbands. Their beads were in great demand in Mesopotamia.
(3) Arts and Entertainment in Harappan civilisation
The Harappans were skilled artisans. A bronze figurine called the ‘Dancing Girl’ and a stone statue called the ‘Priest-King’ are famous. Their seals show animals like the ox, elephant and rhinoceros. Their pottery had designs of fish scales, circles and Pipal leaves. For entertainment, they made clay toys like animals, carts, spinning tops and whistles.
(1) Name any Harappan site located in the state of Rajasthan, India. — Kalibangan
(2) Name any Harappan site located outside India’s present international borders. — Mohenjodaro or Harappa (Pakistan)
(3) On the banks of which river is the Harappan site of Manda situated? — Chenab
(4) In which Indian state is the Harappan site of Daimabad located? — Maharashtra
(1) Explain how the systematic town planning of the Harappan Civilisation can serve as a model for the planning of modern-day cities.
- Harappan roads were broad and in a grid pattern. Modern cities should also plan straight, wide roads.
- Their cities had separate sections with walls. Modern cities can have separate zones for homes, offices and markets.
- Houses were built of baked bricks of a standard size. Modern buildings should also use strong, standard material.
- Every house had a well and a toilet. Every modern home needs water supply and sanitation.
- Drains were covered. Covered drains keep a city clean and free of disease.
- Public water structures like the Great Bath were well planned. Modern cities also need good water management.
Thus, Harappan town planning teaches us to plan before we build.
(2) Why did the Harappan economy decline?
- Rivers changed their course. This caused water shortage and harmed farming.
- Floods, droughts and earthquakes damaged cities and fields.
- Around 2300 BCE, trade with the Sumerian civilisation slowed down.
- Without trade, craftsmen and traders lost their income.
- People moved from cities to small villages. City life came to an end.
The Activity (a model of a Harappan site and comparing your local roads with Harappan roads) and the Project (models of Harappan houses and drains, and information on the ‘Sant Gadgebaba Gram Swachhata Abhiyan’) are to be done at school with your teacher’s guidance.