The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Questions and Answers

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Question Answer Social Science Chapter 6

NCERT Class 6 Social Science SST Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Questions and Answers Solutions

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Questions and Answers (In-Text)

The Big Questions (Page-41)

Question 1.
What is a civilisation?
Answer:
A civilisation is a large group of people living together in their own well-organised way. They have their own culture, lifestyle, cities, laws, and ways of doing things like farming, building, and trading. But everything is structured and properly managed.

Question 2.
What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:
The earliest civilisation of the Indian subcontinent was the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as Harappan Civilisation.

Question 3.
What were its major achievements? (Medium)
Answer:
The Indus Valley Civilisation had many achievements, a few of which are below mentioned:

• Well-planned cities and streets.
• A good drainage system.
• Beautifully crafted pottery, jewellery, and seals.
• Trade networks.
• Advanced agricultural practices using modern tools.
  (You can add more points also.)

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Question 4.
Which of the above characteristics do you think is the most fundamental – that is, a characteristic essential to the development of all others?
Answer:
Productive agriculture might be the most fundamental, as without enough food, people wouldn’t be able to live in one place for a long time and they will keep on moving in search of enough food. Farming allows people to settle down, build cities, and form a society that is then looked after and managed by some kind of higher authority or government.

Once there’s enough food, people can indulge in other activities like crafting, trading, etc. In short, agriculture is the most primary factor that supports the growth of the entire civilisation by providing the necessary resources for people to thrive.

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Question 5.
For each characteristic in the list above, can you make a list of professions or occupations that might exist in such a society?
Answer:
Productive Agriculture

• Farmers
• Labourers
• Toolmakers
• Animal Herders

Government and Administration

• Kings
• Officials/Bureaucrats
• Judges

Urbanism

• City Planners
• Engineers
• Architects
• Builders
• Construction Workers

Variety of Crafts

• Craftsmen/Artisans
• Blacksmiths
• Weavers
• Carpenters

Trade

• Merchants/Traders
• Caravan Leaders
• Shipbuilders
• Port Managers

Form of Writing

• Scribes
• Teachers
• Librarians

Cultural Ideas

• Artists
• Writers/Poets
• Musicians
• Dancers
• Sculptor
• Priests (You can add more to the list.)

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Question 6.
Some of the important cities of this civilisation are marked in the map (Fig. 6.3). As a class activity, can you try to match these cities with the modern states or regions in the table on the next page?

Harappan city	Modern state/region
Dholavira Harappa Kalibangan Mohenjo-daro Rakhigarhi	Punjab Gujarat Sindh Haryana Rajasthan

Answer:
The correct pairs are:
(i) Dholavira – Gujarat
(ii) Harappa – Punjab
(iii) Kalibangan – Rajasthan
(iv) Mohenjo-daro – Sindh
(v) Rakhigarhi – Haryana

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Question 7.
You may have come across the term ‘Indus Valley Civilisation’ and noticed that we have not used it. A look at the map (Fig. 6.3 on page 89) explains why the term ‘Valley’ is obsolete, as we now know that the civilisation extended much beyond the Indus region. (Refer map given on page 58) (Medium)
Answer:
The term “Indus Valley Civilisation” was used as it was believed that the Harappan Civilisation majorly developed around the regions of the Indus River. However, this term is now considered outdated because it is now clear that the civilisation was not limited to the Indus Valley region only.

The civilisation actually extended far beyond just the Indus Valley and covered a much larger area, which includes parts of present-day Pakistan and India. This extended region includes areas like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and even more. Therefore, using the term “Indus Valley” doesn’t fully justify the vast geographical area covered by this ancient civilisation.

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Question 8.
Have a debate in class about the last two interpretations. Can you think of any others? Remember that in this case, we do not have any other source of history – no inscription, no text, no traveller’s account.
Answer:
Class activity.
(Hints: Most houses already had bathrooms, so common use is not possible / the size of the tank was huge, this represents luxury / the tank had sophisticated construction, which means it was built for some special purpose only / taking holy dips is even prevalent today in revered rivers like Ganges and Yamuna.)

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Question 9.
As a class activity, measure the length of your classroom, a school corridor or a playground with the help of any measuring tape. Compare these lengths with the length of the largest reservoir in Dholavira.
Answer:
Class activity.

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Question 10.
Imagine the large number of workers required to build such a network of reservoirs. Who do you think organised their work and gave them precise instructions? How do you think they were paid for their labour? (Hint: there was no money at that time in the way we have today.) Since the reservoirs needed to be cleaned from time to time, was there some local authority to manage their maintenance? What clues do we get from all this about this city’s ruler and municipal administration? Use your imagination and discuss with your teacher. Archaeologists also discuss these questions, and the answers are not always final!
Answer:
(i) Organising Workers: The construction of large reservoirs would likely have been managed by a ruler or high-ranking officials. They would have had the authority and power to organise and direct the workers. Further, the work might have been completed by skilled managers, engineers and architects who had the proper skills and knowledge required to complete and plan the whole project and these details were forwarded to the workers.

(ii) Payments: Instead of money, workers might have been paid in goods or services, such as food, clothing, or housing and they could have also received benefits like better living conditions or higher status in society.

(iii) Maintenance: There might have been local officials or a municipal authority who further hired workers responsible for maintaining the reservoirs. The officials might have made regular inspections to ensure that the reservoirs were cleaned and kept in good condition. In smaller communities, maintenance might have been a communal responsibility, shared among the local residents.

(iv) Clues about ruler and municipal administration: The organisation of such extensive projects and the regular maintenance indicate a well-structured, organised and centralised administration. The ruler or governing body had the ability and power to mobilise large numbers of people, manage resources effectively, and ensure the regular upkeep of important infrastructure. This reflects a well-developed and organised system of governance and administration with specified roles and responsibilities. (Any other points can also be added.)

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Question 11.
Imagine you cook a meal in a Harappan house. What dish or dishes would you prepare, based on the data given above?
Answer:
Do it yourself.

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Question 12.
Looking at these three Harappan seals with some writing signs, what goes through your mind? Would you like to suggest any interpretations? Let your imagination run!
Answer:

Answer:
Do it yourself.
(Hints: The figures can be of the animals of that time / the animals might be related to some trade activities / maybe the Harappan prople would have worshiped these animals/other symbols might have represented the letters or words of their script, which we don’t understand fully / different types of seals might have been used by different people, regions, or officials and the use of a particular seal could have varied based on the hierarchy or rank of the person in the society.)

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Question 13.
Looking at the objects on pages 100 and 101 or any other pictured in this chapter – can you make out what activities or aspects of life were important for the Harappans?
Answer:
Below mentioned are the key aspects of lives of the Harappans:

• Harappans used practical items like pots for food preparation and storage. They even used mirrors and combs for personal grooming. These items were part of their daily activities and comfort.
• They valued leisure and entertainment as they had designed games and toys for both children and adults.
• The Harappans were very creative, as can be seen through their statues, seals, toys, and other crafted items, reflecting their artistic skills and storytelling.
• The seals even indicate that the Harappans were extensively involved in trade and had even developed great networks with far-off regions also.
• They had religious practices, as can be seen from the symbols and figures used on seals.
• The ‘Priest King’ statue implies a structured society with possible hierarchies or important roles.
• Harappans were very hygienic, as almost all houses had private bathrooms and there was a proper drainage system.
• Decorative items like pots, statues and jewellery signify they also valued aesthetics and decoration. (Other points can also be added.)

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Question 14.
Complete the story found on the Lothal pot. How was such a story remembered for more than 4,000 years, in your opinion?
Answer:
The design on the Lothal pot depicts a story about a thirsty crow that we all have heard in our childhood. According to the story, a thirsty crow finds a pot with a small amount of water at the bottom and is not able to drink it because the beak of the crow is not able to reach the bottom of that pot. In an effort to reach the water, the clever crow drops pebbles into the pot. As the level of the water rises due to the pebbles, the crow easily drinks the water and flew away.

The story is remembered for more than 4,000 years because it is passed on from one generation to another. Earlier, not all people were literate enough to read and write, hence, oral stories were the perfect way of sharing information and knowledge, and when such stories are recorded, they are preserved and kept alive for generations to come.

Same way the story of the crow was preserved and has reached us now. I’ve heard this story from my grandparents and maybe they heard it from theirs, and the story might have travelled like this through all this passing time.

Question 15.
Consider the ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine. What do you make of the attitude the figurine expresses? Observe her bangles covering an entire arm, a practice still visible in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.Where else in this chapter can you spot bangles worn in this manner. What conclusion should we draw from this?
Answer:
The ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine from Mohenjo-daro appears confident and expressive. The statue is made with great precision, showing detailed jewellery and posture, which suggests that women of that time were respected, which made them confident and bold.

The figurine’s bangles cover her entire arm, a practice still seen in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, states where sites of the Harappan Civilisation were found. A woman in the picture on the first page of the chapter is also shown wearing bangles in this manner. This indicates that the culture and practices of the Harappan Civilisation have successfully passed the test of time, remaining alive even today and possibly being passed onto future generations.

Class 6 SST The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Question Answer (Exercise)

Question 1.
Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.
Answer:
The civilisation studied in this chapter is known by many names, like the Indus Valley Civilisation, Harappan Civilisation, and Sarasvati-Sindhu Civilisation. Each name highlights a different aspect of this ancient culture:

(i) Indus Valley Civilisation: This name was given because most of the major sites of the civilisation, like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were found
near the Indus River. So, it was believed that this civilisation flourished because of the Indus River.

(ii) Harappan Civilisation: The first site to be discovered of this civilisation was Harappa, which is now in present-day Pakistan. The civilisation was then named after this city.

(iii) Sarasvati-Sindhu Civilisation: This name signifies the importance of the Sarasvati River, which some believe played a crucial role in the civilisation’s development alongside the Indus River.

We know very little about this civilisation as much of its sites are destroyed and we still don’t fully understand its script. So, it’s not clear what it was actually called. However, scholars and historians have tried to call this civilisation with the most relatable names to ensure that the significance of this great civilisation is not lost. These different names reflect the geographical spread and the cultural significance of the civilisation, highlighting its extensive influence and the various aspects.

Question 2.
Write a brief report ( 150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation.
Answer:
The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the world’s oldest and most advanced urban cultures. Among its most notable achievements was its well-organised town planning. The cities were laid out in a grid pattern with wide streets, advanced drainage systems, and sophisticated water management techniques. This highlights their understanding of urban infrastructure.

Another significant achievement was the civilisation’s expertise in craft production and metallurgy. The Harappans were skilled in making practical and daily use items. Therefore, they were just living a perfect life, having all essential amenities. The discovery of seals suggests they had a well-developed system of trade, both within the region and with distant lands like Mesopotamia. This even indicated that they had a good transportation system, which connected them with the outside world.

The Harappan script, though still undeciphered, indicates the existence of a written language used for communication and record-keeping. The civilisation also demonstrated some kind of social organisation and centralised administration, as seen in the uniformity of their building practices and the presence of large public structures like warehouses and the Great Bath, which may have been used for religious or ritual purposes.

The town planning and these big structures make one point very clear that Harappans were great architects. Overall, the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation was remarkable for its urban planning, technological advancements, and cultural achievements. The Harappan Civilisation was actually way ahead of its time.

Question 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?
Answer:
Do it yourself.
(Hints: The estimated distance from Harappa to Kalibangan is 250-300km .Travelling during the time of Harappan Valley Civilisation can use ways like walking, bullock cart, riding on horseback, river routes / walking can take upto 12-15 days / bullock cart can take more time as they are slow / horses will take around 10-12 days / riverways are the fasted / the time may vary depending on the terrain and weather conditions)

Question 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?
Answer:
If a Harappan man or woman were transported to an average kitchen in today’s time, they would likely be amazed by several big surprises, a few of which are mentioned below:

• Electric appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc.
• Use of gas stoves instead of firewood to cook food.
• The variety of cooking utensils and gadgets, including non-stick cookware, blenders, and pressure cookers, etc. Especially, airtight containers to store food.
• Running water in taps.
• The wide range of ingredients available, including exotic spices, processed foods, and pre-packaged items.(Other relevant points can also be considered.)

Question 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.
Answer:
The ornaments, gestures, and objects from the Harappan civilisation that still feel familiar in the 21st century are below listed:

• The practice of wearing bangles, as seen on the ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine, is still common in various parts of India, like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Other jewellery items, like necklaces, are also still worn by the people of 21 st century.
• A comb and a mirror have been found from Harappan sites, indicating that the Harappan people were into self-grooming practices. These things are used till date.
• The terracotta figurine seated in a ‘namaste’ posture is very similar to the traditional Indian greeting still widely used today.
• The cooking pots and storage jars from Harappan times are still relevant in contemporary kitchens.
• The findings of games board signify that the enjoyment of games and toys is a long-standing tradition. As many similar games and toys are still popular today.

Question 6.
What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?
Answer:
The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mindset of:
(i) Advanced Planning and Management: The construction of extensive reservoirs highlights a forward-thinking approach towards water use and management, showcasing systematic planning to address the needs of the community.

(ii) Sustainability: The reservoirs were designed to collect and store water, which suggests a sustainable mindset in making efficient use and storage of available resources, not only for the present but also for future generations. As doing so, was more crucial, especially in an arid environment.

(iii) Community Well-being: The effort to build and maintain such a system reflects a concern for the well-being of the whole community, ensuring a reliable water supply for domestic as well as agricultural use.

(iv) Innovative: The complexity of the reservoir system demonstrates an innovative and creative mindset, using advanced engineering techniques for the time to manage water resources effectively.

(v) Visionary: The scale and durability of the reservoir system suggest a long-term and resourceful vision. Harappans had already understood the importance of the judicious use of natural resources like water.

Question 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.
Answer:
The presence of around 700 brick wells in Mohenjodaro, which were regularly maintained and used for several centuries, has several important implications, a few of which are mentioned below:

(i) Systematic Urban Planning: The extensive number of wells indicates great urban planning and infrastructure. The wells were placed throughout the city to ensure a reliable and accessible water supply for everyone.

(ii) Water Management System: The Harappans had effective methods for managing their water resources, as all the wells were regularly maintained. With regular inspection and maintenance, they were ensuring a sustainable water supply.

(iii) Public Health and Hygiene: Easy access to clean water is crucial for maintaining sanitation and preventing waterborne diseases, and the presence of numerous wells suggests that Harappans prioritised public health and hygiene.

(iv) Social Structure: Only a well-organised social structure can build and maintain such a large number of wells. Therefore, it can be suggested that there was centralised administration and a proper system of public works and maybe roles were even dedicated to overseeing water resources.

(v) Stability: Such extensive infrastructure requires a stable society capable of supporting and managing large-scale projects. Therefore, it is clear that there was economic and social stability back then.

Question 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.
Answer:
The statement that the Harappans had a high civic sense is absolutely correct. The evidence from Harappan sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Dholavira supports this statement. The excavations clearly suggest that the cities were well-planned, there were advanced drainage systems, all houses had private bathrooms and standardised construction techniques were put in place.

The Harappans demonstrated a strong commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, and public welfare, as seen in the uniformly laid out streets, public baths, and extensive water management systems like wells and reservoirs. These features highlight that the Harappans prioritsed public health and efficient urban living.

If we compare this to citizens in a large city in India today, the contrast is stark. Though modern Indian cities do have infrastructure and advanced technology, the civic sense among citizens often varies. Issues like pollution, improper waste disposal, traffic violations and disrespect for public property are common. Unlike the Harappans, who shared a collective sense of responsibility, many modern citizens sometimes overlook the importance of maintaining public spaces.

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