Question 1

What is a civilisation?

Accepted Answer

A civilisation is an advanced stage of human society characterized by features such as government and administration, urbanism (town-planning and city growth), a variety of crafts, trade (both internal and external), some form of writing, cultural ideas expressed through art and literature, and productive agriculture sufficient to feed both villages and cities. — Civilisation involves complex social structures and developments including governance, urban planning, crafts, trade, writing, culture, and agriculture. These features distinguish a civilisation from simpler societies.

Question 2

What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent?

Accepted Answer

The earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent was the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation, also known as the Harappan civilisation. It flourished around 2600 to 1900 BCE in the northwest region of the subcontinent. — Archaeological evidence shows that the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation was the first urban civilisation in India, with well-planned cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.

Question 3

What were its major achievements?

Accepted Answer

The major achievements of the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation include the development of well-planned cities with advanced town-planning and drainage systems, the use of metallurgy, production of various crafts and finished goods, extensive trade networks both internal and external, the use of a form of writing (yet to be fully deciphered), and productive agriculture supported by fertile plains watered by the Indus and Sarasvati rivers. — The civilisation showed advanced urban planning with grid layouts, sophisticated water management, and a variety of crafts. Trade was conducted over large distances, and cultural ideas were expressed through art and architecture.

Question 4

THINK ABOUT IT

Which of the above characteristics do you think is the most fundamental — that is, a characteristic essential to the development of all others?

Accepted Answer

The most fundamental characteristic essential to the development of all others is productive agriculture. Without sufficient food production, a society cannot support urban growth, crafts, trade, or complex governance. Agriculture provides the economic base that allows people to specialize in other activities and develop civilisation. — Agriculture produces surplus food which supports population growth and specialization of labor. This surplus enables the development of cities, crafts, trade, administration, and cultural activities.

Question 5

LET'S EXPLORE

For each characteristic in the list above, can you make a list of professions or occupations that might exist in such a society?

Accepted Answer

Professions or occupations corresponding to each characteristic could include:
- Government and administration: rulers, officials, scribes
- Urbanism: architects, town planners, engineers
- Crafts: potters, metalworkers, weavers, toolmakers
- Trade: merchants, traders, transport workers
- Writing: scribes, record keepers
- Cultural ideas: artists, poets, musicians, priests
- Agriculture: farmers, irrigation workers

These professions together support the functioning of a civilisation. — Each characteristic of civilisation requires specialized roles. For example, urbanism needs planners and engineers; trade requires merchants; writing needs scribes; cultural expression involves artists and priests; agriculture depends on farmers.

Question 6

LET'S EXPLORE

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?

Accepted Answer

Matching of Harappan cities with modern states/regions:
- Dholavira — Gujarat
- Harappa — Punjab
- Kalibangan — Rajasthan
- Mohenjo-daro — Sindh
- Rakhigarhi — Haryana

Note: The table in the text has some mismatches; the correct matches based on archaeological locations are as above. — Based on archaeological evidence and geographical locations:
- Dholavira is in Gujarat
- Harappa is in Punjab (Pakistan)
- Kalibangan is in Rajasthan
- Mohenjo-daro is in Sindh (Pakistan)
- Rakhigarhi is in Haryana

This helps understand the spread of the civilisation across regions.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The civilisation studied in this chapter is known by several names such as the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation, Harappan civilisation, and sometimes the Indus Valley civilisation. These different names reflect various aspects of the civilisation. 'Harappan' is derived from Harappa, one of the major archaeological sites, and is often used because the first excavations were done there. 'Indus-Sarasvatī' refers to the two major rivers, the Indus and the Sarasvatī, along which the civilisation flourished, highlighting the geographical extent. 'Indus Valley' is a more general term referring to the valley of the Indus River where many sites are located. The significance of these names lies in how they emphasize different perspectives: archaeological discovery, geographical spread, and cultural identity of the civilisation. — The multiple names indicate the civilisation's wide geographical spread and the different focuses of study by historians and archaeologists. The Harappan name emphasizes the site of discovery, Indus Valley highlights the river valley, and Indus-Sarasvatī includes the Sarasvatī river, which is important in ancient Indian texts and recent archaeological findings.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, flourishing around 2500 BCE. It is known for its well-planned cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, which had advanced drainage systems, brick houses, and public baths. The civilisation developed a script that remains undeciphered but indicates a form of communication and record-keeping. They excelled in craft production, including bead-making, pottery, and metallurgy. Trade was extensive, both within the region and with distant lands like Mesopotamia. The people had a high civic sense, as seen in the maintenance of wells and reservoirs, and the systematic layout of their cities. Their agricultural practices supported a large population, and they domesticated animals. Overall, the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation represents a significant achievement in urban planning, social organisation, and technological innovation in ancient India. — The report should cover key achievements such as urban planning, drainage, craft production, trade, script, and agriculture. These points highlight the civilisation's complexity and advancement.

Question 9

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?

Accepted Answer

Travel options from Harappa to Kalibangan during the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation times would likely include walking, using bullock carts, or river transport if waterways were accessible. Walking might take several days to a week depending on the distance and terrain. Bullock carts, being slower but able to carry goods, might take a similar or slightly shorter time but require rest periods. River transport, if possible, could be faster and more efficient. In modern terms, the distance between Harappa and Kalibangan is roughly 300-350 km. Walking at about 20 km per day would take approximately 15-18 days. Bullock carts might cover 30-40 km per day, taking about 8-10 days. River transport could be faster but depends on river conditions. These estimations help understand the challenges of travel and trade in ancient times. — The answer requires understanding ancient transport means and estimating travel time based on distance and speed. It encourages thinking about logistics and geography of the civilisation.

Question 10

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?

Accepted Answer

A Harappan person transported to a modern Indian kitchen would be surprised by several things: (1) The use of electricity and electric appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and mixers, which are unknown in their time. (2) The variety and availability of food items, including processed and packaged foods, which differ from their agricultural produce. (3) The use of modern utensils made of stainless steel, plastic, and glass, unlike the pottery and metal utensils they used. (4) The presence of gas stoves or induction cooktops instead of wood or charcoal fires. (5) The concept of refrigeration and preservation of food, which would be unfamiliar. These surprises highlight technological and cultural changes over thousands of years. — The answer reflects on technological advancements and lifestyle changes from ancient to modern times, encouraging students to compare and contrast historical and contemporary life.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Ornaments such as bangles, necklaces, earrings, and rings depicted in Harappan artefacts are still commonly worn today. Gestures like folded hands (namaste) and certain postures seen in sculptures remain part of Indian culture. Objects like pottery, beads, and toys have modern equivalents. The use of seals and stamps for identification or trade has parallels in modern stamps and signatures. These continuities show cultural persistence and the enduring nature of certain traditions and objects over millennia. — The answer involves observation and cultural comparison, identifying elements from the past that continue in present-day India.

Question 12

What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?

Accepted Answer

The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mindset of careful water management and planning. It shows that the Harappans were aware of the scarcity of water in their region and took measures to collect and store rainwater for use during dry periods. This indicates foresight, organisation, and a concern for community welfare. The reservoirs also suggest an understanding of engineering and the importance of sustainable resource use, which was crucial for the survival of the civilisation in an arid environment. — The answer highlights the Harappans' advanced civic sense and environmental awareness, as evidenced by their water conservation techniques.

Question 13

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.

Accepted Answer

The presence of about 700 brick wells in Mohenjo-daro, maintained over centuries, implies a high level of urban planning and civic responsibility. It shows that the inhabitants valued access to clean water and had systems in place for maintenance and repair. This reflects a well-organised society with administrative mechanisms to manage public utilities. The longevity of the wells indicates sustainable practices and community cooperation. It also suggests that water was a critical resource, and its management was central to the city's functioning. — The answer discusses the social organisation, civic sense, and technological capabilities of the Harappan people as inferred from the wells.

Question 14

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.

Accepted Answer

The statement that Harappans had a high civic sense is significant because it highlights their concern for public welfare, cleanliness, and orderly living. Evidence such as well-planned cities, drainage systems, maintenance of wells, and water reservoirs supports this view. I agree with this statement as these features show collective responsibility and organised governance. Comparing with citizens in large Indian cities today, while modern cities have advanced infrastructure, challenges like pollution and waste management persist. The Harappan example can inspire better civic responsibility and community participation in urban management today. — The answer requires critical thinking about ancient and modern civic behaviour, drawing parallels and contrasts to understand the importance of civic sense.

Question 15

Which two rivers is the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation named after?

Accepted Answer

Indus and Sarasvati — The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation is named after the two major rivers, the Indus and the Sarasvati, which flowed through the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent where this civilisation flourished.

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation — Study Notes

The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation

Where Did the Harappan People Live?

The Towns and Cities of the Harappan Civilisation

Practice Questions — The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

All 14 Chapters in Exploring Society India and Beyond