Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation | Class 12 History Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 2 min read
Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation from Class 12 History, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Terminologies, Places and Time
The Harappan Civilisation is also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, named after the site Harappa where it was first identified. The civilisation spans a long period from approximately 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE, divided into three phases: Early Harappan (6000 BCE–2600 BCE), which was formative; Mature Harappan (2600 BCE–1900 BCE), the urban and most prosperous phase; and Late Harappan (1900 BCE–1300 BCE), marking decline. Distinctive artefacts such as pottery, bricks (both baked and unbaked), seals, weights, beads, and metal articles have been found over a vast region including parts of present-day Pakistan (Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab) and India (Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra). This wide distribution indicates the extensive reach and influence of the civilisation. The chapter also introduces common abbreviations used for dating: BP (Before Present), BCE (Before Common Era), CE (Common Era), and c. (circa, meaning approximate).
📊 Diagram: Fig. 1.2 Beads, weights, blades
🔗 Connection: Prepares for the discussion on Harappan settlements and their geographical distribution.
Frequently asked questions
Which of the following statements is incorrect ?
Harappan script is undeciphered and evidently alphabetical .
Read the following statements . A : Archaeologists study burials to find out social or economic differences amongst people living within a particular culture . B : At burials in Harappan sites the dead were generally laid in pits . C : Artefacts broadly classified as utilitarian and luxuries by archaeologists are also studied to identify social differences . D : Little pots of faience were probably considered precious because they were difficult to make . Which of the above statements is/are true ?
All the statements are true .
Which region was called Magan during Harappan age ?
Oman
Read the following statements. A: The Harappan civilisation is sometimes called the Mature Harappan Culture . B: The Harappans ate a wide range of plant and animal products , including fish. C: Archaeologists from the representation of bull on seals and terracotta sculpture in Harappan sites ,extrapolate that oxen were used for ploughing . D: Bones of wild species such as boar , deer and gharial have been found at different Harappan sites. Which of the above given statements are true ?
All the statements are true .
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