Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond NCERT Solutions
Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science
Page No. 85The Big Questions
1. What is a civilisation?
Answer
A civilisation is a complex stage of human society characterised by:
- Government and administration to manage societal activities.
- Urbanism involving town planning and city management, including water systems.
- A variety of crafts that utilise raw materials to create goods.
- Trade both within regions and with distant areas.
- A system of writing for record-keeping and communication.
- Cultural ideas are expressed through art, architecture, and social customs.
Agriculture that supports both villages and cities.
2. What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent?
Answer
The earliest known civilisation of the Indian subcontinent is the Indus Valley Civilisation, also referred to as the Harappan Civilisation.
- It emerged around 2600 BCE.
- Located in the fertile plains of the Indus River and its tributaries.
- Known for its well-planned cities and advanced urban infrastructure.
Inhabitants are called Harappans, named after the city of Harappa, the first site excavated.
3. What were its major achievements?
Answer
The Harappan Civilisation made significant advancements for its time. Here are some of their major achievements:
- Urban Planning: They built well-planned cities featuring grid layouts, drainage systems, and sanitation facilities.
- Advanced Architecture: The use of fired bricks allowed for multi-storied buildings and impressive granaries.
- Craft and Technology: They excelled in metalworking, pottery, and seal carving, and developed a system of weights and measures.
- Trade: An extensive trade network connected them with Mesopotamia and other regions, with evidence of traded goods like beads and tools.
Writing System: They created a writing system, though its complete understanding is still a work in progress.
Page No. 87
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?
Answer
The list of professions or occupations for each characteristic of a civilisation mentioned:
- Government and Administration: Ruler/King/Queen, Governors, Tax Collectors, Judges, Scribes, Military Leaders, Advisers and Bureaucrats.
- Urbanism (Town-Planning, Growth of Cities, Water Management, Drainage System): Architects, City Planners, Engineers, Builders/Construction Workers, Water Management Specialists, Sanitation Workers, Surveyors and Brick makers.
- Variety of Crafts (Management of Raw Materials, Production of Finished Goods): Blacksmiths, Potters, Weavers, Carpenters, Jewellers, Stone Masons, Metalworkers and Leatherworkers.
- Trade (Internal and External): Merchants, Traders, Shipbuilders, Caravaneers, Market Vendors, Moneylenders, Warehouse Managers and Sailors.
- Writing (Record-Keeping, Communication): Scribes, Record Keepers, Librarians, Teachers, Calligraphers, Clerks, Historians and Archivists.
- Cultural Ideas (Art, Architecture, Literature, Oral Traditions, Social Customs): Artists, Architects, Sculptors, Poets, Musicians, Storytellers, Priests/ Religious Leaders and Actors.
- Productive Agriculture: Farmers, Herders, Fishermen, Irrigation Specialists, Seed Collectors, Agricultural Tool Makers, Animal Breeders and Market Gardeners.
Page No. 88
Why are the inhabitants of this civilisation called ‘Harappans’ today? That is simply because the city of Harappa (today in Pakistan’s Punjab) was the first of this civilisation to be excavated, way back in 1920–21, over a century ago.
Answer
Page No. 89
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?
Answer
Page No. 91
Think About it
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.
Answer
The term “Indus Valley civilisation” is commonly used to describe the ancient civilisation that developed around the Indus River. However, this term is now seen as obsolete because the civilisation's influence extended well beyond the valley itself.
- The civilisation covered a vast area, including parts of present-day India, Pakistan, and beyond.
- Referring to it as the “Indus region” better represents its true geographical extent.
- Archaeologists have identified various names for this civilisation, such as “Harappan” and “Indus-Sarasvati”.
The inhabitants are known as “Harappans”, named after the city of Harappa, which was the first site excavated in the early 1920s.
Page No. 93
Let's Explore
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
Debate on the Interpretations of the Great Bath's Purpose
Interpretation 1: Bath for the Royal Family Only
Pros:
- The elaborate design suggests it may have been for a privileged group.
- Its central location indicates its importance.
- Adjacent rooms could imply private use.
Cons:
- No direct evidence of social stratification in Harappan society.
Page No. 94
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
For this activity, follow these steps:
- Measure the Length: Use a measuring tape to measure the length of your classroom, corridor, or playground. Record the measurement in metres.
- Find the Reservoir Length: The largest reservoir in Dholavira is approximately 79 metres long.
- Compare the Lengths: Compare your measurement with the 79-metre reservoir. Discuss whether your measured space is longer or shorter. For example, if your classroom is 10 metres long, it would take about 8 classrooms to equal the reservoir's length.
Page No. 95
Think About it
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?
Answer
The construction and maintenance of Dholavira's reservoirs likely involved:
- Organised efforts led by rulers and skilled engineers.
- Leaders provided precise instructions, while supervisors managed the workers.
- Payment for labour may have been in the form of goods or services instead of money, as a barter system was likely in place.
The need for regular maintenance suggests the presence of local authorities or community leaders overseeing these tasks.
Page No. 99
Let's Explore
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
Looking at the three Harappan seals, several interpretations arise:
- Unicorn Seal: This may represent a clan or deity, symbolising purity or power in Harappan society.
- Bull Seal: Likely significant for agriculture, this seal could mark goods or property, indicating strength or fertility.
- Horned Tiger Seal: This may signify safety or combat skills, possibly used by soldiers or in ceremonies to denote power.
Imaginative interpretations include:
- Communication Tools: Early forms of ID cards or business logos.
- Religious Symbols: Representations of gods or spirits for rituals.
- Trade Marks: Used to certify the origin and quality of goods in trade.
Page No. 102
Think About it
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
Based on the objects pictured in this chapter, several important activities and aspects of life in Harappan society can be discerned:
- Daily Use and Craftsmanship: Objects: Bronze mirror, terracotta pots, stone weights, bronze chisel. Aspects: Advanced craftsmanship and daily grooming, highlighting a focus on personal care and trade.
- Games and Recreation: Objects: Games board, terracotta whistle. Aspects: Leisure and recreation were valued, indicating a society that appreciated play and relaxation.
- Cultural and Religious Practices: Objects: 'Priest King' statuette, seals with animal figures, 'Dancing Girl' figurine, seal depicting a three-faced deity. Aspects: Religion, art, and symbolism played significant roles, suggesting rituals and societal hierarchies.
- Agriculture and Food: Objects: Plough model, cooking pots. Aspects: Agriculture was fundamental, with tools and utensils indicating a rich and diverse diet.
Let's Explore
Complete the story found on the Lothal pot. How was such a story remembered for more than 4,000 years, in your opinion?
Answer
Completing the Story on the Lothal Pot:
The story depicted on the Lothal pot features a thirsty crow that discovers a pot with a small amount of water at the bottom. Unable to reach the water, the clever crow drops pebbles into the pot. As the water level rises, the crow is finally able to drink to its fill.
Such stories have likely been remembered for over 4,000 years through:
- Oral traditions where tales were shared verbally across generations.
- Storytelling that engaged listeners and made the lessons memorable.
Inscriptions or symbols on everyday items, like pottery, that conveyed these narratives.
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
Attitude Expressed by the 'Dancing Girl': The 'Dancing Girl' figurine shows confidence and grace. Her pose, with one hand on her hip and the other relaxed, suggests a carefree and possibly celebratory attitude. The intricate details highlight the significance of dance and artistic expression in Harappan culture.
Bangles in the Chapter: Similar bangles can be seen in other artifacts and illustrations throughout the chapter. The depiction of bangles covering an entire arm indicates that this practice was common in Harappan society. This ornamentation tradition has continued for thousands of years, showcasing the enduring customs of jewellery in the region. Today, this practice is still evident in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, reflecting the lasting influence of ancient Harappan culture on modern India.
Page No. 103
Questions, activities and projects
1. Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.
Answer
The civilisation is known by several names, including Harappan, Indus, and Indus-Sarasvatī. These names reflect its geographical and cultural significance:
- The term Harappan comes from the city of Harappa, which was the first site excavated in the 1920s.
- Indus refers to the Indus River, which was central to the civilisation's development.
Indus-Sarasvatī highlights the importance of the Sarasvatī River, which supported agriculture and trade.
2. Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
Answer
The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the earliest known civilisations, achieved remarkable advancements:
- Planned cities: The Harappans built cities with sophisticated drainage systems, highlighting their focus on sanitation and public health.
- Trade: A robust trade network connected them to Mesopotamia, facilitated by standardised weights and measures.
- Artistry: The Harappans excelled in bead-making and pottery, producing intricate artifacts that showcase their artistic talent.
Administration: They maintained records and established rules to manage their cities and trade effectively.
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
Traveling from Harappa to Kalibangan in ancient times mainly involved land routes. Here are the options:
- Indus River: Starting the journey by water is efficient and safe.
- Overland Travel: After the river, travel by horse, bullock cart, or on foot.
The total distance is approximately 200 kilometres. The journey could take a few days, depending on: Travel conditions, Speed of travel.
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
Imagine a Harappan man or woman stepping into an average kitchen in today's India. They would encounter several surprising elements:
- Astonishment at the presence of electrical appliances like refrigerators and microwaves.
- Amazing variety of processed and packaged foods, along with running water available through taps.
- Surprise at the use of gas or electric stoves instead of traditional firewood for cooking.
Wonder at modern utensils and cookware, particularly those made of stainless steel and non-stick materials.
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
Ornaments, gestures, and objects that remain familiar in the 21st century include:
- Bangles and beads
- The ‘namaste’ gesture
- Mirrors and toys
6. What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?
Answer
The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mindset characterised by:
- Advanced Planning: The construction of large, interconnected reservoirs showcases the Harappans' ability to plan and execute complex engineering projects.
- Water Conservation: The presence of multiple reservoirs highlights their understanding of the need to conserve water in an arid environment.
- Social Organisation: The coordinated effort to build and maintain these reservoirs indicates a well-organised society that prioritizes public welfare.
Sustainability: Their efficient water harvesting and distribution systems reflect foresight in creating sustainable living conditions for future generations.
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
Sophisticated Urban Planning: The presence of 700 wells shows advanced urban planning and a focus on a decentralised water supply.
Importance of Reliable Water Supply: Access to water for all residents reflects the Harappans' understanding of its necessity for urban life.
Well-Organised Governance: The consistent maintenance of these wells over centuries indicates a stable and efficient administrative system managing public utilities.
Social Stability and Continuity: The long-term use and upkeep of the wells suggest a stable society with ongoing governance structures and community efforts.
Commitment to Public Welfare: The widespread availability of wells demonstrates a strong commitment to public health, ensuring all citizens had access to clean water.
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 carefully designed layout of Harappan cities, featuring wide streets and a standardised drainage system, shows a commitment to improving urban living conditions. The consistent quality of homes, regardless of size, indicates a community focus on fairness and support for all residents. The effective drainage systems highlight a strong priority on public health and hygiene.
Comparison with Modern Indian Cities:
- Similar Challenges: Both ancient Harappan cities and modern Indian cities encounter issues with water supply, waste management, and public health.
- Varying Civic Responsibility: While some modern cities demonstrate high civic responsibility, problems like pollution and inadequate waste disposal stem from low public awareness and civic duty.
Historical Benchmark: The Harappans established a historical standard for urban planning and civic responsibility that modern cities can strive for, emphasising the importance of community-focused and sustainable practices.