Beginnings of Indian Civilisation – Long Questions

Long Questions with Answers – “Beginnings of Indian Civilisation – Indus Valley Civilization”

Theme B — Tapestry of the Past

Chapter: Beginnings of Indian Civilisation – Indus Valley Civilization

Section A: Early Human Settlements (5 Questions)

Q1. Describe the life of early humans before the discovery of farming.
Early humans lived a nomadic life, moving constantly in search of food and shelter. They were primarily hunter-gatherers who survived on wild fruits, roots, animals, and fish. Their tools were simple, made from stone, wood, and bones, and used for cutting, scraping, and hunting. Early humans lived in caves or temporary shelters, depending on the season. The discovery of fire was a turning point as it provided warmth, safety from animals, and helped in cooking food. This period represents the Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages, laying the foundation for later agricultural societies.

Q2. Explain how the beginning of farming transformed human life.
The discovery of farming was revolutionary. Humans learned that seeds grew into plants, which allowed them to grow crops such as wheat and barley. This led to:

• Permanent settlements: People started living in mud and brick houses near rivers.
• Food security: Surplus food could be stored for the future.
• Domestication of animals: Goats, sheep, and cattle were reared for milk and meat.
• Trade: Surplus crops encouraged exchange and barter.
• Community life: Villages developed, which later grew into towns.
  Farming changed humans from being wanderers to being settlers, which eventually gave rise to civilizations like the Indus Valley.

Q3. How did rivers influence the growth of early settlements?
Rivers played a central role in the development of early settlements.

• Water source: For drinking, farming, and animals.
• Fertile soil: Floodplains made agriculture more productive.
• Transport: Boats and rafts made trade easier.
• Protection: Settling near rivers allowed communities to sustain themselves even in dry regions.
  Most major civilizations such as Egypt (Nile), Mesopotamia (Tigris-Euphrates), and Indus Valley (Indus and Saraswati) developed along rivers, showing their importance for growth.

Q4. What role did domestication of animals play in early civilizations?
Domestication was a major step in human progress. Animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep were domesticated.

• Provided milk, meat, wool, and hides.
• Helped in ploughing fields and transport.
• Became part of religious rituals in some cultures.
  In the Indus Valley, domesticated cattle were essential for farming. Evidence from Harappan seals also shows animals like bulls and elephants had symbolic and economic significance.

Q5. Compare the life of hunter-gatherers and settled farmers.

This comparison shows farming created the base for organized societies like Harappa.

Section B: Discovery and Geography of the Indus Valley Civilization (5 Questions)

Q6. Who discovered the Indus Valley Civilization, and why is it significant?
The Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in the 1920s by archaeologists R.D. Banerjee and Sir John Marshall. The first site uncovered was Harappa in present-day Pakistan. This discovery is significant because it revealed an advanced civilization in India dating back to 2500 BCE, contemporary with Egypt and Mesopotamia. It showed that India had one of the world’s oldest and largest civilizations. Excavations at Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, Dholavira, and other sites revealed advanced urban planning, trade, and culture, making Harappan civilization a key part of India’s heritage.

Q7. What was the geographical extent of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The Indus Valley Civilization covered a huge area:

• North: Jammu and Kashmir.
• South: Gujarat (Lothal, Dholavira).
• East: Uttar Pradesh (Alamgirpur).
• West: Baluchistan and Afghanistan.
  It stretched over 1.5 million square kilometers, much larger than Egypt or Mesopotamia. This wide spread shows that Harappan culture was uniform yet adaptable to different regions.

Q8. Why is the civilization also called the Harappan Civilization?
It is called the Harappan Civilization because Harappa was the first site discovered. Many cultural features—such as seals, pottery, and urban planning—were first identified there. Even though other important sites like Mohenjo-daro and Lothal were later excavated, the name Harappan is used to represent the entire civilization.

Q9. What are the major Harappan sites and their findings?

These discoveries give us insights into Harappan life and economy.

Q10. How did the Indus Valley Civilization compare with Egypt and Mesopotamia?

• Size: The Indus Valley was larger in area.
• Urban Planning: Harappa had better drainage and sanitation systems.
• Writing: All had scripts, but Harappan script remains undeciphered.
• Trade: Like Mesopotamia, Harappans engaged in long-distance trade.
• Religion: Harappans worshipped natural forces and deities, similar to Egyptians.
  This shows Harappan civilization was equally advanced, if not more sophisticated, in certain aspects.

Section C: Town Planning and Architecture (5 Questions)

Q11. Explain the main features of Harappan town planning.
Harappan cities were systematically planned.

• Grid system: Streets ran at right angles, dividing cities into rectangular blocks.
• Citadel and Lower Town: Citadel housed important buildings; Lower Town had residences.
• Public buildings: Included the Great Bath, granaries, and workshops.
• Uniformity: Buildings used standardized baked bricks.
  This level of planning shows advanced civic management and organization.

Q12. Describe the Great Bath and its significance.
The Great Bath, found in Mohenjo-daro, was a large rectangular tank with steps leading into it. It was made of baked bricks and lined with bitumen for waterproofing. Scholars believe it was used for ritual bathing or community ceremonies, indicating the importance of water in Harappan religious life. The Great Bath also reflects architectural skill and civic coordination in construction.

Q13. What does the Harappan drainage system reveal about the civilization?
The drainage system was one of the most advanced in the ancient world.

• Each house had bathrooms connected to covered drains.
• Drains ran along streets and had inspection holes.
• Wastewater was efficiently removed from homes.
  This shows Harappans valued cleanliness and had a strong civic administration. Such a system has parallels with modern sanitation.

Q14. What were Harappan houses like?
Houses were usually two-storeyed and built with baked bricks.

• They had courtyards, wells, and private bathrooms.
• Many houses had their own wells, showing water supply was important.
• Uniformity of design reflects standardization.
  These features show Harappans enjoyed comfort and privacy, unlike many other ancient civilizations.

Q15. Why was the citadel important in Harappan cities?
The citadel was the fortified part of the city, built on a raised platform. It had important buildings such as the Great Bath and granaries. It served as the center of administration, religion, and public activities. Its height provided protection against floods. The citadel reflects planning and centralized authority.

Section D: Culture and Society (5 Questions)

Q16. Explain the clothing and ornaments of Harappan people.
Harappans used cotton and wool for clothing. Men wore dhoti-like garments, and women wore long skirts with shawls. Both men and women adorned themselves with ornaments made of gold, silver, copper, beads, and shells. Hair was styled, and women often wore bangles and necklaces. Ornaments show the prosperity and artistic skills of Harappans.

Q17. What does Harappan art and craft tell us about their life?
Harappan art included pottery, sculptures, bead-making, and jewelry.

• Pottery: Red pottery with black designs.
• Sculptures: Bronze dancing girl, terracotta figurines.
• Beads and jewelry: Show skill in craft and demand in trade.
  These crafts reveal Harappans were creative, artistic, and had an economy supported by specialized skills.

Q18. What do we know about Harappan religion?
Harappans worshipped:

• Mother Goddess – symbol of fertility.
• Proto-Shiva (Pashupati) – associated with animals.
• Sacred animals like bulls and unicorns.
• Trees such as the peepal.
  No temples have been found, but fire altars at Kalibangan suggest rituals. Harappan religion influenced later Hindu practices.

Q19. What do Harappan seals reveal?
Seals were small carved pieces used in trade and administration. They often had animal figures and undeciphered script. Seals show:

• Ownership of goods.
• Religious symbols (bull, unicorn).
• Contact with Mesopotamia (seals found there).
  Thus, seals provide evidence of economy, religion, and trade.

Q20. How did Harappan society reflect equality and organization?
Excavations show houses of different sizes, suggesting social differences. However, uniformity in town planning and drainage suggests collective organization. There is no evidence of kings or palaces, which may indicate a society managed by merchants or local councils. Harappan society balanced social order with shared civic responsibility.

Section E: Economy and Trade (5 Questions)

Q21. Discuss the importance of agriculture in the Harappan economy.
Agriculture was the backbone of Harappan life.

• Crops: Wheat, barley, peas, sesame, cotton.
• Tools: Ploughs were used; irrigation was practiced.
• Surplus food: Supported crafts and trade.
  Cotton was especially significant, as India was the first place to grow it. Farming ensured stability and prosperity.

Q22. What role did animal husbandry play in Harappan life?
Domesticated animals included cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, and elephants.

• Cattle were important for ploughing and milk.
• Elephants were used for transport.
• Animals were also part of religion, as seen in seals.
  Animal husbandry complemented farming and supported the economy.

Q23. How did Harappans engage in trade and commerce?
Harappans had both internal and external trade.

• Internal: Trade of grains, beads, pottery.
• External: With Mesopotamia, Oman, Bahrain.
• Exports: Cotton, beads, shells.
• Imports: Copper, tin, gold.
  Lothal dockyard shows maritime trade. Trade was crucial for prosperity.

Q24. What evidence do we have of Harappan crafts?
Crafts included bead-making, pottery, metalwork, and jewelry.

• Bead factory at Lothal.
• Bronze Dancing Girl statue shows metal skills.
• Pottery decorated with designs.
  These crafts were traded widely, showing specialization and demand.

Q25. How were weights and measures standardized in Harappan trade?
Harappans used cubical weights made of stone. These were uniform across sites, showing centralized control. This helped ensure fair trade and accountability. The system reflects advanced economic organization.

Section F: Decline and Legacy (5 Questions)

Q26. What were the possible reasons for the decline of the Harappan Civilization?
The decline is still debated, but possible causes include:

• Floods and earthquakes.
• Drying or shifting of rivers (Saraswati, Indus).
• Invasions by Aryans.
• Decline of trade with Mesopotamia.
  It was likely a combination of natural and human factors.

Q27. How did natural factors contribute to the decline?
Earthquakes may have altered river courses, causing floods or droughts. The Saraswati river dried up, reducing water supply. Agriculture failed, leading to food shortages. Natural disasters weakened the cities and forced people to migrate.

Q28. What role might Aryan invasions have played in Harappan decline?
Some historians suggest Aryans invaded Harappan cities. They brought horses and iron weapons, which may have overpowered the Harappans. However, evidence is limited. The invasion theory remains debated, and many believe natural factors were more significant.

Q29. What is the legacy of the Harappan Civilization?
Harappan contributions include:

• Town planning and drainage systems.
• Cotton cultivation and textile trade.
• Pottery and sculpture traditions.
• Religious practices (Mother Goddess, Proto-Shiva).
  These influenced later Indian societies and continue as part of cultural heritage.

Q30. Why is the Indus Valley Civilization considered the foundation of Indian history?
Because it was India’s first urban civilization. It established agriculture, trade, crafts, and civic planning. Its religious ideas influenced Hinduism. Its urban systems inspired later cities. It showed India’s ability to sustain a large, advanced society, making it the foundation of Indian history.

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