Class 6 Social Science Question Answers Chapter 6

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Question 1. Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.

Answers: The civilization studied in this chapter is known by several names such as the Indus Valley Civilization, Harappan Civilization, and Indus-Sarasvatī Civilization. These names reflect different aspects of the civilization:

• Indus Valley Civilization: Named after the Indus River, near which many of the civilization’s major sites were discovered.
• Harappan Civilization: Named after Harappa, one of the first and major cities discovered, which became synonymous with the entire civilization.
• Indus-Sarasvatī Civilization: This name recognizes the significance of the Sarasvatī River, which is believed to have flowed parallel to the Indus and played a crucial role in the civilization’s development.

Question 2. Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.

Answers: The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the earliest known in the history of mankind, came up with some remarkable achievements such as-

• The Harappans established well-planned cities with advanced drainage systems, which clearly gives us a glimpse on their emphasis on sanitation and public health.
• The Harappans were very skilled in metallurgy, producing bronze tools and various ornaments.
• The Civilisation had a robust trade network extending to Mesopotamia, facilitated by their standardised weights and measures.
• Also, the Harappans excelled in bead-making and pottery, leaving behind intricate artifacts that highlight their artistic prowess.
• Their script, though deciphered, suggests a complex administrative system.

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?

Answers: To travel from Harappa to Kalibangan during the time of the Indus-Sarasvatī Civilization, the available options would likely include:

• Walking: This would be the most common method, taking several days or even weeks depending on the exact distance and terrain.
• Animal-Driven Carts: Using carts pulled by oxen or other domesticated animals might have been another option, which could shorten the travel time compared to walking, but it would still take several days.
• River Travel: If navigable rivers connected parts of the journey, using boats could have been faster, taking a few days.

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?

Answers: If a Harappan man or woman were transported to an average kitchen in today’s India, they would be surprised by:

• Modern Appliances: The presence of electric appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves would be astonishing, as they had no such technology.
• Variety of Packaged Foods: The availability of various packaged and processed foods would be unfamiliar, as their diet consisted mainly of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Running Water and Plumbing: The convenience of taps with running water and advanced plumbing systems would be surprising compared to the simpler methods they used.
• Cooking Utensils: The variety of modern cooking utensils made from materials like stainless steel, plastic, and non-stick coatings would be a stark contrast to their basic clay or metal pots.
• Electric Lighting: The use of electric lighting in the kitchen would be a significant surprise, as they relied on oil lamps or natural daylight.

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.

Answers: Some of the ornaments, gestures, and objects depicted in the pictures of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization that still feel familiar today include:

• Bangles: Women in India still wear bangles, similar to those seen in the ancient images.
• Necklaces and Earrings: The use of necklaces and earrings is common today, just as it was in the Harappan period.
• Seals and Stamps: While the purpose has evolved, the concept of using seals or stamps for identification and decoration remains relevant.
• Postures of Prayer or Meditation: Gestures such as folding hands in prayer or meditative postures continue to be a part of Indian culture.
• Pottery and Utensils: The shapes and designs of some pottery and utensils from that era are similar to traditional items still in use today.

Question 6. What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?

Answers: The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a highly advanced and forward-thinking mindset. It demonstrates the Harappan people’s deep understanding of water conservation and management, crucial for survival in a semi-arid environment. Their ability to design and maintain such a complex system shows their concern for sustainable living and preparedness for droughts or water shortages. This reflects their ingenuity, practical thinking, and ability to adapt to their environment with long-term planning in mind.

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.

Answers: The presence of about 700 wells in Mohenjo – daro, built with bricks and maintained for several centuries, implies that the Harappans had a sophisticated understanding of water management and urban planning. These wells would have ensured a reliable water supply for the city’s inhabitants, crucial for daily life, agriculture, and sanitation. The regular maintenance over centuries suggests a well-organized and stable society that valued public infrastructure and community welfare. This also reflects the advanced engineering skills of the Harappans and their ability to build durable structures.

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.

Answers: The statement that the Harappans had a high civic sense is significant because it highlights their commitment to the collective well-being of their society. This is evident in their well-planned cities with organized streets, efficient drainage systems, and public baths, all of which suggest a focus on hygiene, health, and orderliness. The Harappans prioritized public infrastructure and maintained it regularly, indicating a sense of responsibility towards their community.

In comparison with citizens in a large city of India today, while modern cities have advanced infrastructure, challenges such as poor maintenance, littering, and disregard for public spaces often arise. This comparison suggests that the Harappans’ civic sense was quite advanced for their time, and there are lessons to be learned in terms of community responsibility and care for public resources.

The Big Questions (Page 85)

Question 1. What is a civilization?

Answers: A civilization is a complex society characterized by the development of cities, a centralized government, social classes, specialized jobs, and advancements in arts, science, and technology. Civilizations also have a shared culture, including language, religion, and practices, and they often have written records or systems of communication.

Question 2. What was the earliest civilization of the Indian Subcontinent?

Answers: The earliest civilization of the Indian Subcontinent was the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization. It flourished around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE along the Indus River and its surrounding areas.

Question 3. What were its major achievements?

Answers: The major achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization include:

• Urban Planning: The civilization is known for its well-planned cities with organized streets, advanced drainage systems, and sturdy brick houses.
• Architecture: Notable structures like the Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro, granaries, and sophisticated public buildings reflect advanced architectural skills.
• Craftsmanship: The Harappans excelled in pottery, bead-making, metallurgy, and seal carving.
• Trade: The civilization had a well-established trade network, both within the region and with distant lands like Mesopotamia.
• Water Management: The extensive use of wells, reservoirs, and drainage systems highlights their expertise in managing water resources.