Keywords To Remember
- Civilisation
A stage of human social and cultural development marked by advanced cities, writing, trade, government, and religion. - Culture
The ideas, customs, social behavior, and material traits of a particular group of people or society. - Bronze Age
A period of history when tools and weapons were commonly made from bronze, a mixture of copper and tin. - Alloy
A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements to improve strength and durability (e.g., bronze). - Smelting
The process of extracting metal from ore by heating and melting. - River Valley
A low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river running through it, where early civilisations developed. - Citadel
The fortified (walled) upper part of ancient cities that housed important buildings and ruling elites. - Granary
A storage building used to hold surplus grain harvested by farmers. - Drainage System
A planned network of drains to remove dirty water from houses and streets. - Seals
Stamped or engraved objects used to mark ownership or secure documents; often artistic and religious in ancient civilisations. - Terracotta
A type of hard, fired clay used for making pottery and sculptures; usually reddish-brown in color. - Pictographic Script
A writing system using symbols and pictures to represent words or sounds. - Cuneiform Script
The wedge-shaped writing used in ancient Mesopotamia. - Hieroglyphics
The picture-based writing system of ancient Egypt. - Oracles
Spiritual or religious figures believed to provide guidance or predict the future in ancient Chinese civilisation. - Papyrus
A plant-based material used by the ancient Egyptians to write on, similar to paper. - Sericulture
The production of silk and the rearing of silkworms, developed in ancient China. - Domestication
The process of taming animals and growing crops for human use. - Artisan
A skilled worker who makes things by hand, such as pottery, jewelry, or cloth. - Excavation
The process of digging up historical sites to discover ancient artifacts and ruins. - Dockyard
A place near a water body used for building, repairing, and anchoring ships; shows evidence of trade. - Monsoon
Seasonal wind patterns in South Asia, important for agriculture in river valley civilisations. - Ornaments
Decorative items worn for beauty or religious purposes, such as jewelry. - Bitumen
A natural tar-like substance used in waterproofing constructions like the Great Bath. - Acupuncture
A medical practice developed in ancient China using needles to treat illness. - Solar Calendar
A calendar system based on the Earth’s rotation around the Sun (365 days). - Lunar Calendar
A calendar based on the phases of the moon. - Weights and Measures
Systems used for calculating and trading goods accurately. - Barter System
An early form of trade where goods were exchanged without using money. - Yogi Figurine
A seated sculpture, possibly representing a deity or meditating figure from Indus Valley, linked to early religious beliefs. - Plough
A farming tool used to till the soil in preparation for planting crops. - Threshing Platform
A raised surface used for separating grain from the harvested crops. - Invasion
An aggressive entry into a place by armed forces to conquer or disrupt the area (e.g., Aryan invasion theory). - Natural Disaster
A catastrophic event caused by natural forces (earthquakes, floods) that may cause decline or extinction of civilisations. - Archaeology
The study of human history through the excavation of sites and analysis of artifacts. - Ivory
A hard, white material from elephant tusks, used in ancient times to make ornaments and tools. - Artifacts
Objects made or used by humans in the past, especially those recovered through archaeological digs. - City-Planning
The design and layout of a city, including roads, buildings, and public utilities. - Urbanisation
The process through which rural areas develop into cities and towns. - Deity
A god or goddess worshipped in a particular religion.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- The first Indus Valley site discovered was ̶
(a) Harappa
(b) Mohen-jo-daro
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Lothal
Answer – (a) Harappa
- The Indus people used clothes made of ̶
(a) nylon
(b) wool
(c) cotton
(d) jute
Answer – (c) cotton
- The Harappan terracotta pottery was –
(a) unpainted
(b) glazed
(c) red-brown
(d) unbaked
Answer – (c) red-brown
- The granary was the storehouse for –
(a) meat
(b) straw
(c) cotton
(d) wheat
Answer – (d) wheat
- The discovery of the remains of a dockyard at Lothal prove that the people of Indus valley had–
(a) international trade relations.
(b) expertise in ship building.
(c) an organised naval force.
(d) flourishing trade within India.
Answer – (a) international trade relations.
B. Fill in the blanks.
- _______________ of human society lead to foundation of civilisation.
Answer – Evolution
- The Great Bath had well-planned _______________ system.
Answer – drainage
- The people of Indus Valley were expert in making _________________ and ___________________.
Answer – terracotta toys, seals
- _______________ are the main source of information about the religious beliefs of the Indus people.
Answer – Seals
- _______________ was the male god worshipped by the Indus people.
Answer – Shiva
C. State True or False for the following statements.
- The cities were well-planned in the Harappan culture. _______________
Answer – True
- The citadel was considered the central part of the city. _______________
Answer – True
- Pottery was not a popular industry in Harappan culture. _______________
Answer – False
- People of Indus vally worshipped the neem tree. _______________
Answer – False
- Mohen-jo-daro was rebuilt nine times at the same site. _______________
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What did the thick forests provide to the people of Indus Valley?
Answer – Thick forests provided timber for building houses, boats, and for fuel in kilns.
- List the occupations of the Indus Valley people.
Answer – Farming, weaving, pottery, toy-making, metal work, and trading.
- What type of climate did the Indus Valley have?
Answer – Moist climate, with seasonal floods that enriched the soil.
- How was the dress of the men of Indus Valley different from that of the women?
Answer – Men wore a cloth tied like a dhoti; women wore a long lehnga with a shawl.
- Why did the early civilisations develop on the river banks?
Answer – Because of water supply, fertile soil for farming, clay for bricks, and transport.
E. Answer the following questions.
- List any three features of the Indus Valley Civilisation which tell us that it was an urban civilisation.
Answer – Well-planned cities with citadel and lower town
Efficient drainage system
Granaries and public baths
- What reasons were responsible for the decline of Harappan culture?
Answer – Natural disasters (earthquake, flood)
Invasion by Aryans
Change in the course of the river
- Explain the town planning system of the Indus people.
Answer – Cities were divided into citadel and lower town, with straight streets, public baths, granaries, and an advanced drainage system.
- Which two things helped the people of Indus Valley to have bumper harvest and how?
Answer – Annual floods enriched soil
Use of irrigation techniques (canals, wells)
- Bring out the similarities and differences between the features of the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Egyptian Civilisation.
Answer – Similarities:
River-based (Indus and Nile)
Worship of nature
Use of pictographic scripts
Differences:
Egyptian script was hieroglyphic, Indus was pictographic and undeciphered
Egyptians built pyramids, Indus had planned cities and Great Bath
Value Based Question
The Bride Who Made Her In-laws Build A Toilet
The one thing common between cities and villages of India is lack of amenities. But this Uttar Pradesh bride knew what’s right for her and left the house of her in-laws, due to lack of toilet. Both families tried to persuade her to return but she put her foot down and refused to comply. Finally, the groom’s family agreed and had a toilet made with all modern amenities.
(source: http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india)
- What qualities of the bride made her a role model for other rural women in India?
Answer – Courage
Determination
Awareness of health and hygiene
Sense of dignity and self-respect
- Which features of the Indus Valley Civilisation can easily be adopted in contemporary Indian villages to achieve the goal of Swachh Bharat?
Answer – Proper drainage systems
Construction of toilets
Clean, well-planned housing
Waste disposal systems
Map Skill
On an outline map of India, name and mark the following
(a) A place where dockyard has been discovered.
(b) A place where the huge Great Bath has been discovered.
(c) A Harappan site in Rajasthan.
(d) A Harappan site in Punjab.
(e) First Indus Valley site discovered.
Answer – (a) Lothal – (Dockyard) in Gujarat
(b) Mohen-jo-daro – (Great Bath) in Sindh, Pakistan
(c) Kalibangan – (Rajasthan site)
(d) Harappa – (Punjab site, now in Pakistan)
(e) Harappa – (First Indus site discovered)
Something To Do
- You have learnt about the ancient civilisation of Indus Valley. Compare it with a cosmopolitan city of today. Organise your information under the following headings.
Homes Transport Occupation
Buildings Clothes Skills
Religion Trade Additional Information
Answer –
Category | Indus Valley Civilisation | Modern City |
Homes | Brick houses, flat roofs | Concrete flats, multi-storey buildings |
Transport | Bullock carts, boats | Cars, buses, trains |
Occupation | Farming, pottery, weaving | IT, manufacturing, services |
Buildings | Granaries, Citadel, Great Bath | Skyscrapers, malls, offices |
Clothes | Cotton dhoti, lehnga | Shirts, jeans, sarees, western outfits |
Skills | Pottery, metalwork, seal making | Coding, designing, entrepreneurship |
Religion | Nature worship, Shiva, Mother Goddess | Diverse religions |
Trade | Barter, trade with Mesopotamia | International trade and commerce |
Addl. Info | Planned cities, sanitation system | Smart cities, digital facilities |
- Prepare four clay seals using potter’s clay by engraving or carving on them ̶ an animal, a flower, the National emblem of India and a tree.
Answer – do it yourself
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- The Indus Valley Civilisation flourished around _______________ BCE.
Answer: 2500 - The script used by the Indus people is called _______________.
Answer: pictographic script - The Indus Valley people lived in _______________-baked brick houses.
Answer: kiln - The major cities of Indus Valley include Harappa, _______________ and Lothal.
Answer: Mohen-jo-daro - The streets of Indus cities were laid out in a _______________ pattern.
Answer: grid - _______________ is believed to be the Mother Goddess worshipped by the Indus people.
Answer: Shakti - The _______________ was a unique water tank found in Mohen-jo-daro.
Answer: Great Bath - Lothal is located in present-day _______________.
Answer: Gujarat - Indus Valley seals often depicted animals like the _______________.
Answer: unicorn - The Indus Valley people traded with _______________ (ancient Iraq).
Answer: Mesopotamia
Multiple Choice Questions (with Answers)
- Which of these was not a feature of Indus Valley cities?
(a) Pyramids
(b) Granaries
(c) Public baths
(d) Drainage systems
Answer: ✔ (a) Pyramids - The Harappan script has –
(a) 26 letters
(b) 500 pictographs
(c) 20 numerals
(d) Not yet deciphered
Answer: ✔ (d) Not yet deciphered - The houses in the Indus Valley were made from –
(a) Wood
(b) Bamboo
(c) Sun-dried bricks
(d) Baked bricks
Answer: ✔ (d) Baked bricks - Which of the following was not found in Harappan sites?
(a) Toys
(b) Seals
(c) Iron tools
(d) Jewellery
Answer: ✔ (c) Iron tools - Which occupation was common among Harappan people?
(a) Astronauts
(b) Traders
(c) Bankers
(d) Software engineers
Answer: ✔ (b) Traders
True/False Questions (with Answers)
- The Harappans used iron tools extensively.
Answer: False - The Indus Valley cities had underground drainage systems.
Answer: True - The people of Indus Valley worshipped Lord Vishnu.
Answer: False - Kalibangan is located in Rajasthan.
Answer: True - The Indus Valley script has been fully decoded.
Answer: False - Seals were used for trade and religious purposes.
Answer: True - Indus Valley cities had no social or town planning.
Answer: False
Short Answer Questions (2-3 lines each)
- Name any two major cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: Harappa and Mohen-jo-daro are two major cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation. - What material did the Indus people use for making houses?
Answer: They used baked bricks to construct houses. - What do seals found in Harappan cities tell us?
Answer: Seals provide information about trade, animals, and religious beliefs. - Mention two possible reasons for the decline of Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: Natural disasters like floods or earthquakes and foreign invasions could be possible reasons. - Why was the Great Bath important?
Answer: It is believed to have been used for ritual bathing, showing the significance of cleanliness and religion.
Competency-Based Questions (Assertion-Reason Type)
Assertion (A): Harappan cities were well-planned.
Reason (R): They had wide streets and proper drainage.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A ✔
Assertion (A): Harappans used iron tools for farming.
Reason (R): Iron was commonly used during the Harappan period.
Answer:
(d) A is false, but R is true ❌
Assertion (A): The Indus script is not yet understood.
Reason (R): There are no bilingual inscriptions.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A ✔
Assertion (A): Harappans were skilled builders.
Reason (R): Their cities had granaries, wells, and drainage systems.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A ✔
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think Indus Valley people gave so much importance to cleanliness and hygiene?
Answer: The presence of public baths, covered drains, and water management systems shows they valued public health and community well-being, which are critical for large urban populations. - How did the geographical location of Indus Valley contribute to its development?
Answer: The fertile plains and access to rivers like Indus allowed for agriculture and trade, helping urban centres grow rapidly. - How can the study of Indus Valley Civilisation help modern town planners?
Answer: Their advanced drainage and grid pattern planning offer lessons in sustainable urban development even today.
Long Answer Questions (40–50 words)
- Describe the town planning system of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: Indus cities followed a grid system with roads intersecting at right angles. Houses were made of baked bricks and had private wells and bathrooms. The advanced drainage system carried wastewater out of the city, showing that hygiene and order were essential features of their planning. - What are the important features of Harappan religion?
Answer: Harappans worshipped Mother Goddess and a male god, probably Lord Shiva. They revered trees like the peepal and animals like the bull. Seals also show figures in yogic posture, suggesting early forms of meditation or spiritual practices. - Why is the Indus Valley Civilisation considered an urban civilisation?
Answer: It had planned cities, public utilities like the Great Bath, a strong trade system, granaries, and a standardised system of weights. These are features of a developed urban society with governance, commerce, and infrastructure. - Write a note on trade in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: The Indus people traded beads, pottery, cotton cloth, and metal goods. They used seals and weights for business transactions and had trade links with Mesopotamia. Lothal’s dockyard shows they engaged in maritime trade as well.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The period when man used bronze tools is known as the __________ Age.
Answer: Bronze - The Indus Valley Civilisation is also called __________ Culture.
Answer: Harappan - The upper part of Harappan cities was called the __________.
Answer: Citadel - The __________ Bath was discovered at Mohen-jo-daro.
Answer: Great - The script of the Indus Valley Civilisation was known as __________.
Answer: Pictography - The main occupation of the Indus Valley people was __________.
Answer: Farming - The people of the Indus Valley worshipped the __________ tree.
Answer: Pipal - The __________ Civilisation developed in Mesopotamia.
Answer: Mesopotamian - The process of heating and melting ore to obtain metal is called __________.
Answer: Smelting - The __________ was a storeroom for surplus grains in Harappan cities.
Answer: Granary - The seals of the Indus Valley had engravings of __________ and other symbols.
Answer: Animals - The __________ statue is a famous artifact from the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: Dancing Girl - The Indus Valley Civilisation had trade relations with __________.
Answer: Mesopotamia - The weights used in the Indus Valley were made of __________.
Answer: Chert - The decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation may have been caused by a __________ disaster.
Answer: Natural
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What marked the beginning of the Bronze Age?
a) Use of iron
b) Use of bronze
c) Use of stone
d) Use of gold
Answer: b) Use of bronze - Where was the Indus Valley Civilisation primarily located?
a) Banks of the Nile
b) Banks of the Indus
c) Banks of the Yellow River
d) Banks of the Tigris
Answer: b) Banks of the Indus - What was the citadel in Harappan cities?
a) A marketplace
b) A residential area
c) A raised central part
d) A farming zone
Answer: c) A raised central part - What was the primary use of the Great Bath in Mohen-jo-daro?
a) Irrigation
b) Religious purposes
c) Drinking water
d) Storage
Answer: b) Religious purposes - What was the main occupation of the Indus Valley people?
a) Trading
b) Farming
c) Fishing
d) Hunting
Answer: b) Farming - Which deity was worshipped by the Indus Valley people?
a) Sun God Ra
b) Pashupati
c) Oracles
d) Zeus
Answer: b) Pashupati - What material was used for the weights in the Indus Valley?
a) Bronze
b) Chert
c) Clay
d) Wood
Answer: b) Chert - Which civilization developed the cuneiform script?
a) Egyptian
b) Mesopotamian
c) Chinese
d) Indus Valley
Answer: b) Mesopotamian - What was discovered at Lothal that indicates maritime trade?
a) Granary
b) Dockyard
c) Great Bath
d) Citadel
Answer: b) Dockyard - What might have caused the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
a) Volcanic eruption
b) Floods or earthquakes
c) War with Mesopotamia
d) Famine
Answer: b) Floods or earthquakes
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Indus Valley Civilisation is also known as Harappan Culture.
Answer: True - The Great Bath was used for storing grains.
Answer: False (It was likely used for religious purposes.) - The Indus Valley script has been fully deciphered.
Answer: False (It has not been deciphered.) - The people of the Indus Valley worshipped the pipal tree.
Answer: True - The citadel housed farmers and laborers.
Answer: False (It housed ruling classes, priests, and merchants.) - The Mesopotamian Civilisation developed the hieroglyphic script.
Answer: False (It developed the cuneiform script.) - The Indus Valley people had trade relations with Mesopotamia.
Answer: True - The drainage system of Harappan cities was inefficient.
Answer: False (It was highly efficient.) - The Chinese Civilisation invented the solar calendar.
Answer: False (The Egyptians invented the solar calendar.) - The decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation was definitely caused by Aryan invasions.
Answer: False (The cause is uncertain, possibly natural disasters or invasions.)
Short Questions and Answers
- What is a civilisation?
Answer: Civilisation is a stage of human development with progress in art, science, and social, political, and economic institutions. - Why did early civilisations develop near rivers?
Answer: Rivers provided water, fertile soil, clay for bricks, fishing, trade opportunities, and a moderate climate. - What is the Bronze Age?
Answer: The Bronze Age is the period when humans used bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for tools and implements. - What was the citadel in Harappan cities?
Answer: The citadel was the raised central part of Harappan cities, housing important buildings like the Great Bath and granary. - What was the Great Bath used for?
Answer: The Great Bath was likely used for religious purposes, as water was considered a purifier. - Name one occupation of the Indus Valley people.
Answer: Farming - What was the Indus Valley script called?
Answer: Pictography - What indicates trade relations of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Answer: Seals from Mesopotamia and a dockyard at Lothal indicate trade relations. - Who discovered the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Answer: Shri R.B. Dayaram Sahawney - What might have caused the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Answer: Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or a change in the Indus River’s course, or possible Aryan invasions.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: The Indus Valley Civilisation was well-planned.
Reason: Cities had a citadel, grid-patterned streets, and an efficient drainage system.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Bronze Age improved tool-making.
Reason: Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was stronger and more durable than stone or copper.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Indus Valley people had trade relations with Mesopotamia.
Reason: Mesopotamian seals and a dockyard at Lothal were found in Indus sites.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion. - Assertion: The Great Bath was significant in Harappan cities.
Reason: It was used for religious purposes due to the belief in water’s purifying power.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Indus Valley Civilisation declined due to natural disasters.
Reason: Evidence suggests floods, earthquakes, or a change in the Indus River’s course.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Why did river valleys foster the development of early civilisations?
Answer: River valleys provided fertile soil, water for irrigation, and clay for construction, supporting agriculture and settlement. They enabled fishing, trade via waterways, and a moderate climate, creating ideal conditions for economic and social progress, fostering civilisations. - How did the use of bronze impact the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Answer: Bronze, stronger than copper or stone, improved tool and weapon efficiency, boosting agriculture and craftsmanship. This technological advance increased production, supported trade, and contributed to urban development, strengthening the economic foundation of the Indus Valley Civilisation. - Why was the drainage system of Harappan cities significant?
Answer: The efficient drainage system, with covered drains and connections from homes to main channels, ensured sanitation and flood control. This advanced urban planning reflected sophisticated engineering, supporting healthy living conditions and sustaining large populations in Harappan cities. - How do seals provide insights into the Indus Valley Civilisation’s culture?
Answer: Seals with animal, floral, and symbolic engravings reveal religious beliefs, like worship of Pashupati and nature, and artistic skills. Their presence in Mesopotamia indicates trade, while their use suggests administrative and economic systems, enriching cultural understanding. - Why is the undeciphered Indus Valley script a challenge for historians?
Answer: The undeciphered pictographic script limits understanding of the Indus Valley’s language, governance, and daily life. Without translation, historians rely on artifacts, leaving gaps in knowledge about social structures, beliefs, and interactions, hindering a complete reconstruction of the civilisation.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Explain why early civilisations developed near rivers.
Answer: Early civilisations thrived near rivers for fertile soil, water for irrigation, and clay for bricks. Rivers supported fishing, trade, and transport, while providing a moderate climate, enabling agriculture, economic growth, and urban settlements, laying the foundation for advanced societies. - Describe the city planning of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: Harappan cities were well-planned with a raised citadel housing the Great Bath, granary, and elite residences, and a lower town for others. Grid-patterned streets, baked-brick houses, and an efficient drainage system ensured sanitation and flood protection, reflecting advanced urban design. - How did the Bronze Age contribute to the rise of civilisations?
Answer: The Bronze Age introduced stronger bronze tools, enhancing agricultural and craft efficiency. This boosted production, supported trade, and fostered urban growth. New skills and economic exchanges in river valleys laid the groundwork for advanced social, political, and economic systems in civilisations. - What insights do seals provide about the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Answer: Seals with animal and symbolic engravings reveal religious beliefs, like worship of Pashupati, and artistic skills. Found in Mesopotamia, they indicate trade relations. Their use suggests administrative functions, providing insights into the civilisation’s culture, economy, and external connections. - Discuss the possible reasons for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Answer: The Indus Valley Civilisation may have declined due to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or a shift in the Indus River’s course. Frequent rebuilding at Mohen-jo-daro and fortified citadels suggest possible Aryan invasions, though the exact cause remains uncertain.