All questions of The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation for Class 6 Exam

Common Feature of Harappan Cities
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, flourishing around 2500 BCE. A distinctive feature of Harappan cities was their construction methodology, particularly the use of bricks.
Uniform Quality Bricks
- Standardization: Harappan cities were primarily constructed using baked bricks that were made to a uniform size. This standardization was crucial for achieving structural integrity and uniformity in building designs.
- Durability: The use of bricks, especially baked ones, provided durability and resistance to weathering, which is essential for long-lasting structures.
- Urban Planning: The uniformity in brick size facilitated meticulous urban planning. This allowed for well-structured streets, drainage systems, and residential areas, showcasing advanced urban engineering.
Construction Techniques
- Fired Bricks: The bricks were often fired in kilns, making them stronger than unbaked bricks. This construction technique allowed the Harappans to create robust walls and buildings.
- Use of Mud Bricks: In addition to fired bricks, mud bricks were also used, especially in areas where resources were limited. However, the fired bricks were more prevalent in major structures.
Conclusion
In summary, the hallmark of Harappan cities was their construction using bricks of uniform quality, which enabled advanced urban planning and architectural resilience. This distinctive feature not only reflects the ingenuity of the Harappan people but also their ability to create lasting urban environments.

Importance of the Sarasvatī River in Harappan Civilization
The Sarasvatī River played a crucial role in the development and sustenance of the Harappan civilization, primarily through its contribution to agriculture.
Source of Water for Agriculture
- The river provided essential water resources, which were vital for irrigation.
- Fertile plains along the riverbanks supported the growth of crops like wheat, barley, and cotton.
- Agricultural surplus enabled trade and supported a growing population.
Geographical Significance
- The river flowed through the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, linking various Harappan cities.
- Its location facilitated easy access to fertile lands, which were essential for farming.
Cultural Impact
- The sustenance provided by the river allowed for the development of complex urban societies.
- It fostered a thriving culture where art, architecture, and trade flourished.
Decline of the Civilization
- Over time, changes in the river’s course led to decreased agricultural productivity.
- This decline in water availability contributed to the eventual collapse of the civilization.
In conclusion, the Sarasvatī River was instrumental in providing the necessary water for agriculture, which in turn supported the growth and stability of the Harappan civilization. The links between water resources and agricultural development highlight the significance of rivers in ancient societies.

Introduction to Harappan Agriculture
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished around 2500 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. They were among the first to engage in agriculture and trade, significantly impacting the agricultural practices of Eurasia.
Key Crop Introduced: Cotton
- The Harappans are credited with being one of the earliest civilizations to cultivate cotton.
- Evidence from archaeological sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa shows that they spun cotton fibers into threads and wove them into fabric.
- This innovation marked the beginning of cotton cultivation in the Indian subcontinent, which later spread to other parts of Eurasia.
Importance of Cotton
- Cotton became a vital crop due to its versatility and adaptability, leading to the development of a thriving textile industry.
- The fabrics produced were not only used locally but also traded with other civilizations, enhancing economic connections across regions.
Impact on Eurasia
- The introduction of cotton had a lasting impact on agriculture and textile production across Eurasia.
- It contributed to the spread of cotton cultivation to regions like Egypt, Africa, and eventually to the Americas through trade routes.
Conclusion
In summary, the Harappans played a crucial role in introducing cotton to Eurasia, which transformed agricultural practices and textile production for centuries to come. Their contributions laid the groundwork for the global significance of cotton in various cultures and economies.

Harappan Civilization Overview
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, thrived around 2500 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. This civilization is renowned for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and craftsmanship.
Extensive Use of Bronze
Among the various metals utilized by the Harappans, bronze was the most significant for tools and ornaments. Here’s why:

• Alloy Composition: Bronze is an alloy made primarily of copper and tin. The Harappans had access to copper and used it widely, indicating their advanced metallurgical skills.
• Durability: Bronze is more durable than copper alone, making it ideal for crafting tools that required strength and longevity.
• Versatility: The malleable nature of bronze allowed artisans to create intricate designs for ornaments, weapons, and tools, showcasing their artistic talents.
• Trade and Resources: The Harappans engaged in extensive trade networks, which facilitated the acquisition of tin from distant regions, essential for bronze production.
• Artifacts and Archaeological Findings: Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous bronze artifacts, including figurines, tools, and jewelry, highlighting the importance of this metal in their daily life.

Conclusion
The extensive use of bronze by the Harappans illustrates their advanced technological capabilities and their significance in the development of early urban societies. This metal played a crucial role in their culture, economy, and craftsmanship, distinguishing them in ancient history.

The term ‘First Urbanisation of India’ refers to the development of cities in the Harappan civilisation. This period saw the transition from rural settlements to well-planned urban centers, marking the beginning of urban life in the Indian subcontinent.

The presence of beads of carnelian, a semiprecious stone, indicates that the Harappans had advanced trade networks. They traded these beads, which required sophisticated techniques to drill and decorate, showing their engagement in long-distance trade.

Understanding the Harappan Civilization
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, is often considered one of the world's earliest urban cultures. One of the intriguing aspects of this civilization is the belief that it was relatively peaceful.
Evidence of a Lack of Weapons
- The archaeological findings from Harappan sites reveal a striking absence of weapons.
- Unlike other ancient civilizations that left behind numerous weapons, the Harappans have left little to no evidence of military tools such as swords, bows, or shields.
- This scarcity suggests a society that did not rely on warfare for expansion or security.
Urban Planning and Architecture
- The Harappans are known for their advanced urban planning, with well-organized cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
- Their cities featured sophisticated drainage systems, grid layouts, and public baths, indicating a focus on civic life and hygiene rather than military fortification.
- While there were large structures, they are thought to be for communal or administrative purposes rather than for military defense.
Trade and Economic Prosperity
- The Harappans engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions, which points to a society focused on economic growth rather than conflict.
- Their economy was based on agriculture, crafts, and trade, creating a prosperous environment that likely reduced the need for warfare.
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence of minimal weapons, advanced urban planning, and a focus on trade suggests that the Harappan civilization prioritized peace and cooperation over conflict. This peaceful nature is a key aspect of their legacy in history.

The inhabitants are called ‘Harappans’ because the city of Harappa was the first of their civilisation to be excavated, back in 1920–21. This discovery led archaeologists to name the civilisation after this key site.

Most Harappan buildings were made of bricks. The uniform quality of these bricks across various structures indicates a high level of standardization and planning in their construction methods.

The Harappans managed their water resources by creating large reservoirs and wells. For example, Dholavira had at least six large reservoirs, and Mohenjo-daro had numerous wells, which ensured a steady supply of water for domestic and agricultural use.

The Harappans commonly grew barley and wheat, along with some millets and rice. These crops were crucial for their agriculture and provided sustenance for their settlements.

The discovery of large dockyards, such as the one at Lothal, suggests that the Harappans were engaged in maritime trade. The dockyard at Lothal, measuring 217 meters in length, was used for receiving and sending boats, indicating extensive sea trade activities.