what is harappan civilization Related: NCERT Solutions - Bricks, Beads and Bones, Class 12, History

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what is harappan civilization Related:  NCERT Solutions - Bricks, Beads and Bones, Class 12, History

Answer

The Indus Valley Civilisation, or Harappan Civilisation, was a Bronze Age civilisation mainly in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. Along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of three early cradles of civilisations of the Old World, and of the three, the most widespread.

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Answer

Two subsistence strategies of the people of Harappa?

Answer

Harappan Civilization:

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world. It flourished around 2500-1900 BCE in the region of the Indus River valley, which is now part of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The civilization was discovered in the 1920s when archaeologists unearthed the remains of the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

1. Urban Planning and Architecture:
- The Harappan cities were well-planned with organized streets, drainage systems, and multi-storied buildings made of uniform-sized baked bricks.
- The cities were divided into different sectors, including residential, industrial, and administrative areas. This indicates a sophisticated urban planning system.

2. Writing System:
- The Harappans had a unique script that has not yet been deciphered completely. It is known as the Indus script.
- The script was found on seals, pottery, and other artifacts, suggesting that writing was an important aspect of their civilization.

3. Trade and Economy:
- The Harappans had a thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship.
- They cultivated a variety of crops such as wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. They also had an extensive irrigation system for farming.
- Trade was an essential part of their economy, as evidenced by the presence of seals and artifacts from other regions like Mesopotamia.
- The Harappans had access to valuable resources such as copper, lead, and precious stones, which were traded with neighboring regions.

4. Crafts and Technology:
- The Harappans were skilled craftsmen, known for their pottery, metalwork, and bead-making.
- They produced intricate pottery with unique designs and used advanced techniques like wheel-throwing and kiln-firing.
- Metal objects made of copper, bronze, and gold were also found, indicating their expertise in metallurgy.
- The Harappans were the first to produce cotton textiles at an industrial scale.

5. Social Organization:
- The society was likely organized in a hierarchical manner, with a ruling elite and a well-defined social structure.
- The presence of large public buildings and granaries suggests the existence of a central authority.
- The Harappans had a relatively egalitarian society, with evidence of gender equality and a lack of monumental architecture dedicated to individual rulers.

In conclusion, the Harappan Civilization was a remarkable ancient civilization characterized by well-planned cities, a unique writing system, a thriving economy, advanced craftsmanship, and a complex social organization. Despite its significant achievements, the factors leading to its decline and eventual disappearance remain a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.

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