GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Indus Valley Civilisation | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.  (GS 1 Mains Paper)

Answer:

Introduction

• The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) flourished between 3300-1300 BCE in its early years and 2600-1900 BCE in its mature period. 
• It extended along the Indus River, covering parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
• Among the ancient civilizations, IVC was one of the most extensive, alongside Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro emerged around 2600 BCE along the Indus River Valley in present-day Pakistan, offering valuable archaeological insights.

Key Features of Indus Valley Civilization

• Well-developed town planning system characterized the IVC.
• Presence of a citadel or acropolis, likely inhabited by the ruling class.
• The lower town featured brick houses arranged in a grid system.
• Granaries played a crucial role in Harappan cities.
• Extensive use of burnt bricks in construction.
• Impressive drainage system in Mohenjo-Daro.
• Each house typically had a courtyard and bathroom.
• Cities featured wide, grid-like streets intersecting at right angles, reflecting modern urban planning.

Influence of Indus Valley Civilization in Modern Times

• Modern City Planning: Chandigarh exemplifies modern city planning with a grid system for efficient traffic flow, resembling IVC's urban layout.
• Urban Zoning: The division of modern cities into distinct zones draws inspiration from IVC's segregation, catering to different societal strata.
• Storage Facilities: Contemporary storage centers mirror ancient trading districts and granaries.
• Drainage Systems: Advanced sewage systems in IVC cities influenced modern urban drainage designs.
• Cultural Practices: Religious and cultural elements from IVC, such as worship of Pashupati god, endure in present-day practices.

Conclusion

Urban planning in modern times shares parallels with the Indus Valley Civilization, showcasing efficient and forward-thinking town planning methodologies.

Q2: The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (GS 1 Mains Paper)

Answer:

Introduction: 

The ancient civilization of the Indian subcontinent is unique compared to those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, primarily due to the continuity and preservation of its culture and traditions up to the present day. This aspect merits a detailed exploration.

Points:

• Cultural Continuity: Unlike the civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, which underwent significant changes over time, the Indian subcontinent has preserved its cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions remarkably well.
• Influence of Religions: Major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism have been instrumental in upholding the cultural framework. These religions provided a strong foundation for societal values, rituals, and customs that have endured through millennia.
• Social Structure: The caste system, although a subject of critique, has contributed to the preservation of social roles and traditions within communities over centuries, thus ensuring continuity in cultural practices.
• Oral Tradition and Scriptures: The transmission of knowledge and cultural practices through oral tradition and sacred texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas has played a vital role in preserving ancient wisdom and customs.
• Adaptability and Assimilation: Despite external influences and invasions, Indian civilization demonstrated a remarkable ability to assimilate foreign elements while retaining its core cultural identity, thus ensuring its survival and continuity.

Conclusion: 
In conclusion, the ancient civilization of the Indian subcontinent stands out for its unparalleled continuity and preservation of culture and traditions. The enduring legacy of its cultural heritage serves as a testament to the resilience and richness of Indian civilization.

Q3: What were the different types of art and crafts of Harappan civilization? Also, examine their significance. (GS 1 Mains Paper)

Answer:
Introduction

• Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) existed through its early years of 3300-1300 BCE, and its mature period of 2600-1900 BCE. The area of this Civilization extended along the Indus River from what today is northeast Afghanistan, into Pakistan and northwest India.
• It was the most widespread of the three early civilizations of the ancient world, along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. 
• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were thought to be the two great cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, emerging around 2600 BCE along the Indus River Valley in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. Their discovery and excavation in the 19th and 20th centuries provided important archaeological data about ancient cultures.

Key features of IVC are:

• It had well enhanced system of town planning.
• It consists of citadel or acropolis, which was possibly occupied by members of the ruling class.
• Below the citadel in each city lay a lower town containing brick houses, which were inhabited by the common people.
• The remarkable thing about the arrangement of the houses in the cities is that they followed the grid system.
• Granaries constituted an important part of the Harappan cities.
• The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities.
• The drainage system of Mohenjodaro was very impressive.
• In almost all cities every big or small house had its own courtyard and bathroom.
• Streets were wide and intersected at 90 degrees, making a grid plan a common element of modern society.

Influence of Indus valley civilization in present times:

• Modern city of Chandigarh: It was built with a rectangular shape and a grid system in modern times, allowing for quick traffic flow and a smaller overall footprint. The town's distinction between private residences and public spaces was also made very similar to the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Upper and lower town in modern times: Indus Valley Civilization appears to have been a major influence for the segregation of modern metropolitan regions. During that period, the town was split into exclusive zones for the aristocracy, dwellings for ordinary people, large baths, and so forth. These unquestionably served as inspiration for the urban cores, suburban communities, governmental structures, and other structures of today.
• Storage capacity: The planning of modern storage centers can be seen of as drawing inspiration from trading districts, granaries, and dockyards.
• Drainage system: Cities built during the Indus Valley Civilization possessed sophisticated sewage and water systems. Numerous Indus Valley sites included houses with single, double, and even more rooms that were connected and had an excellent drainage system. Additionally, drains in the kitchens and bathrooms connected to the street drains were present. We can see these drains in modern cities in a similar way, the sewage from households is transported outside of cities in blocked drains.
• Culture and Religion: The modern-day religious forms of IVC worship are still practiced. For example, the IVC's Pashupati god is still revered in the form of Shiva and further, many of the fertility cults, trees, snakes, and phallic symbols are currently practiced in India and other neighboring countries.

Conclusion

Urban planning in the modern era is inferred to share many characteristics with that of the civilizations of the Indus valley. Town planning at the time was done efficiently and in a futuristic manner using new methods.

Q4: The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment (GS 1 Mains Paper)
Answer: 

Introduction
Indian civilization is unique for preserving its culture and traditions without major disruptions up to the present day. Unlike ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, which declined or were replaced, Indian culture has shown remarkable continuity.

Key Points

1. Enduring Cultural Practices:

• Many practices from the Harappan civilization, such as the worship of the Mother Goddess and Pashupati, are still observed today.
• Influences from Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions remain strong in modern Indian society.

2. Balance of Continuity and Change:

• Indian culture has evolved by discarding outdated practices while preserving its core values.
• Reform movements, like Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th century BC and social awakenings in the 18th and 19th centuries, introduced changes without breaking cultural continuity.

3. Absence of Institutional Slavery:

• Unlike Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, India did not rely on widespread slavery.
• While there were social outcasts, their conditions were generally better than those of slaves in other civilizations.
• This absence of institutional slavery helped India avoid the societal collapses seen elsewhere.

4. Adaptability and Reforms:

• Indian civilization has embraced reforms to remain relevant, such as modern social and religious movements.
• These reforms have kept the culture dynamic while maintaining its essence.

Conclusion

In summary, Indian civilization's ability to balance continuity with adaptability distinguishes it from other ancient cultures. The lack of institutional slavery and the acceptance of reforms have contributed to its resilience and ongoing survival, defining Indian culture today.