Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: What was the first metal used by ancient people?
Ans: Copper.
Q2: What was Harappa initially used for by engineers?
Ans: Bricks were taken from Harappa for building railway lines.
Q3: How old are the Harappan cities believed to be?
Ans: Approximately 4700 years old.
Q4: What was the special tank in Mohenjodaro called?
Ans: The Great Bath.
Q5: What did some Harappan cities have, possibly for performing sacrifices?
Ans: Fire altars.
Q6: What materials were used to make tools, weapons, ornaments, and vessels in Harappan cities?
Ans: Copper and bronze.
Q7: What were used to spin thread in Harappan cities?
Ans: Spindle whorls made of terracotta and faience.
Q8: What were the rectangular stone objects with animal carvings in Harappan cities?
Ans: Seals.
Q9: Where may have copper been sourced for the Harappan cities?
Ans: Present-day Rajasthan and Oman.
Q10: What new tool did the Harappans use for digging the earth and planting seeds?
Ans: The plough.
Short Answer Type Questions
Q11: Describe the layout of Harappan cities, including their architectural features.
Ans: Harappan cities typically had two parts: a citadel and a lower town. Well-baked brick walls surrounded each part, creating strong structures. In Mohenjodaro, the Great Bath was built on the citadel. Many cities had fire altars, and elaborate storehouses were found in some. Covered drains were present in the cities, connected to street drains, and inspection holes allowed for cleaning.
Q12: What were some of the raw materials used by the Harappans, and where might they have sourced them?
Ans: The Harappans used locally available raw materials such as cotton, but they also imported items like copper, tin, gold, silver, and precious stones. Copper may have come from present-day Rajasthan and Oman, tin from present-day Afghanistan and Iran, and gold from present-day Karnataka. Precious stones may have been sourced from present-day Gujarat, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Q13: What crops did the Harappans grow, and what animals did they rear for food?
Ans: The Harappans grew crops like wheat, barley, pulses, peas, rice, sesame, linseed, and mustard. They reared cattle, sheep, goat, and buffalo for food. They also collected fruits, caught fish, and hunted wild animals like antelope.
Q14: Describe the layout and unique features of Dholavira.
Ans: Dholavira, located in the Rann of Kutch, was divided into three parts, each surrounded by massive stone walls with gateways. It had fresh water, fertile soil, and a large open area for public ceremonies. Unique finds included large letters of the Harappan script carved out of white stone.
Q15: What major changes occurred in the Harappan cities around 3900 years ago, and what are some proposed reasons for these changes?
Ans: Around 3900 years ago, people stopped living in cities, ceased using writing, seals, and weights, and raw materials brought from long distances became rare. Garbage piled up on the streets, the drainage system broke down, and new, less impressive houses were built. Some suggest that these changes were due to factors like rivers drying up, deforestation, and a loss of rulers' control. As a result, people moved into newer, smaller settlements to the east and south.
Long Answer Type Questions
Q16: Describe the characteristics and significance of the architecture in Harappan cities.
Ans: Harappan cities had distinct architectural features, with well-baked brick walls, citadels, lower towns, and covered drains. The Great Bath in Mohenjodaro and the presence of fire altars and elaborate storehouses were notable. These architectural elements showcase the advanced planning and engineering skills of the Harappans and their emphasis on cleanliness and organization.
Q17: Discuss the role of raw materials in the Harappan civilization, including their sources and uses.
Ans: The Harappans relied on both locally available and imported raw materials for their craftsmanship. Copper, tin, gold, silver, and precious stones were sourced from various regions. These materials were used to create tools, weapons, ornaments, and vessels, demonstrating the advanced metallurgical skills of the Harappans. Understanding the trade and utilization of raw materials provides insights into their economic and technological achievements.
Q18: Explain the factors that led to the decline of the Harappan civilization around 3900 years ago.
Ans: The decline of the Harappan civilization around 3900 years ago was marked by several changes, including people abandoning cities, the cessation of writing and trade, and deteriorating infrastructure. Proposed factors for this decline include environmental changes such as river drying up and deforestation, which may have led to resource scarcity. Additionally, a loss of control by rulers and social unrest could have contributed to the decline. Discussing these factors and their interconnectedness provides a comprehensive understanding of the civilization's decline.
Q19: Compare and contrast Dholavira and Lothal as two significant Harappan sites.
Ans: Dholavira and Lothal were both important Harappan sites, but they had distinct characteristics. Dholavira was located in the Rann of Kutch, with fresh water, fertile soil, and massive stone walls. It had a large open area for public ceremonies and unique stone carvings. In contrast, Lothal was situated beside a tributary of the Sabarmati, near the Gulf of Khambat, and was known for easy access to raw materials. It had a storehouse for seals and a workshop for making beads. Comparing and contrasting these two sites highlights regional differences within the Harappan civilization.
Q20: Analyze the significance of the Harappan civilization's achievements in crafts and technology.
Ans: The Harappan civilization exhibited remarkable craftsmanship and technological advancements. They produced items made of stone, shell, and metal, including tools, ornaments, and seals. Their use of copper, bronze, and precious metals showcased metallurgical expertise. Spindle whorls and terracotta objects demonstrated textile production skills. The presence of specialists, both men and women, highlights a division of labor. Analyzing these achievements sheds light on the sophistication of the Harappan society and its contributions to ancient craftsmanship and technology.
