The Beginnings of India Civilisation NCERT Solutions | Social Studies (SST) Class 6 PDF Download

Questions, Activities and Projects

Q1: Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.

Ans: The civilisation has several names such as Harappan, Indus, or Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation because it was discovered in the region along the Indus River and its tributaries, and the city of Harappa.

Q2: Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.

Ans: The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the earliest known in the history of mankind, came up with some achievements such as:

• The Harappans established well-planned cities with advanced drainage systems, which clearly gives us their Importance on sanitation and public health.
• The Harappans were very skilled in metallurgy, producing bronze tools and various ornaments.
• The civilisation had a strong trade system that reached Mesopotamia, helped by their use of fixed weights and measures.
• Also, the Harappans excelled in bead-making and pottery, leaving behind intricate artifacts that highlight their artistic prowess.
• They kept track of important information and had rules to help run their cities and trade.

Q3: Imagine you have to travel from the city of Harappa to Kalibangan. What are your different options? Can you make a rough estimation of the amount of time each option might take?

Ans: Traveling from Harappa to Kalibangan in ancient times would primarily involve land routes. Using the Indus River for the initial part of the journey would be the most efficient as this water route is not only easy but also safe to start with. Further, followed by overland travel using horse, bullock carts or on foot. 

The total distance of approximately 200 kilometers and hence this might take few days, depending on the conditions and speed of travel.

Q4: Let us imagine a Harappan man or woman being transported to an average kitchen in today’s India. What are the four or five biggest surprises awaiting them?

Ans: We can imagine how it can be a discovery for a Harappan man or women being transported to an average kitchen in today’s India.
There will be many surprises for him such as:

1. A Harappan individual will be surprised by the presence of electrical appliances like refrigerators and microwaves.
2. He will be amazed to see the variety of processed and packaged milk and foods and the availability of running water through taps.
3. He will be further surprised to witness the use of gas or electric stoves instead of traditional firewood.
4. Also the presence of modern utensils and cookware made of stainless steel and non-stick materials will be another big surprise for him.

Q5: Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments / gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century.

Q6: What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect? 

• Advanced Planning and Engineering Skills: The construction of large and interconnected reservoirs demonstrates the Harappans' ability to plan and execute complex engineering projects.
• Prioritization of Water Conservation: Building multiple reservoirs indicates a deep understanding of the importance of conserving water in an arid region.
• High Social Organization and Civic Responsibility: The coordinated effort to build and maintain these reservoirs reflects a well-organized society that values public welfare and communal resources.
• Collective Effort for Stable Water Supply: The existence of such infrastructure shows a collective commitment to ensuring a stable water supply for the entire community.
• Emphasis on Sustainability: The efficient water harvesting and distribution system highlights their foresight in creating sustainable living conditions for future generations.

Q7: In Mohenjo-daro, about 700 wells built with bricks have been counted. They seem to have been regularly maintained and used for several centuries. Discuss the implications.

 Ans: 

• Sophisticated Urban Planning: The extensive network of 700 wells indicates advanced urban planning and an emphasis on decentralized water supply.
• Importance of Reliable Water Supply: Providing access to water for all residents highlights the Harappans' understanding of the necessity for urban life.
• Well-Organized Governance: The regular maintenance of these wells over centuries suggests a stable and efficient administrative system capable of managing public utilities.
• Social Stability and Continuity: The long-term use and upkeep of the wells imply a stable society with continuous governance structures and communal efforts.
• Commitment to Public Welfare: The widespread availability of wells shows a strong commitment to public health and welfare, ensuring that all citizens had access to clean water.

Q8: It is often said that the Harappans had a high civic sense. Discuss the significance of this statement. Do you agree with it? Compare with citizens in a large city of India today.

Ans: 

1. Meticulous Urban Planning: The well-planned layout of Harappan cities, with wide streets and a standardized drainage system, indicates a concern for urban living conditions.
2. Uniform Quality of Construction: The good quality of building houses, no matter how big or small, shows that the community cares about fairness and helping everyone. 
3. Emphasis on Cleanliness: The efficient drainage systems reflect a strong emphasis on public health and hygiene.
4. Comparison with Modern Indian Cities:
   • Similar Challenges: Both ancient Harappan cities and modern Indian cities face challenges related to water supply, waste management, and public health.
   • Varying Civic Responsibility: While some modern cities exhibit high civic responsibility, issues like pollution and lacking waste disposal are due to a lack of public awareness and civic duty.
   • Historical Benchmark: The Harappans set a historical benchmark for urban planning and civic responsibility that modern cities can aspire to, highlighting the need for community-oriented approaches and sustainable practices.

The Big Questions

Q1: What is a civilisation?

Ans: A civilisation is an advanced stage of human societies with characteristics such as a form of government and administration, urbanism, a variety of crafts, trade, some form of writing, cultural ideas, and a productive agriculture.

Q2: What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent?

Ans: The earliest known Civilisation of the Indian subcontinent is the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation.

Q3: What were its major achievements?

Ans: The Harappan Civilisation achieved great things for its time, here are some of their major achievements:

• Urban Planning: Well-planned cities with grid layouts, drainage systems, and sanitation facilities.
• Advanced Architecture: Use of fired bricks, multi-storied buildings, and impressive granaries.
• Craft and Technology: Skilled in metalworking, pottery and seal carving. Developed a system of weights and measures.
• Trade: Extensive trade network with Mesopotamia and other regions. Evidence of trade goods like beads and tools.
• Writing System:  They created a writing system, but understanding it completely is still ongoing.

Let's Explore

Page 87

Q: For each characteristic in the list above, can you make a list of professions or occupations that might exist in such a society?

 Ans: The list of professions or occupations for each characteristic of a civilisation mentioned: 

• Government and Administration: Ruler/King/Queen, Governors, Tax Collectors, Judges, Scribes, Military Leaders, Advisers and Bureaucrats. 
• Urbanism (Town-Planning, Growth of Cities, Water Management, Drainage System): Architects, City Planners, Engineers, Builders/Construction Workers, Water Management Specialists, Sanitation Workers, Surveyors and Brick makers. 
• Variety of Crafts (Management of Raw Materials, Production of Finished Goods): Blacksmiths, Potters, Weavers, Carpenters, Jewellers, Stone Masons, Metalworkers and Leatherworkers. 
• Trade (Internal and External): Merchants, Traders, Shipbuilders, Caravaneers, Market Vendors, Moneylenders, Warehouse Managers and Sailors. 
• Writing (Record-Keeping, Communication): Scribes, Record Keepers, Librarians, Teachers, Calligraphers, Clerks, Historians and Archivists. 
• Cultural Ideas (Art, Architecture, Literature, Oral Traditions, Social Customs): Artists, Architects, Sculptors, Poets, Musicians, Storytellers, Priests/ Religious Leaders and Actors. 
• Productive Agriculture: Farmers, Herders, Fishermen, Irrigation Specialists, Seed Collectors, Agricultural Tool Makers, Animal Breeders and Market Gardeners.

Page 89

Q: Some of the important cities of this civilisation are marked in the map (Fig. 6.3). As a class activity, can you try to match, these cities with the modern states or regions in the table given below?

Ans:

Page 93

Q: Have a debate in class about the last two interpretations. Can you think of any others? Remember that in this case, we do not have any other source of history — no inscription, no text, no traveller's account.

Ans: Debate on the Interpretations of the Great Bath's Purpose

Interpretation 1: Bath for the Royal Family Only 
Pros: Cons: 

• The elaborate nature and construction of the Great Bath suggest it could have been reserved for a specific, privileged group. 
• Its central location within the city hints at its significance. 
• The presence of adjacent rooms could indicate private use.

Cons:

• There is no direct evidence of social stratification to such an extent in Harappan society. 
• The presence of bathrooms in most houses shows that people took care of their personal cleanliness at home, rather than having it managed by a central authority.

Interpretation 2: Used for Religious Rituals 
Pros: 

• The design and waterproofing of the tank could indicate its use in religious purification rituals. 
• Similar structures in other ancient civilizations were often used for religious purposes. 
• The Great Bath's central location supports the idea of it being a communal, spiritual site.

Cons: 

• There is no direct evidence (like inscriptions or artifacts) indicating religious activities in the Great Bath. 
• The lack of comparable structures with clear religious connections makes this interpretation speculative.

Possible New Interpretations
Interpretation 1: A Public Bathing Facility for Health and Hygiene
Pros:

• This interpretation aligns with the advanced drainage and water management systems of the Harappan civilization.
• Public baths are known from other ancient civilizations as places for communal hygiene.
• The Great Bath's size and design would accommodate multiple users at once.

Cons: The presence of private bathrooms in houses could challenge the need for a public bath.

Interpretation 2: A Venue for Social Gatherings and Civic Activities
Pros:

• The Great Bath could have been a central place for social interaction, much like modern public swimming pools.
• It might have hosted civic or community meetings, blending practical use with social functions.
• This interpretation fits with the Harappan society's apparent emphasis on community and mutual accommodation.

Cons: There is no direct evidence (such as seating arrangements) to support this theory.

Interpretation 3: A Water Storage or Reservoir
Pros:

• Given the importance of water management in Harappan cities, the Great Bath could have functioned as a large reservoir.
• This would explain the elaborate construction and waterproofing techniques used.

Cons: The design does not seem optimized for water storage, especially given the presence of a drain for emptying the tank.
While the exact purpose of the Great Bath remains uncertain, each interpretation offers insights based on the available archaeological evidence. The most likely explanations often draw on comparisons with similar structures in other ancient civilizations and the known priorities of the Harappan society, such as hygiene, community, and water management. Without additional historical sources, these interpretations remain guessing  but help us understand the complexity and advancement of the Harappan civilization.

Page 95

Q: As a class activity, measure the length of your classroom, a school corridor or a playground with the help of any measuring tape. Compare these lengths with the length of the largest reservoir in Dholavira.

Ans: Measuring our class room: I have measured the length of our classroom and found it is 10 meters.
Length Of the Largest Reservoir in Dholavira: The largest reservoir in Dholavira is 73 meters long.
Comparison: Our classroom is 10 meters long.
The Dholavira reservoir is 73 meters long.
So, the Dholavira reservoir is 7.3 times longer than our classroom.

Page 97

Q: Imagine you cook a meal in a Harappan house. What dish or dishes would you prepare, based on the data given above?

Ans: If I were cooking in a Harappan house, I might make:

• Barley and Wheat Bread: Mix barley and wheat flour with water and a little salt. Shape into flatbreads and cook on a hot stone.
• Lentil Stew: Boil lentils with water. Add turmeric and ginger for flavour. Include any vegetables you have, like onions or garlic, and cook until soft.
• Vegetable Curry: Cook a mix of vegetables with turmeric and ginger, creating a simple curry.

This meal uses common Harappan ingredients like barley, wheat, lentils, and spices.

Page 99

Q: Looking at these three Harappan seals with some writing signs, what goes through your mind? Would you like to suggest any interpretations? Let your imagination run!

Ans: Looking at the three Harappan seals, several ideas come to mind:

• Unicorn Seal: This might symbolize a clan or deity, representing purity or power in Harappan society.
• Bull Seal: Likely important for agriculture, this seal could mark goods or property, indicating strength or fertility.
• Horned Tiger Seal:  Indicates safety or fighting skills, likely used by soldiers or in ceremonies for power.

Imaginative Interpretations:

• Communication Tools: Early forms of ID cards or business logos.
• Religious Symbols: Representing gods or spirits for rituals.
• Trade Marks: Used to certify the origin and quality of goods in trade.

Page 102

Q1: Complete the story found on the Lothal pot. How was such a story remembered for more than 4,000 years, in your opinion?

Ans: Completing the Story on the Lothal Pot
Story: A thirsty crow finds a pot with a little water at the bottom. Unable to reach the water, the clever crow drops pebbles into the pot. As the water level rises, the crow drinks to its fill.
Such stories were likely passed down through generations via oral traditions, storytelling, and perhaps even through inscriptions or symbolic representations on everyday objects like pottery. The simplicity and moral of the story made it memorable, ensuring its survival through time.

Q2: Consider the 'Dancing Girl' figurine. What do you make of the attitude the figurine expresses? Observe her bangles covering an entire arm, a practice still visible in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Where else in this chapter can you spot bangles worn in this manner. What conclusion should we draw from this?

Ans: The 'Dancing Girl' Figurine and Bangles
Attitude Expressed by the 'Dancing Girl': The 'Dancing Girl' figurine exudes confidence, grace, and a sense of liveliness. Her posture, with one hand on her hip and the other hanging loosely, suggests a carefree, assertive, and possibly celebratory attitude. The detailed craftsmanship reflects the importance Of dance and artistic expression in Harappan society.
Bangles in the Chapter 
Bangles similar to those worn by the 'Dancing Girl' can be observed in other artifacts and illustrations within the chapter, such as other figurines and cultural depictions. The widespread depiction of bangles covering an entire arm suggests that this practice was common and significant in Harappan society. It indicates a cultural continuity in ornamentation that has persisted for thousands of years, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of jewellery and personal adornment in the region. This practice, still visible in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan today, underscores the enduring influence of ancient Harappan customs on modern Indian culture.

Think About It

Page 86

Q: Which of the above characteristics do you think is the most fundamental — that is, a characteristic essential to the development of all others?

Ans: Each characteristic is crucial in its own way, but arguably, a productive agriculture might be considered the most fundamental. This is because a stable and reliable food supply is essential for the survival and growth of a population. Once basic needs are met, a society can develop other aspects such as government, urbanism, crafts, trade, writing, and cultural ideas. Without productive agriculture, it would be challenging to support the large populations necessary for complex societal development.

Page 91

Q: You may have come across the term 'Indus Valley civilisation' and noticed that we have not used it. A look at the map (Fig. 6.3 on page 89) explains why the term 'Valley' is obsolete, as we now know that the civilisation extended much beyond the Indus region.

Ans: The term "Indus Valley civilisation" has been commonly used to describe the ancient civilization that flourished around the Indus River. However, this term is now considered obsolete because the civilization extended far beyond just the Indus Valley. A look at the map (refer to Fig. 6.3) reveals that its reach spread across a much larger region, covering parts of present-day India, Pakistan, and beyond. Therefore, the term "Indus region" more accurately reflects the vast expanse of this ancient civilization, and using the term "Valley" limits its true geographical extent.

Page 95

Q: As a class activity, measure the length of your classroom, a school corridor or a playground with the help of any measuring tape. Compare these lengths with the length of the largest reservoir in Dholavira.

Ans: For this activity, follow these steps:

1. Measure the Length of Your Classroom, Corridor, or Playground:

   • Use a measuring tape to measure the length of one of these spaces.
   • Write down the measurement in meters.

2. Find the Length of the Largest Reservoir in Dholavira:

   • The largest reservoir in Dholavira is about 79 meters long.

3. Compare the Lengths:

   • Now, compare the length you measured with the 79-meter reservoir.
   • Discuss whether the space you measured is longer or shorter than the reservoir.
   • For example, if your classroom is 10 meters long, it would take about 8 classrooms of that size to equal the length of the reservoir.

This comparison helps you visualize the size of ancient structures like the reservoir at Dholavira.

Page 96

Q: Imagine the large number of workers required to build such a network of reservoirs. Who do you think organised their work and gave them precise instructions? How do you think they were paid for their labour? (Hint: there was no money at that time in the way we have today.) Since the reservoirs needed to be cleaned from time to time, was there some local authority to manage their maintenance? What clues do we get from all this about this city's ruler and municipal administration?
Use your imagination and discuss with your teacher. Archaeologists also discuss these questions, and the answers are not always final!

Ans: The construction and maintenance of Dholavira's reservoirs likely involved organised efforts led by rulers and skilled engineers. These leaders provided precise instructions, while supervisors managed the workforce. Workers were probably compensated through a barter system, receiving food, clothing, and other essentials, or fulfilling communal obligations. A local authority or municipal body was likely responsible for the reservoirs' upkeep, ensuring regular cleaning and maintenance. This suggests an advanced level of administrative organization and community cooperation, reflecting a well-structured society with effective governance and resource management.

Page 102

Q: Looking at the objects on pages 100 and 101 — or any other pictured in this chapter — can you make out what activities or aspects of life were important for the Harappans?

Ans: Based on the objects pictured in this chapter, several important activities and aspects Of life in Harappan society can be discerned:
Daily Use and Craftsmanship:

• Objects: Bronze mirror, terracotta pots, stone weights, bronze chisel.
• Aspects: Advanced craftsmanship and daily grooming, indicating a focus on personal care and trade.

Games and Recreation:

• Objects: Games board, terracotta whistle.
• Aspects: Leisure and recreation were valued, suggesting a society that appreciated play and relaxation.

Cultural and Religious Practices:

• Objects: 'Priest King' statuette, seals with animal figures, 'Dancing Girl' figurine, seal depicting a three-faced deity.
• Aspects: Religion, art, and symbolism played significant roles, with likely rituals and societal hierarchies.

Trade and Economy:

• Objects: Beads of carnelian, shell bangles, dockyard at Lothal.
• Aspects: Extensive trade networks, both local and distant, with advanced techniques in bead-making and metallurgy.

Agriculture and Food:

• Objects: Plough model, cooking pots.
• Aspects: Agriculture was fundamental, with tools and utensils indicating a rich and diverse diet.

These objects illustrate a complex, organized, and culturally rich society.