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Introduction

  • The Harappan Civilization (also called Indus or Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization) was India's first urban civilization.
  • Known for peaceful society, advanced cities, and trade networks.

Revision Notes: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation | Social Studies for Class 6India’s First Urbanization

  • Developed near the Indus & Sarasvati Rivers.
  • Villages turned into towns by 3500 BCE and cities by 2600 BCE.
  • Named after Harappa, the first city excavated (1920-21).

Important Rivers

  • Indus River supported agriculture.
  • Sarasvati River (now Ghaggar-Hakra) was vital but later dried up.

Town Planning

  • Wide streets aligned with cardinal directions.
  • Fortifications for protection.
  • Upper Town (elite) & Lower Town (commoners).
  • Granaries & warehouses for storage.
  • Brick houses of uniform quality.

The Great Bath (Mohenjo-daro)

  • Large waterproof tank used for bathing or rituals.
  • Drainage & well systems for water circulation.

Revision Notes: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation | Social Studies for Class 6Great Bath

Water Management

  • Drainage systems carried wastewater.
  • Reservoirs & artificial lakes stored water.
  • Dholavira (Gujarat) had six reservoirs for water supply.

Revision Notes: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation | Social Studies for Class 6

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Trade & Economy

  • Local & long-distance trade through land and sea.
  • Exports: Jewelry, timber, textiles, food.
  • Imports: Copper, stones.
  • Lothal (Gujarat) had a dockyard for trade.

Writing & Seals

  • Steatite seals had animal figures and symbols.
  • Used for trade & identification.Revision Notes: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation | Social Studies for Class 6Steatite Seals
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Metallurgy & Craftsmanship

  • Bronze tools made from copper & tin.
  • Pottery, jewelry, bangles, figurines.

Revision Notes: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation | Social Studies for Class 6Metallurgy & Craftmanship

Decline (~1900 BCE)

  • Climate change & reduced rainfall led to food shortages.
  • Sarasvati River dried up, causing city abandonment.
  • Harappans moved to villages, continuing their traditions.
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Legacy

  • Advanced urban planning, trade, and culture influenced future civilizations.
  • Technology and ideas carried forward in Indian history.
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FAQs on Revision Notes: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation - Social Studies for Class 6

1. What are the key features of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Ans. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's earliest urban cultures, is known for its advanced city planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures. Key features include well-organized cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, with grid-patterned streets, public baths, and granaries. The civilization also had a script that remains undeciphered and was engaged in trade with neighboring regions.
2. How did agriculture contribute to the beginnings of Indian civilization?
Ans. Agriculture was a fundamental factor in the development of Indian civilization, as it allowed for the establishment of permanent settlements. The domestication of plants and animals led to surplus food production, which supported larger populations and the growth of cities. This agricultural surplus also facilitated trade and the emergence of social hierarchies and governance structures.
3. What role did trade play in the early Indian civilizations?
Ans. Trade played a significant role in early Indian civilizations by promoting economic growth and cultural exchange. The Indus Valley Civilization engaged in extensive trade with Mesopotamia and other regions, exchanging goods such as textiles, pottery, and metals. This interaction helped to spread ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, contributing to the richness of Indian civilization.
4. Who were the Aryans, and how did they influence Indian civilization?
Ans. The Aryans were a group of nomadic tribes that migrated to India around 1500 BCE. They brought with them a new language (Sanskrit), religious practices, and social structures that significantly influenced Indian civilization. The Vedic texts, which form the foundation of Hinduism, were composed during this period, and the caste system began to take shape, impacting Indian society for centuries.
5. What are some major archaeological sites related to early Indian civilization?
Ans. Significant archaeological sites related to early Indian civilization include Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley, both of which provide insights into urban planning and social organization. Other important sites include Lothal, known for its dockyard and trade links, and Kalibangan, which reveals evidence of early agricultural practices and fire altars. These sites are crucial for understanding the development and characteristics of ancient Indian civilization.
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