The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation - 2 - Free MCQ Practice Test

The Sarasvatī River played a crucial role in the Harappan civilization by providing water for agriculture. It helped make the land fertile, which supported the growth of crops and the development of towns and cities. The river is mentioned in ancient texts and was an important water source for the Harappans, alongside the Indus River.

The term ‘First Urbanisation of India’ refers to the rise and development of cities in the Harappan civilization. Around 3500 BCE, small villages in the Indus Valley gradually grew into towns and then into cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, marking the beginning of urban development in India. This was the first time in Indian history that cities with planned streets, advanced drainage systems, and large public structures were built.

The Harappans were involved in international trade through sea routes as well as land routes. They traded goods like beads, cotton, timber, and ornaments with distant regions, including Mesopotamia and other parts of the ancient world. Harappan settlements, such as Lothal, had dockyards that supported maritime trade, indicating their active involvement in sea-based commerce.

Most Harappan buildings were made of baked bricks, which were carefully standardised and durable. Stone was used less frequently. This contributed to the impressive urban planning of Harappan cities.

The small seals found in Harappan sites were primarily used for trade identification. These seals, often made of steatite (a soft stone), were engraved with animal figures and symbols. They likely helped traders identify their goods and mark them for trade. The seals were an important part of the Harappan trade system, helping ensure the smooth exchange of goods both within and outside the civilization.

The Harappans were the first in Eurasia to cultivate cotton, which they used to make clothes. This made cotton an important agricultural product in their society and a key export item in their trade network.

Archaeological evidence shows very few weapons or signs of warfare. There is no indication of large-scale military conflict, leading historians to believe that Harappan society was relatively peaceful.

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley or Indus-Sarasvatī civilization, is considered one of the oldest in the world. It dates back to around 2600 BCE and was one of the first civilizations to develop advanced urban planning, trade networks, and water management systems.

The houses in Harappan cities were made from uniform-sized bricks. This standardization in construction materials helped in maintaining the quality of buildings across the cities, and it reflects the organized urban planning of the Harappan civilization.