Class 6 sst Chapter 6 in English new NCERT - Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
Chapter 06 : Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
Q: What is a civilization?
A: Civilization means an advanced society of human beings where people settle in one place and develop systems like governance, town planning, writing, trade, art, and culture.
Q: Which was the earliest civilization of the Indian subcontinent?
A: The earliest civilization of the Indian subcontinent was the Harappan or Indus-Saraswati Civilization.
Q: What were the main features of the Harappan Civilization?
A:
- Planned cities
- Drainage system
- Brick houses
- Great Bath and granaries
- Trade and writing system
- Development of art and sculpture
Q: Which were the major cities of the Harappan Civilization?
A: Major cities were:
- Harappa (Pakistan)
- Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan)
- Dholavira (Gujarat)
- Rakhigarhi (Haryana)
- Kalibangan (Rajasthan)
- Lothal (Gujarat)
Q: What did Harappans eat?
A: They ate wheat, barley, millet, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. They also used milk, fish, and meat.
Q: What did Harappans wear?
A: They wore clothes made of cotton and wool. Men wore dhoti, women wore long garments, and both used ornaments.
Q: How did Harappans manage water?
A: Their cities had wells, reservoirs, and excellent drainage systems. In Dholavira, large water tanks were built.
Q: Describe the trade of Harappan Civilization.
A:
- Harappans traded using land and sea routes.
- Lothal had a dockyard.
- Seals were used for identification in trade.
- They traded gold, copper, beads, cloth, and crafts within India and abroad (Oman, Iran, etc.).
Q: What were the reasons for the decline of Harappan Civilization?
A:
- Drying up of rivers (like Saraswati)
- Climate change and drought
- Decline in agriculture
- People moving back to villages
Q: Why is Harappan Civilization called “India’s first urbanization”?
A: Because for the first time people built large, well-planned cities with roads, drainage, houses, and administration.
Q: What was the “Great Bath”?
A: The Great Bath was a large public bathing structure at Mohenjo-daro, probably used for religious or social bathing.
Q: What did Harappans do for entertainment?
A: They made toys, played games, and enjoyed music and dance.
Q: What were the cultural features of Harappan Civilization?
A:
- Animal figures and script on seals
- Sculptures like the “Dancing Girl”
- Use of jewelry and bangles
- Advanced bathing and water systems
NCERT Based Questions
Q1. Why does this civilization have many names? Discuss their importance.
A: This civilization has many names —
- Harappan Civilization (first excavation at Harappa)
- Indus Civilization (spread along the Indus River)
- Indus–Saraswati Civilization (found in Saraswati region too)
These names show that the civilization covered a vast area.
Q2. Write a short report (150–200 words) on the achievements of the Indus–Saraswati Civilization.
A: The Indus–Saraswati Civilization was one of the world’s earliest civilizations. Cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal were highly planned. They had wide roads, drainage systems, brick houses, fortifications, and granaries. People practiced agriculture and grew wheat, barley, and millet. They were skilled traders and exchanged goods with India and foreign regions. They had a writing system and excelled in jewelry making and sculpture. They highly valued cleanliness and water management. This civilization represents a peaceful and well-organized society.
Q3. Suppose you have to travel from Harappa to Kalibangan. What options would you have? Estimate the time taken.
A: Travel options in those times were limited:
- Walking
- Bullock carts
- Boats or river routes
These options would take many days or even weeks.
Q4. Imagine a Harappan man or woman visiting a modern Indian kitchen. What four or five things would surprise them?
A: They would be surprised by:
- Gas stove and electric appliances
- Refrigerator
- Steel and glass utensils
- Packaged food
- Running water from taps
Q5. List the ornaments/ objects/ gestures from the chapter’s pictures that still exist in the 21st century.
A:
- Bangles and necklaces
- Pottery
- Weaving of cloth
- Toys and games
- Dance and music
All these remain a part of our culture today.
Q6. What does the water reservoir system of Dholavira reflect?
A: It reflects that Harappans were highly skilled in water conservation and management. They stored rainwater and used it wisely, showing scientific thinking and planning.
Q7. Over 700 brick wells have been found in Mohenjo-daro. They were maintained regularly. Think about this fact.
A: This shows that Harappans valued cleanliness and water management. They were hardworking, organized, and responsible citizens. Their urban administration functioned very well.
Q8. It is said that Harappans had a strong sense of citizenship. Discuss. Do you agree?
A: Yes, because:
- They built clean houses, drains, wells, and public spaces.
They worked together for the welfare of society. This shows they had a strong sense of civic responsibility and community living.
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