GSEB Class 6 Social Science Solutions Chapter 9 Ancient Towns

GSEB Class 6 Social Science Unity in Diversity Intext Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. Were the people of Harappa literate? If Yes/No, give reasons.
Answer: Yes, the residents of Harappan Civilization were probably educated. This can be understood from their organized town layout, well-equipped homes, proper road construction, stores with various goods, an advanced underground drainage system, the erection of public structures, international commerce through Lothal port, household furnishings, entertainment tools, along with seals and writings.
In simple words: Yes, Harappan people were likely literate because their cities had advanced town planning, scripts, and various tools, showing they were educated.

Exam Tip: When answering "Yes/No" questions, always provide clear reasons and specific examples from historical evidence to support your claim.

 

Question 2. List the various sources used by archaeologists to get information related to food.
Answer: Archaeologists used ancient charred food grains and other grains such as wheat, barley, millet, pulses, white gram, and oilseeds like sesame and mustard to gather details about the food consumed in those times.
In simple words: Archaeologists found burnt grains like wheat, barley, millet, pulses, and oil seeds to learn about the food people ate.

Exam Tip: Remember to list specific examples of food items found by archaeologists, as this demonstrates detailed knowledge.

 

Question 3. What purpose was the bullock used for, other than agriculture?
Answer: Besides farming, individuals during the Harappan period might have used oxen for carrying loads, drawing water from wells using leather buckets, and for travel purposes. This shows their multiple uses beyond just agriculture.
In simple words: Besides farming, people used bullocks to carry heavy things, get water from wells, and travel from one place to another.

Exam Tip: When listing uses, ensure you provide distinct and different applications to show a comprehensive understanding of the animal's utility.

 

Question 4. Compare the town planning of today with that of the ancient town of Harappa.
Answer: The town planning of the Harappan period was very well-organized compared to modern times. It included structures for living, properly laid out roads and streets, marketplaces, an underground drainage network, communal buildings, and public baths, showing advanced urban design.
In simple words: Harappan towns were very organized, with planned buildings, roads, markets, drainage, and public spaces, much like cities today but from a very old time.

Exam Tip: Focus on drawing parallels and highlighting specific features that show how advanced Harappan town planning was, even by modern standards.

 

Question 5. The people of the Harappan Times Civilization were aware of personal hygiene and public health. Comment.
Answer: Based on the facilities in each Harappan home, such as underground drainage for waste water, awareness campaigns for public bathroom cleanliness, and dustbins for trash on roadsides, it's clear that the people were very health-conscious.
In simple words: Harappan people cared about health, as seen by their home drainage, clean public bathrooms, and roadside dustbins for garbage.

Exam Tip: When commenting on a statement, provide concrete evidence from the civilization's practices to support your view, like drainage systems and public amenities.

Activity

 

Question. Go and visit the oldest building or wherever there is digging the foundation of building. Give answer:
1. Which materials were used to built the structure ?
2. How many walls were there in the building ?
3. How many rooms were there in the building ?
Answer:
1. The structure was mainly built using large stones, clay bricks, and mortar made from lime and sand. Some parts also showed signs of timber reinforcement.
2. The building had four main outer walls and several internal partition walls, totaling about ten walls in the surviving structure.
3. The building contained a total of six rooms, including a large main hall, two smaller chambers, a kitchen, and two storage areas. The students should write the answers of these questions in their notebooks.
In simple words: This activity asks you to visit an old building or a construction site where foundations are being dug. You need to observe and then write down what materials were used, how many walls you saw, and how many rooms were in the building.

Exam Tip: For observation-based activities, focus on concrete details and describe materials, numbers, and features accurately to showcase careful observation.

GSEB Class 6 Social Science Ancient Towns Additional Important Questions and Answers

Choose the correct alternative from those given below each question:

 

Question 1. In which river valley the Harappa and Mohenjodaro towns were extended ?
(a) Ganges
(b) Indus (Sindhu)
(c) Narmada
(d) Brahmaputra
Answer: (b) Indus (Sindhu)
In simple words: Harappa and Mohenjodaro cities grew in the area around the Indus River.

Exam Tip: Knowing the geographical location of ancient civilizations, especially their proximity to rivers, is key as rivers were vital for their development.

 

Question 2. Approximately how old is the Harappan civilization ?
(a) 3000 years
(b) 5200 years
(c) 2500 years
(d) 4500 years
Answer: (d) 4500 years
In simple words: The Harappan civilization is around 4500 years old.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to approximate dates and timelines when studying ancient history, as they help contextualize events.

 

Question 3. Which town is considered as an important port of Indus valley civilization?
(a) Lothal
(b) Harappa
(c) Kalibangan
(d) Mohenjodaro
Answer: (a) Lothal
In simple words: Lothal was a very important port city for the Indus Valley Civilization.

Exam Tip: Identifying key sites and their specific functions (e.g., port city, capital) is crucial for understanding the civilization's economy and administration.

 

Question 4. In which taluka of Ahmedabad district is Lothal situated ?
(a) Mandal
(b) Dhandhuka
(c) Dholka
(d) Sanand
Answer: (c) Dholka
In simple words: Lothal is located in the Dholka area of the Ahmedabad district.

Exam Tip: Specific geographical details like districts and talukas are important for pinpointing historical sites in exams.

 

Question 5. In which district is Dholavira a town of Harappan Civilization found out from Gujarat situated?
(a) Kutch
(b) Banaskantha
(c) Junagadh
(d) Sabarkantha
Answer: (a) Kutch
In simple words: The Harappan town of Dholavira is situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

Exam Tip: When studying multiple sites within a region, distinguish their exact locations to avoid confusion.

 

Question 6. Which town planning was ideal among the towns found from Harappan Civilization ?
(a) Lothal
(b) Harappa
(c) Deshalpur
(d) Mohenjodaro
Answer: (d) Mohenjodaro
In simple words: Mohenjodaro had the best town planning among all the Harappan cities discovered.

Exam Tip: Recognize that while many Harappan towns were well-planned, some, like Mohenjodaro, stood out for their exemplary urban design.

 

Question 7. How wide were the roads of Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns ?
(a) 15 feet
(b) 33 feet
(c) 28 feet
(d) 36 feet
Answer: (b) 33 feet
In simple words: The roads in Mohenjodaro and Harappa were about 33 feet wide.

Exam Tip: Remembering specific measurements, like road widths, helps illustrate the advanced engineering of the Harappan civilization.

 

Question 8. What is the dignifying and special characteristic of Indus Valley Civilization ?
(a) Public bathroom
(b) Underground drainage system
(c) Public buildings
(d) Roads
Answer: (b) Underground drainage system
In simple words: The most special thing about the Indus Valley Civilization was its amazing underground drainage system.

Exam Tip: Always highlight the most unique and advanced features of an ancient civilization, as they often represent significant achievements.

 

Question 9. Which art was fully developed in Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns ?
(a) Art of music
(b) Art of making metal utensils
(c) Art of making wooden articles
(d) Art of making clay utensils
Answer: (d) Art of making clay utensils
In simple words: In Mohenjodaro and Harappa, the art of making clay pots and dishes was highly developed.

Exam Tip: Note the specialized skills and crafts that flourished in these ancient cities, such as pottery, as they indicate cultural and technological advancements.

 

Question 10. What do the beautiful toys of clay of Harappan Civilization indicate ?
(a) They were lovers of children.
(b) They were lovers of music.
(c) They were lovers of beauty.
(d) They were lovers of dance.
Answer: (a) They were lovers of children.
In simple words: The lovely clay toys from the Harappan Civilization show that the people there truly loved children.

Exam Tip: Artifacts like toys provide insights into the daily lives, values, and social aspects of ancient civilizations.

Fill in the blanks with proper words or figures in the following statements:

 

Question 1. Major changes have taken place on the earth due to natural calamities like ....................
Answer: Major changes have taken place on the earth due to natural calamities like earthquakes.
In simple words: Earthquakes are big natural events that cause major changes on the Earth.

Exam Tip: Natural calamities like earthquakes are powerful forces that cause significant geological and environmental alterations.

 

Question 2. The things which are found during .................... are called 'remains'.
Answer: The things which are found during excavation are called 'remains'.
In simple words: Objects discovered during digging are called 'remains'.

Exam Tip: Understanding archaeological terms like 'excavation' and 'remains' is fundamental to studying ancient history.

 

Question 3. Two towns found out during excavation in Sindh and Punjab in 1921-'22 C.E. are known as the 'remains of the first .................... civilization'.
Answer: Two towns found out during excavation in Sindh and Punjab in 1921-'22 C.E. are known as the 'remains of the first urban civilization'.
In simple words: The two cities found in Sindh and Punjab in 1921-'22 are known as the earliest 'urban' civilization's remains.

Exam Tip: The term 'urban civilization' highlights the advanced city-planning and lifestyle of the Indus Valley people.

 

Question 4. The towns of Mohenjodaro and Harappa were found in the .................... river-side area.
Answer: The towns of Mohenjodaro and Harappa were found in the Indus (Sindhu) river-side area.
In simple words: Mohenjodaro and Harappa cities were found near the Indus River.

Exam Tip: Always remember the significance of river valleys in the development of ancient civilizations, as they provided water, fertile land, and transportation.

 

Question 5. The Lothal town is considered as an important .................... of Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer: The Lothal town is considered as an important port of Indus Valley Civilization.
In simple words: Lothal was an important port city for the Indus Valley Civilization.

Exam Tip: Knowing the specific role of sites like Lothal (as a port) helps understand the economic activities of the civilization.

 

Question 6. Lothal is situated in .................... taluka of Ahmedabad district.
Answer: Lothal is situated in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district.
In simple words: Lothal is located in the Dholka area of Ahmedabad.

Exam Tip: Precise geographical locations are often tested to ensure familiarity with historical sites.

 

Question 7. The distance between Ahmedabad and Lothal is .................... kilometres.
Answer: The distance between Ahmedabad and Lothal is 80 kilometres.
In simple words: Ahmedabad and Lothal are 80 kilometers apart.

Exam Tip: Specific numerical facts, like distances, are important for understanding the scale and connections of ancient settlements.

 

Question 8. The bay of .................... is near Lothal.
Answer: The bay of Khambhat is near Lothal.
In simple words: The Bay of Khambhat is close to Lothal.

Exam Tip: Understanding the proximity of important geographic features like bays to port cities helps in grasping their strategic importance.

 

Question 9. .................... and .................... were large towns of Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer: Mohenjodaro and Harappa were large towns of Indus Valley Civilization.
In simple words: Mohenjodaro and Harappa were the big cities of the Indus Valley.

Exam Tip: These two cities are foundational to understanding the Indus Valley Civilization, so their names should be well-known.

 

Question 10. The main roads of Mohenjodaro and Harappa were approximately .................... feet wide.
Answer: The main roads of Mohenjodaro and Harappa were approximately 33 feet wide.
In simple words: The main roads in Mohenjodaro and Harappa were about 33 feet wide.

Exam Tip: Specific measurements, such as road width, highlight the advanced urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization.

 

Question 11. .................... is the dignifying special characteristic of Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer: Underground drainage system is the dignifying special characteristic of Indus Valley Civilization.
In simple words: The underground drainage system was the most special feature of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Exam Tip: The sophisticated drainage system is a key indicator of the Harappan civilization's advanced engineering and public health focus.

 

Question 12. The remains of a large public bathroom are found from .................... town.
Answer: The remains of a large public bathroom are found from Mohenjodaro town.
In simple words: A big public bath was discovered in Mohenjodaro.

Exam Tip: The 'Great Bath' of Mohenjodaro is one of the most famous structures of the Indus Valley Civilization, indicating its importance.

 

Question 13. The foodgrains found out from the remains of that time give an indication of ....................
Answer: The foodgrains found out from the remains of that time give an indication of farming.
In simple words: Old food grains tell us about farming practices from that time.

Exam Tip: Understanding what artifacts tell us about daily life, like foodgrains indicating agriculture, is vital for historical analysis.

 

Question 14. Several remains of canals for irrigation are found from a place in ....................
Answer: Several remains of canals for irrigation are found from a place in Afghanistan.
In simple words: Old irrigation canals have been discovered in Afghanistan.

Exam Tip: Irrigation systems are evidence of advanced agricultural techniques and organized labor in ancient societies.

 

Question 15. The art of making .................... utensils was fully developed in the towns of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Answer: The art of making clay utensils was fully developed in the towns of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
In simple words: Making clay pots and dishes was a highly developed skill in Mohenjodaro and Harappa.

Exam Tip: Pottery and utensil making indicate craft specialization and daily life activities of the people.

 

Question 16. The game of .................... was very popular in Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns.
Answer: The game of chess was very popular in Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns.
In simple words: Chess was a very liked game in Mohenjodaro and Harappa.

Exam Tip: Games and recreational activities provide a glimpse into the social and cultural life of ancient people.

 

Question 17. The script of the longest inscription found out from the remains of Indus valley was inspired by the .................... script.
Answer: The script of the longest inscription found out from the remains of Indus valley was inspired by the early Sumerian script.
In simple words: The longest writing found in the Indus Valley was influenced by the early Sumerian writing system.

Exam Tip: Connections between different ancient scripts suggest cultural exchanges and shared influences across civilizations.

State whether the following statements are true or false:

 

Question 1. Major changes take place on the earth due to natural calamities like famine.
Answer: False
In simple words: Famine doesn't directly cause major Earth changes; earthquakes or floods do.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between natural disasters that cause geological changes (like earthquakes) and those that primarily impact human populations (like famine).

 

Question 2. The bricks of ancient time were found during excavation of Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns.
Answer: True
In simple words: Old bricks were indeed found when digging up Mohenjodaro and Harappa cities.

Exam Tip: Bricks are a common and important archaeological find, revealing construction techniques and materials used by ancient civilizations.

 

Question 3. Harappa town is found out from the Punjab state.
Answer: False
In simple words: Harappa is not found in the modern Punjab state of India; it's in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Exam Tip: Be precise about the modern geographical locations of ancient sites, noting if they are in present-day India or Pakistan.

 

Question 4. Kalibangan town is found from Rajasthan.
Answer: True
In simple words: Kalibangan city is indeed located in Rajasthan.

Exam Tip: Knowing the Indian states where various Indus Valley sites are located is important for geographic context.

 

Question 5. Bay of Kutch is near Lothal.
Answer: False
In simple words: The Bay of Kutch is not near Lothal; the Gulf of Khambhat is.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between different bays and gulfs, especially when they are relevant to port cities.

 

Question 6. The streets of Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns were approximately 33 feet wide.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, the streets in Mohenjodaro and Harappa were about 33 feet wide.

Exam Tip: Specific details like road widths demonstrate the planned nature of these ancient cities.

 

Question 7. There was a well developed canal system in the Harappan cities.
Answer: False
In simple words: Harappan cities had advanced drainage, but not a widespread canal system within the cities.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between urban drainage systems and larger agricultural irrigation canal systems, as they served different purposes.

 

Question 8. A pond for storing water for agricultural purpose is found from Dholavira.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Dholavira had a pond used to store water for farming.

Exam Tip: Water management systems like reservoirs and ponds are key features of civilizations, especially in arid regions like Dholavira.

 

Question 9. Men and women of towns of Harappan Civilization wore three clothes.
Answer: False
In simple words: Harappan men and women typically wore two pieces of clothing, not three.

Exam Tip: Details about attire give insights into the cultural practices and climate of the civilization.

 

Question 10. People of Harappan Civilization were fond of dance.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, evidence suggests Harappan people enjoyed dancing.

Exam Tip: Artistic representations, like the dancing girl figurine, provide clues about the entertainment and cultural preferences of the people.

Match the pairs correctly:

Answer: (1 – 5), (2 – 2), (3 – 4), (4 – 1).
In simple words: Match the cities in Section A with their correct regions in Section B. Mohenjodaro is in Larkhana region of Sindh, Harappa in Punjab region, Kalibangan in Rajasthan, and Dholavira in Kutch region.

Exam Tip: Thoroughly memorize the specific locations of key Harappan sites to accurately match them with their respective regions.

Answer: (1 – 5), (2 – 4), (3 – 1), (4 – 2).
In simple words: Canals for irrigation are found in Afghanistan. Ponds for irrigation are found in Dholavira. Pictures of lute and guitar suggest a hobby of music. A bronze idol of a dancer indicates a hobby of dance.

Exam Tip: Connect archaeological finds (artifacts, structures) with the activities or cultural aspects they represent to score well in matching questions.

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each:

 

Question 1. What are 'remains' ? OR What is meant by 'remains' ?
Answer: 'Remains' refer to small or large towns and various items like coins, weapons, vessels, ornaments, and toys that are discovered during excavation, having been buried under the earth for some reason. These things give us information about past civilizations.
In simple words: 'Remains' are old things like towns, coins, and tools dug up from under the ground, telling us about ancient times.

Exam Tip: Define key historical terms clearly and provide a few examples to illustrate your understanding.

 

Question 2. Which are the main towns of Indus Valley Civilization ?
Answer: The primary towns of the Indus Valley Civilization are Harappa in the Larkhana region of Sindh, Mohenjodaro in the Punjab region, Kalibangan in Rajasthan state, and Dholavira in Kutch district. These cities showcase the advanced urban planning of the era.
In simple words: The main cities of the Indus Valley Civilization are Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan, and Dholavira.

Exam Tip: List the most prominent towns and their general locations to demonstrate knowledge of the civilization's spread.

 

Question 3. Why were Harappa and Mohenjodaro towns known as 'remains of Indus Valley Civilization'?
Answer: Harappa and Mohenjodaro towns were found situated in the riverside region of the Indus Valley. Because of their location and the extensive evidence of an advanced culture found there, both these towns became known as 'remains of Indus Valley Civilization'.
In simple words: Harappa and Mohenjodaro were called 'remains' because they were found by the Indus River and showed clear signs of the ancient Indus Valley culture.

Exam Tip: Link the discovery and location of these major sites directly to why they are considered primary evidence or 'remains' of the civilization.

 

Question 4. How old is Indus Valley Civilization ?
Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization existed between 3000 BCE and 1500 BCE. Consequently, this civilization is over 4500 years old from the present day, making it one of the most ancient in the world. Its rich history spans several millennia.
In simple words: The Indus Valley Civilization is more than 4500 years old, existing from around 3000 BCE to 1500 BCE.

Exam Tip: Provide the approximate BCE dates and then calculate the 'years ago' to show a complete understanding of its age.

 

Question 5. Which towns of Indus Valley Civilization are found from Gujarat ?
Answer: The towns of Indus Valley Civilization discovered in Gujarat include Rangpur near Limbdi in Saurashtra, Rozadi near Gondal, and Deshalpur and Dholavira in Kutch. These sites are crucial for understanding the civilization's presence in the region.
In simple words: From Gujarat, Indus Valley towns like Rangpur, Rozadi, Deshalpur, and Dholavira have been found.

Exam Tip: List the specific sites found within a particular modern-day region (e.g., Gujarat) to show detailed knowledge.

 

Question 6. Which was the most specific feature of Indus Valley Civilization ?
Answer: The most distinct characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization was its very well-arranged and carefully planned town planning. This included systematic roads, drainage systems, and public buildings, demonstrating advanced urban design for its era.
In simple words: The most unique thing about the Indus Valley Civilization was its really well-organized and planned cities.

Exam Tip: Focus on the most unique and widely recognized aspect, which for the Indus Valley Civilization is its urban planning.

 

Question 7. Why were the houses in the towns of Indus Valley Civilization built on a high level ?
Answer: The homes in the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were built on an elevated level mainly to safeguard them from frequent river floods. This strategic construction helped ensure the longevity and safety of the settlements against natural disasters.
In simple words: Houses in Indus Valley cities were built on high ground to keep them safe from floods.

Exam Tip: Connect architectural features (like elevated houses) directly to environmental challenges (like floods) to explain their purpose.

 

Question 8. Why can we call the Indus Valley Civilization as ‘Urban Civilization' ?
Answer: Mohenjodaro and Harappa were two major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, featuring sophisticated town planning, organized public services, and large populations. Consequently, this civilization can be accurately referred to as an 'Urban Civilization' due to its advanced city life. They were well-planned.
In simple words: We call it an 'Urban Civilization' because cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa were large, well-planned, and had many features of city life.

Exam Tip: Use characteristics of urban life, such as planned cities and public services, to justify why a civilization is termed 'urban'.

 

Question 9. What was the remarkable feature of Indus Valley Civilization ?
Answer: The outstanding feature of the Indus Valley Civilization was its sophisticated underground drainage system. This system ensured proper waste disposal and hygiene, reflecting a strong emphasis on public health and urban sanitation. It was ahead of its time.
In simple words: The best part of the Indus Valley Civilization was its excellent underground drainage system.

Exam Tip: The drainage system is often cited as a prime example of the Harappan civilization's engineering prowess and focus on hygiene.

 

Question 10. From which town the remains of a large bathroom are found?
Answer: The remains of a large public bathing area, often called the 'Great Bath', are discovered from the town of Mohenjodaro. This impressive structure suggests its use for ritual bathing or public gatherings. It shows a communal aspect.
In simple words: A big public bathroom was found in the town of Mohenjodaro.

Exam Tip: Associate specific famous structures, like the Great Bath, with their respective archaeological sites for quick recall.

 

Question 11. How was the town planning of Indus Valley Civilization ?
Answer: The town planning of the Indus Valley Civilization was exceptionally well-managed, highly organized, and an excellent example of engineering skill and artistic design. Cities featured grid-patterned roads, advanced drainage, and segregated living areas, demonstrating careful foresight in urban development.
In simple words: Indus Valley town planning was very well-organized and a great example of smart design and engineering.

Exam Tip: When describing town planning, mention key elements like grid patterns, drainage, and public structures to convey its sophistication.

 

Question 12. Which foodgrains are found from the places of Indus Valley Civilization ?
Answer: Foodgrains such as wheat, barley, millet, pulses, white gram, and oil seeds like sesame and mustard, among others, are discovered from the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization. These findings provide important insights into their agricultural practices and diet.
In simple words: Wheat, barley, millet, pulses, white gram, sesame, and mustard seeds were found in Indus Valley sites.

Exam Tip: Listing specific crops found helps illustrate the agricultural base and dietary habits of the Harappan people.

 

Question 13. The bones of which animals were found from the places of Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: The bones of creatures such as buffalo, goat, sheep, ox, camel, and asses were found from the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization. These discoveries provide important information about the animals they domesticated and utilized. These remains help us understand their farming and transport.
In simple words: Bones of buffalo, goat, sheep, ox, camel, and asses were found in Indus Valley places.

Exam Tip: Identifying animal remains helps reconstruct the ancient economy, livestock management, and environmental conditions.

 

Question 14. How can we say that Lothal was a big port of Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: We can confirm that Lothal was a significant port of the Indus Valley Civilization because a large dockyard has been discovered there, which was used for mooring big boats and ships. This indicates extensive maritime trade activity. The presence of a dockyard directly implies its role as a major trading hub.
In simple words: We know Lothal was a big port because a large dockyard was found there, where big boats and ships could anchor.

Exam Tip: A dockyard is definitive evidence of a port, so always highlight its discovery when discussing Lothal's role.

 

Question 15. How can we say that the people of Indus Valley Civilization were fond of beauty products?
Answer: People of the Indus Valley Civilization wore many types of ornaments like necklaces, earrings, and bangles. Women also used facial powder, collyrium, and lipstick to enhance their cosmetic appeal. From these findings, we can deduce that the people of this civilization appreciated beauty products and personal adornment. Their artifacts clearly show this. They wanted to look nice.
In simple words: The Indus Valley people used ornaments, face powder, and lipstick, showing they cared about beauty products.

Exam Tip: Use specific examples of artifacts (ornaments, cosmetics) to support claims about the cultural practices and preferences of the civilization.

 

Question 16. Which toys for entertainment of children are found from towns of Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: Beautiful toys such as clay-cocks, bird-shaped whistles, clay-rattles, marbles, clay-carts, oxen with shaking heads, and monkeys that moved up and down with a string were discovered from the towns of the Indus Valley Civilization for children's enjoyment. These demonstrate a rich culture of play. Many different kinds of toys existed.
In simple words: Clay toys like cocks, whistles, rattles, marbles, and animal figures that moved were found, showing how children played in the Indus Valley cities.

Exam Tip: Listing various types of toys illustrates the creativity and social aspects of children's lives in the ancient civilization.

 

Question 17. How can we say that the people of Indus Valley Civilization were fond of music?
Answer: Paintings depicting musical instruments like the lute (veena) and guitar are discovered on seals from the Indus Valley Civilization. Based on this evidence, we can conclude that the people of this civilization had a strong fondness for music. These artistic representations directly show their musical interests. They loved musical instruments.
In simple words: Seals with drawings of lutes and guitars tell us that Indus Valley people enjoyed music.

Exam Tip: Cultural preferences, like a fondness for music, are often inferred from artistic representations found on artifacts such as seals.

 

Question 18. How can we say that people of Indus Valley Civilization were fond of dance?
Answer: A bronze idol of a female dancer has been discovered among the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization. From this significant find, we can confidently assert that the people of this civilization were very fond of dance. This idol clearly shows their appreciation for this art form. They enjoyed dance as an art.
In simple words: The bronze statue of a dancer found in the Indus Valley shows that the people liked dance.

Exam Tip: The 'Dancing Girl' figurine is a crucial artifact that provides evidence of artistic expression and cultural activities like dance in the Indus Valley Civilization.

 

Question 19. How seals and scripts were used during the period of Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer: Seals were utilized by merchants for personal identification during the Indus Valley Civilization. They also helped maintain smoother contacts with distant people. The script, a form of writing, was used by people for the luggage they carried, with details of the sender being available from the writing. These scripts recorded important information.
In simple words: Merchants used seals for identification and keeping in touch, while scripts were used for writing on luggage to show who sent it.

Exam Tip: Explain the practical applications of seals (identification, trade) and scripts (communication, records) to show their importance in the civilization.

Answer the following questions:

 

Question 1. What were the specific features of the houses of Indus Valley Civilization towns ?
Answer: The distinct characteristics of homes in the Indus Valley Civilization towns were as follows:

• Residents constructed their houses on high ground to safeguard them from river floods.


• Wealthier individuals often owned two-storeyed houses, showcasing social distinctions.


• The doors and windows of buildings faced small streets rather than the main road, offering privacy and protection.


• Each house was designed with rooms arranged around a central courtyard, which was a common architectural practice.


• Staircases were present to provide access to the upper floors of the buildings, indicating multi-level constructions.


• Every building included an excellent and modern setup with a well, a bathroom, a superior drainage system for dirty water, a kitchen, and a toilet.


• The drains from the houses directed water to a cess-pool or manhole, ensuring effective waste management.


• Drains along the main roads were covered and regularly inspected and cleaned, highlighting a strong focus on public hygiene.

Indeed, the towns of this civilization represented the best examples of urban planning from a structural perspective. These aspects show advanced thinking.
In simple words: Indus Valley houses were built high up for flood protection, rich people had two floors, and doors/windows faced small streets. Each house had rooms around a courtyard, stairs, a well, bathroom, kitchen, and an excellent drainage system that led to covered street drains which were kept clean.

Exam Tip: When describing house features, use bullet points for clarity and include details about design, amenities, and their purpose (e.g., flood protection, hygiene).

 

Question 2. Give details of roads and streets of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Answer: The main roads and connecting smaller streets of Mohenjodaro and Harappa towns were very well-arranged and interconnected. The main roads intersected at right angles in the center of the town, dividing the city into large sections. Each of these sections contained a network of narrow lanes. The main roads were approximately 33 feet wide. These roads were regularly cleaned. Clay pots were placed on both sides of the road for disposing of garbage and waste. There was also a system of lamps on the roads to provide light during the night. The lanes were linked to the streets, and the streets were connected to the main roads in these two significant towns of the Indus Valley Civilization. From the remains found in Lothal, it can be said that markets with different items were located on both sides of the main roads, indicating a vibrant commercial life. The layout was very systematic.
In simple words: Mohenjodaro and Harappa had well-planned roads that crossed each other at right angles, creating big blocks with narrow lanes. Main roads were about 33 feet wide, cleaned regularly, had bins for trash, and were lit at night. Streets connected to main roads, and evidence from Lothal shows markets along main roads.

Exam Tip: Describe the grid pattern, width of roads, waste management, and lighting to highlight the advanced urban planning of Harappan cities.

 

Question 3. Give an introduction of the underground drainage system of Mohenjodaro.
Answer: The underground drainage system of Mohenjodaro is a distinct and remarkable characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization. It featured an excellent design where dirty water and waste were channelled through small pipes to larger pipes and then into the main gutter outside the town. The arrangement allowed garbage and waste to settle inside the drains, while the clean water flowed out. Covers were provided over the gutters at specific intervals, which could be removed for cleaning. This underground drainage system clearly demonstrates the people's strong concern for hygiene and public health, proving their advanced civic sense. It was a very well-thought-out system.
In simple words: Mohenjodaro had an amazing underground drainage system. Dirty water and waste flowed from small pipes to big pipes, then to a main gutter outside the city. Waste would settle, and clean water flowed on. Gutters had removable covers for cleaning, showing a great focus on health.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the efficiency, design features (pipes, covers), and the underlying purpose (hygiene, public health) of the drainage system.

 

Question 4. Give information about public buildings of Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer: A large building, approximately 55 meters in length and 33 meters in width, has been discovered in Mohenjodaro. This structure could have served as a school and contained numerous rooms arranged in a line. The remains of a big town hall have also been found in this city. Additionally, a large granary was discovered, built on an elevated platform for protection from floods and divided into various storage sections. Remains of forts and palaces are also found from the towns of this civilization. Furthermore, a large public bathroom, referred to by archaeologists as the 'Great Bath', has been unearthed in Mohenjodaro. These public structures suggest a well-organized society with communal facilities and defensive measures. They were important for the community.
In simple words: Mohenjodaro had large public buildings like a big hall, possibly a school with many rooms, and a granary built on high ground to prevent floods. Traces of forts and palaces were also found in these cities. The famous 'Great Bath' in Mohenjodaro was another significant public structure.

Exam Tip: When discussing public buildings, mention specific examples (school-like building, town hall, granary, Great Bath) and their probable functions to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge.

 

Question 7. Write a short note on : Importance of remains.
Answer: The remnants of various items discovered during digging are essential sources for understanding history. These remnants offer extra details to history writers for documenting past events. Historians perform a comparative analysis of these old findings. They use the substance from these findings logically, making history accurate and reliable. Therefore, the past significance of these objects is incredibly high.

Exam Tip: When writing about historical remains, always highlight their role in providing evidence and helping historians reconstruct the past accurately.