Maharashtra Board Class 11 History Chapter 2 First Cities of India Solutions

Choose the Correct Alternative and Write the Complete Sentences

 

Question 1. In the early phase of agriculture, making __________ pots and farming were the jobs of women.
(a) copper
(b) bronze
(c) clay
(d) silver
Answer: (c) clay
In simple words: In the early days of farming, women did the agricultural work and made pots out of clay to store food.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the timeline of human development; clay pottery was invented long before metals like copper and bronze were used.

 

Question 2. Lothal is known for its ancient __________
(a) agriculture
(b) dock
(c) textiles
(d) tools
Answer: (b) dock
In simple words: Lothal was an important port city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, famous for having a massive dockyard where ships could load and unload goods.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that Lothal is uniquely famous for its dockyard, which proves that ancient Indians engaged in overseas trade.

 

Question 3. A general impression prevailed that the Harappan seals had some connection with the __________ civilisation.
(a) Chinese
(b) Greek
(c) Mesopotamian
(d) Egyptian
Answer: (c) Mesopotamian
In simple words: Many people believed that the seals used by the Harappan people were linked to the Mesopotamian civilisation because of trade relations between them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on trade relations between Harappa and Mesopotamia to easily recall the connection between their seals.

 

Question 4. The bodies (mummies) of dead royalties in Egypt were wrapped in __________ coloured cloth.
(a) white
(b) black
(c) red
(d) blue
Answer: (d) blue
In simple words: In ancient Egypt, the preserved bodies of kings and queens (mummies) were wrapped in blue-coloured cloth, which was dyed using indigo exported from India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the connection between Indian indigo exports and Egyptian mummies to remember the color blue.

 

2A. Choose the Correct Reason and Complete the Sentence.

Question 1. The major reason for the decline of the Mesopotamian civilisation was __________
(a) foreign invasion
(b) deteriorating environment
(c) loss in trade
(d) migration
Answer: (b) deteriorating environment
In simple words: The Mesopotamian civilization declined mainly because the natural environment changed and became harder to live in.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that environmental factors like soil salinization and climate change played a key role in the decline of ancient river valley civilizations.

 

2B. Find the Incorrect Pair from Set ‘B’ and Write the Correct Ones.

 

Question 1.

Set ‘A’	Set ‘B’
(a) Dilmun	Bahrain
(b) Makan	Oman-Iran-Baluchistan Coastal region
(c) Shortugai	Mesopotamia
(d) Meluhha	Region of Harappa civilisation

Answer: (c) Shortugai – Badakshan province of Afghanistan. This northern outpost of the Harappan civilization was strategically located near rich lapis lazuli mines.
In simple words: Shortugai was actually located in Afghanistan, not Mesopotamia, and was famous for trading precious blue stones.

🎯 Exam Tip: When correcting pairs, clearly state both the incorrect pair and its correct match to secure full marks.

 

3. Explain the Statements with Reasons.

 

Question 1. The remains found in cities like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan, Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, etc. are evidence of the past glory of this civilization.
Answer:

• A well-developed and rich civilisation flourished in the Indian subcontinent in the period from 3500-3000 B.C.E.
• This period is characterised by systematic town planning, with houses of baked brick, granaries, excellent drainage systems, public baths, and impressive public movements. These advanced urban features clearly demonstrate the high level of engineering and social organization achieved by the ancient builders.

In simple words: The ruins of these ancient cities show that people back then had highly planned towns with brick houses, clean drainage, and public baths, proving how advanced and rich their society was.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention key features like town planning, baked bricks, and drainage systems when describing the glory of the Harappan civilization.

 

Question 2. Lapis lazuli had a very important place in the Harappan trade.
Answer:
• A network of small towns, big and small villages, and campsites of semi-nomadic people functioned to cater to the needs of major urban centres of the Harappan civilisation.
• The Harappan settlement of ‘Shortugai’ in the Badakshan province of Afghanistan, is rich with mines of lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone in Mesopotamia.
• The Mesopotamian epics describe Goddess Inanna’s palace, the walls of which were embedded with this stone, lapis lazuli. This beautiful blue stone was highly valued by ancient rulers for making exquisite ornaments.
• This stone was a very important commodity in the Harappan trade with Mesopotamia.
In simple words: Lapis lazuli was a rare blue stone found in Harappan areas like Shortugai. It was highly valued in Mesopotamia, making it a key item in their trade network.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to mention 'Shortugai' in Afghanistan and its connection to Mesopotamian epics to score full marks.

 

Question 3. Harappan civilisation declined.
Answer:
• Sir Mortimer Wheeler in his study has concluded that the Harappan civilisation was destroyed by Indra, who destroyed the fortified cities.
• Vedic Aryans destroyed the Harappan cities under the leadership of Indra.
• The civilisation also declined due to the cumulative effects of factors such as the decline in trade, climatic changes, and the weakening of the economy. Changes in the course of rivers and environmental degradation also contributed significantly to this decline.
In simple words: Some experts believe the Harappan cities were destroyed by invaders. However, it is more likely that a combination of climate change, falling trade, and economic weakness caused its slow decline.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present both the invasion theory by Mortimer Wheeler and the environmental/economic reasons to write a balanced answer.

 

4. State Your Opinion

Question 1. The Harappan cities and villages in the vicinity were interdependent.
Answer:
• The interrelationship between Harappan cities and villages was dependent on the mechanism of making available food grains and raw materials.
• A network of small towns, big and small villages, and campsites of semi-nomadic people, functioned to cater to the needs of major urban centres of Harappan civilisation.
• The city people were dependent on natural sources and villages in their vicinity, to meet the needs of urban lifestyle and urban administration. This mutual reliance ensured the smooth functioning of the entire civilization.
In simple words: Cities and nearby villages depended on each other. Villages provided food and raw materials, while cities provided administration and trade opportunities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly mention the exchange of food and raw materials between villages and cities to secure full marks.

 

Question 2. The Harappan cities seem to have a well-organised administrative system.
Answer:
• The Harappan cities had a well organised administrative system to manage industrial production, import-export, the interrelationship between cities managing trading operations and villages around them.
• The town planning, standardization of bricks, weights, seals, shapes, and ornamentation of various objects, confirm the presence of an efficient administrative system.
• Cities like Harappa and Mohenjodaro were perhaps regional capitals.
• Lothal and Kalibangan were important religious centres.
• However, the nature of Harappan polity, whether it was a single state or a federation of small states, is not yet known. This administrative efficiency is one of the most striking features of their ancient culture.
In simple words: The uniform town planning, standard weights, and organized trade show that Harappan cities had a strong central system of management, even though we do not know if they had a single king or multiple rulers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use key terms like 'standardization of weights and measures' and 'town planning' as evidence of an administrative system.

 

5. Answer the Following Questions with the Help of Given Points.

 

Question 1. Write about the characteristics of Harappan cities with the help of the given points:
(a) Town planning
(b) Social organisation
(c) Administration
(d) Economy

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering point-based questions, address each point (a, b, c, d) in separate paragraphs with clear headings to make your answer structured and easy to read.

 

Question. Explain the following aspects of Harappan Civilisation:
Answer:
(a) Town planning:

• The town planning of Harappan cities was very systematic.
• Houses were of baked bricks, which included bathrooms, toilets, wells.
• Granaries existed, with impressive public monuments.
• The excellent drainage systems, public baths, and independent fortification walls are highlights.
• The grid pattern was used, where streets crossed each other in right angles, and the resulted blocks were used for building houses.
• The English bond masonry method was used with two headers and two stretchers to build a wall, which was especially useful for earthquake-prone areas.

(b) Social organisation:

• Social hierarchy was based on the position of power.
• Classes of skilled artisans and individuals were based on craft specialisation.
• Belief systems existed, with evidence of burials indicating rituals after death.
• Artifacts and architecture also indicate belief systems.

(c) Administration:

• Administrative control existed over the distribution of water and other resources.
• The size of bricks indicates the use of standardisation and ratio.
• Weights, set style of shapes and painted designs of pottery, majestic and non-residential buildings for public administrative offices are also seen.

(d) Economy:

• Harappan civilisation practiced mass production of goods for trade purposes.
• The concentration of factories and residences of artisans in a particular area of the city indicates the purpose of convenience of production, flourishing internal and distant trade, and administrative control over trade transactions.

In simple words: The Harappan Civilisation was highly advanced, featuring well-planned cities with brick houses and drainage, a structured society, organized administration for resources, and a busy trade-based economy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use bullet points for each sub-section to make your answer clear and easy for the examiner to read, highlighting key terms like 'English bond masonry' and 'grid pattern'.

• Well-shaped, beautiful earthen pots, statues, metal objects of gold, silver, copper, and bronze were made.
• Various types of beads were prepared, indicating a sound economy.

 

Activity

 

Question. Collect information and illustrations with the help of the internet about the town planning of the Harappan cities and Chandigarh. Compare them.
Answer: The town planning of the Harappan Cities:
• The Harappans were the first to build planned cities with a scientific drainage system.
• Their cities were built on a uniform plan.
• The people of Indus valley lived a highly civilized and developed life. This remarkable level of organization shows how advanced their ancient society truly was.
• This highly developed and scientific plan can be seen in the following areas.

Streets:
• The streets were straight and cut each other at right angles.
• They were 13 to 34 feet wide and were well lined.
• The streets and roads divided the city into rectangular blocks.
• Lamp posts were provided at regular intervals.
• Dust bins were also provided on the streets which proves the presence of a good municipal administration.

Drainage System:
• The city was provided with an excellent closed drainage system.
• Each house had its own drainage and soak pit which was connected to the public drainage.
• Brick-laid channels were found through every street.
• The drains were covered and had manholes at regular intervals for cleaning and clearing.
• Large brick culverts were constructed on the outskirts of the city to carry excess water.
In simple words: The Harappan cities were planned very carefully with straight roads that crossed at right angles and an advanced covered drainage system to keep the city clean. This shows they had excellent city planners thousands of years ago.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing Harappan town planning, always highlight the two main features: the grid-like street system and the advanced covered drainage system.

• The Indus valley civilization had a perfect underground drainage system.

The Great Bath

• The most striking feature of Mohenjo Daro is the Great Bath.
• It consists of a large quadrangle. In the center, there is a large swimming pool approx. 39 ft long, 23 ft wide, and 8 ft deep.
• This swimming pool had rooms and galleries on all four sides.
• It had a flight of steps at either end and a well in one of the adjoining rooms. The water was discharged by a huge drain.
• The Great Bath had 8ft thick outer walls.

Granaries

• The largest building in Mohenjo Daro is the granary which is 45.71 m long and 15.23 m wide.
• Granaries have also been found in Harappa and the southern parts of Kalibangan.
• These granaries were used to store grains which were probably collected as revenue or storehouses to be used in emergencies.

Buildings

• People of the Indus valley civilization built houses and other buildings on the side streets.
• Built terraced houses of burnt bricks.
• Every house had two or more rooms, there were also more than one-storied houses.

The Town Planning of Chandigarh City

• Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana was designed by the Swiss-French modernist architect, Le Corbusier.
• Buildings include the Capitol Complex with its High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly.