Maharashtra Board Class 6 Science Chapter 3 The Harappan Civilization Solutions

The Harappan Civilization Class 6 Questions And Answers

1. Answer In One Sentence:

Question 1. How did the civilization get the name Harappa?
Answer: Archaeological excavation first began in 1921 CE at Harappa in Punjab on the banks of river Ravi. That is how this civilization came to be known as Harappan civilization.
In simple words: The civilization was named Harappan because the first archaeological excavations were carried out at the site of Harappa on the Ravi river.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the name of an ancient civilization is often derived from the first site where it was discovered, which is the case for the Harappan Civilization.

Question 2. What patterns are seen on the Harappan pots?
Answer: There are red terra cotta pots with patterns and designs in black colour. The patterns includes fishscales, interlocking circles, pipal leaves, etc.
In simple words: Harappan pots were made of red terra cotta and featured black designs such as fishscales, interlocking circles, and pipal leaves.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing artifacts, details about materials, colors, and specific motifs are important for a complete answer.

Question 3. What cloth did the Harappan traders supply to Egypt?
Answer: The Harappan traders supplied muslin cloth to Egypt
In simple words: Harappan traders exported muslin cloth to Egypt.

🎯 Exam Tip: Trade routes and exported goods highlight the economic connections and advanced production of ancient civilizations.

Question 2. What will you do when you visit an ancient site to obtain more information about it, to conserve it, etc ?
Answer: (Student's own response, e.g., I would carefully observe the site, take notes, ask guides, avoid touching or disturbing artifacts, and report any damage or neglect to authorities to help conserve it.)
In simple words: When visiting ancient sites, one should observe carefully, learn, and ensure to preserve the site by not damaging or altering anything, contributing to its conservation for future generations.

🎯 Exam Tip: Questions about personal actions or societal roles often require a thoughtful, multi-faceted response covering observation, learning, and responsible behavior.

Question 3. Draw a picture of the Great Bath at Mohen-jo-daro.
Answer:
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र मोहनजो-दारो के विशाल स्नानागार को दर्शाता है, जो प्राचीन हड़प्पा सभ्यता की एक उल्लेखनीय जल-संरचना है। इसमें एक बड़ा आयताकार टैंक है जिसके चारों ओर कमरे और सीढ़ियाँ हैं। यह स्नानागार धार्मिक अनुष्ठानों या सामुदायिक स्नान के लिए उपयोग किया जाता था, जो हड़प्पावासियों की उन्नत इंजीनियरिंग और स्वच्छता को दर्शाता है।
• A spacious bath has been discovered at Mohen-jo-daro.
• The tank in the Great Bath was nearly 2.5 metres deep, 12 metres long and 7 metres wide.
• It was lined with baked bricks to prevent seepage of water.
• There were steps leading down to the tank.
• There was also a provision for draining, cleaning and re-filling the tank at regular intervals.
In simple words: The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro was a large, well-constructed public bath, nearly 2.5 meters deep, 12 meters long, and 7 meters wide, featuring baked brick lining, steps, and systems for draining and refilling water.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing significant architectural features like the Great Bath, include details about its dimensions, construction materials, and functional aspects for a comprehensive answer.

Question 4. In the following chart, fill in the details regarding human life during the Harappan period.
Answer:

🎯 Exam Tip: For chart-based questions, accurately match the information across columns to demonstrate understanding of different aspects of daily life.

5. Answer In One Word And Frame Similar Questions. Write Their Answers:

Question 1. What stone was used to make the Harappan seals?
Answer: Steatite
In simple words: Harappan seals were primarily crafted from steatite stone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing key materials used in artifacts provides insight into the craftsmanship and resources available to the civilization.

Question 6. On an outline map of the world, show the other civilizations that existed in other parts of the world during the Harappan period.
Answer: (This is an activity-based question requiring a map. Students would mark contemporary civilizations like Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations on a world map.)
In simple words: This activity involves identifying and marking other major civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, that flourished concurrently with the Harappan Civilization on a world map.

🎯 Exam Tip: Historical mapping exercises help in understanding the global context and contemporaneity of different ancient civilizations.

Activity:

• Prepare an outline map of your school and show the various places like a library, playground, computer room, etc. on the map.
• Prepare a detailed note on the grain storage system used in your family and your locality.
In simple words: This activity involves creating a map of your school showing key areas and writing about local grain storage methods.

🎯 Exam Tip: Activity-based questions encourage practical application of learning and observation skills within one's own environment.

Class 6 History Chapter 3 The Harappan Civilization InText Questions And Answers

Can You Tell?

Question 1. Describe the structure of houses in your locality.
Answer: In my locality (Mumbai) we have building structures and tall skyscrapers. In contrast, we do have hutmen locality with small houses in rows and sometimes chawls that are built upto one storey.(Answers may vary)
In simple words: Houses in my locality range from multi-story buildings and skyscrapers to single-story hutments and chawls.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing local structures, provide a diverse overview, including modern and traditional forms, and note any variations.

Question 2. Do they have flat roofs or tiled sloping roofs?
Answer: Houses or buildings in my locality have flat roofs and provisions are made for draining away the rain water. Some of the hutments do have tiled sloping roofs.
In simple words: Most houses in my area have flat roofs with proper drainage, though some hutments feature tiled sloping roofs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between different types of roofing based on structure and function, especially in varied localities.

Question 3. What problems regarding health and hygiene will arise if the drains are not covered?
Answer: If the drains are not covered they will become infested or breeding grounds to mosquitoes, flies, insects, etc. This will directly affect the health of the people living in that vicinity. People will become victim to terrible illnesses, death rate may rise, children and senior citizens will be mostly affected as they have weaker immunity.
In simple words: Uncovered drains become breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects, leading to widespread illnesses and potentially increased death rates, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the direct consequences of poor sanitation, linking the presence of uncovered drains to health risks, disease spread, and vulnerable groups.

Question 4. Visit a swimming tank in your locality. Observe how the water in the tank is changed. Compare a modem swimming tank to the Harappan Bath.
Answer: When I went to a nearby swimming pool, I observed that there is a continuous flow of water and excess water filtering system where the water is cleaned. This clean water is then recycled again to be used in the pool. Every week the entire pool water is pumped out. The moss edges and walls of the pool are scrubbled clean with disinfectants. Fresh water is then added to the pool, with right amount of chlorine tablets. We then have a pool with sparkling water. The Harappahs too, were hygienic as they too had provisions made for draining, cleaning and re-filling the Great Bath.
In simple words: Modern swimming pools use continuous filtration, recycling, and chemical treatment (like chlorine) for hygiene, with weekly draining and scrubbing. The Harappan Great Bath also had advanced systems for draining, cleaning, and refilling, demonstrating similar hygienic practices in ancient times.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing ancient and modern practices, highlight both the similarities in underlying principles (e.g., hygiene) and the differences in technology and methods.

Class 6 History Chapter 3 The Harappan Civilization Additional Important Questions And Answers

Complete The Sentence By Choosing The Correct Option:

Question 1. Archaeological excavation first began in 1921 CE at Harappa in the Punjab on the banks of river _____.
(a) Tapi
(b) Satluj
(c) Ravi
Answer: (c) Ravi
In simple words: The first archaeological digs at Harappa were conducted on the banks of the Ravi River.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the geographical location of key archaeological sites helps in understanding the context of the civilization's development.

Question 2. Excavations were also carried out at _____ a place about 650 km to the south of Harappa in the Indus valley.
(a) Mohen-jo-daro
(b) Dholavira
(c) Lothal
Answer: (a) Mohen-jo-daro
In simple words: Mohenjo-daro, located about 650 km south of Harappa, was another major excavation site in the Indus Valley.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize the major sites of the Harappan civilization and their relative locations to understand the spread of the culture.

Question 3. There was a striking _____ between the remains of structures and artefacts found at the two places.
(a) beauty
(b) sparks
(c) resemblance
Answer: (c) resemblance
In simple words: A strong similarity was observed in the structural remains and artifacts found at different Harappan sites.

🎯 Exam Tip: The uniformity in artifacts and structures across Harappan sites indicates a strong, centralized cultural or administrative influence.

Question 4. The houses and other structures in the Harappan civilization were mainly built with _____ bricks.
(a) cooked
(b) baked
(c) fried
Answer: (b) baked
In simple words: Harappan buildings were predominantly constructed using baked bricks, which made them durable.

🎯 Exam Tip: The use of baked bricks is a key indicator of advanced urban planning and construction techniques in the Harappan civilization.

Question 5. The houses had rooms built around a _____ courtyard.
(a) lateral
(b) central
(c) forward
Answer: (b) central
In simple words: Harappan houses were designed with rooms arranged around a central courtyard.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the typical layout of Harappan houses, emphasizing the central courtyard as a common architectural feature.

Question 6. The _____ had covered drains built with bricks.
(a) streets
(b) compounds
(c) schools
Answer: (a) streets
In simple words: Harappan streets were equipped with sophisticated covered drainage systems made of bricks.

🎯 Exam Tip: The presence of covered drains on streets highlights the advanced urban planning and emphasis on sanitation in the Harappan civilization.

Question 7. The streets were _____ and laid out in a grid pattern.
(a) narrow
(b) zig-zag
(c) broad
Answer: (c) broad
In simple words: Harappan streets were broad and meticulously arranged in a grid pattern.

🎯 Exam Tip: The grid pattern and broad streets are hallmarks of Harappan urban planning, indicating careful design and organization.

Question 8. The seals of the Harappan civilization were mainly square-shaped and made from a stone called _____.
(a) steatite
(b) granite
(c) marble
Answer: (a) steatite
In simple words: Harappan seals were predominantly square, carved from steatite stone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the material and shape of Harappan seals as they are crucial artifacts providing insights into their script and iconography.

Question 9. These seals bear pictures of imaginary animals like the _____.
(a) phoenix
(b) unicorn
(c) fairies
Answer: (b) unicorn
In simple words: Harappan seals often depicted mythical creatures, prominently featuring the unicorn.

🎯 Exam Tip: The imagery on seals, especially mythical animals, offers clues about the religious beliefs and symbolic representations of the Harappan people.

Question 10. _____ pots of various types and shapes have been found at the excavation sites of Harappan civilization.
(a) Metal
(b) Stone
(c) Earthen
Answer: (c) Earthen
In simple words: Various types and shapes of earthen pots were discovered at Harappan excavation sites.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pottery is a common find at archaeological sites, and understanding its material (e.g., earthen) helps in dating and cultural analysis.

Question 11. The Harappan people _____ their dead.
(a) buried
(b) cremated
(c) incinerated
Answer: (a) buried
In simple words: The Harappan people practiced burial for their deceased.

🎯 Exam Tip: Burial practices provide important archaeological evidence about the customs and beliefs of ancient societies.

Question 12. The tank in the Great Bath was nearly _____ metres deep.
(a) 12
(b)2.5
(c)7
Answer: (b) 2.5
In simple words: The Great Bath's tank measured approximately 2.5 meters in depth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific dimensions of key structures like the Great Bath are important details to remember for accuracy.

Question 13. Great bath was lined with _____ bricks to prevent seepage of water.
(a) unbaked
(b) baked
(c) bunds
Answer: (b) baked
In simple words: The Great Bath was lined with baked bricks to prevent water leakage.

🎯 Exam Tip: The use of baked bricks for lining the Great Bath demonstrates advanced engineering for waterproofing.

Question 14. The Harappan people practised _____.
(a) singing
(c) dancing
(c) agriculture
Answer: (c) agriculture
In simple words: Agriculture was a primary occupation of the Harappan people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the primary economic activities, like agriculture, is crucial for comprehending the sustenance and lifestyle of the civilization.

Question 15. The dress of both Harappan men and women consisted of knee length cloth and an _____ garment.
(a) upper
(b) head
(c) shawl
Answer: (a) upper
In simple words: Harappan attire for both men and women included a knee-length lower garment and an upper garment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details about clothing provide insights into the social and cultural aspects of daily life in the Harappan civilization.

Question 16. Women wore _____ right up to their upper arm.
(a) shawls
(b) flowers
(c) bangles
Answer: (c) bangles
In simple words: Harappan women adorned themselves with bangles extending up to their upper arms.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ornaments and their styles reflect the aesthetic preferences and craftsmanship of a civilization.

Question 17. The Harappan people carried on _____ within India as well as with countries outside.
(a) friendship
(b) trade
(c) enemity
Answer: (b) trade
In simple words: The Harappan civilization engaged in extensive trade both domestically and internationally.

🎯 Exam Tip: International trade signifies economic prosperity, diplomatic relations, and the influence of a civilization beyond its geographical boundaries.

Question 18. The Indus valley was known for its high quality _____.
(a) cotton
(b) crops
(c) pots
Answer: (a) cotton
In simple words: The Indus Valley was famous for producing high-quality cotton.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying key agricultural products or resources for which a region was known indicates its economic specialization.

Question 19. _____ was carried on both by land routes and sea routes.
(a) Agriculture
(b) Trade
(c) Industry
Answer: (b) Trade
In simple words: Trade was conducted by the Harappans using both land and sea routes.

🎯 Exam Tip: The use of diverse trade routes (land and sea) points to advanced logistical capabilities and extensive networks of interaction.

Question 20. A huge _____ has been discoverd at Lothal.
(a) dockyard
(b) fishery
(c) industry
Answer: (a) dockyard
In simple words: A significant dockyard was unearthed at the Harappan site of Lothal.

🎯 Exam Tip: The discovery of a dockyard at Lothal is strong evidence of Harappan maritime trade and naval activity.

Question 21. People migrated to other places leading to the decline of _____.
(a) population
(b) trade
(c) cities
Answer: (c) cities
In simple words: Mass migration led to the eventual decline of Harappan cities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that population movements often have significant impacts on urban centers and can contribute to their decline.

Match The Following:

Question 1.
Column A
(1) Harappan civilization
(2) Houses
(3) Streets
(4) Mohen-jo-daro
(5) Towns
Column B
(a) Built with baked bricks
(b) Had separate fortification
(c) Banks of river ravi
(d) Had covered drains
(e) South of Harappa
Answer:
1-c
2-a
3-d
4-e
5-b
In simple words: Harappan civilization was on the banks of Ravi, houses used baked bricks, streets had covered drains, Mohenjo-daro was south of Harappa, and towns had separate fortifications.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, carefully link each element to its correct characteristic or location to ensure accuracy.

Question 2.
Column A
(1) Seals
(2) Unicorn
(3) The Great bath
(4) The Indus Valley
Column B
(a) An imaginary animal carved on seals
(b) High quality cotton
(c) Made of stone called steatite
(d) Had provision for draining, cleaning and refilling the tank
Answer:
1-c
2-a
3-d
4-b
In simple words: Seals were made of steatite, the unicorn was an imaginary animal on seals, the Great Bath had draining and refilling provisions, and the Indus Valley was known for high quality cotton.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect artifacts (seals, Great Bath) and their characteristics or purpose with the broader cultural and economic context (Indus Valley, unicorn symbolism).

Answer In One Sentence:

Question 1. Where was the excavation of Mohen-jo-daro carried out?
Answer: The excavation of Mohen-jo-daro was carried out about 650 km to the south of Harappa in the Indus valley.
In simple words: Mohenjo-daro was excavated in the Indus Valley, approximately 650 km south of Harappa.

🎯 Exam Tip: Geographical locations and distances between major sites are important for understanding the scale of the Harappan civilization.

Question 2. With what were the houses and other structures in Harappan civilization built?
Answer: The houses and other structures in Harappan civilization were built with baked bricks.
In simple words: Harappan houses and structures were primarily constructed using baked bricks.

🎯 Exam Tip: The consistent use of baked bricks indicates standardization in construction and advanced urban planning.

Question 3. What were the Harappan seals made from?
Answer: The Harappan seals were made from a stone called steatite.
In simple words: Harappan seals were crafted from steatite stone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the material of key artifacts like seals helps in understanding the available resources and craftsmanship.

Question 4. What were the seals used for?
Answer: The seals were used as stamps.
In simple words: Harappan seals functioned primarily as stamps.

🎯 Exam Tip: The primary function of seals as stamps suggests their use in administration, trade, or personal identification.

Question 5. Which pictures were depicted on seals?
Answer: Pictures of animals like bulls, buffaloes, oxen, elephants, rhinos, tigers, unicorn, etc., were depicted on seals.
In simple words: Harappan seals featured various animal depictions, including bulls, buffaloes, elephants, and the mythical unicorn.

🎯 Exam Tip: The animal motifs on seals offer insights into the fauna, symbolism, and possibly religious beliefs of the Harappan people.

Question 6. What occupation did the Harappan practise?
Answer: The Harappans practised agriculture.
In simple words: Agriculture was the main occupation of the Harappan civilization.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the primary occupation helps in understanding the economic basis and lifestyle of the civilization.

Question 7. What crops did the Harappans grow?
Answer: The Harappans grew crops like wheat, barley, ragi, peas, sesame and lentils (masoor).
In simple words: Harappans cultivated a variety of crops including wheat, barley, ragi, peas, sesame, and lentils.

🎯 Exam Tip: Listing specific crops grown demonstrates knowledge of the agricultural diversity and dietary habits of the Harappan people.

Question 8. How did the people in Harappa dress?
Answer: The dress of both men and women in Harappa consisted of knee length cloth and an upper garment.
In simple words: Harappan men and women wore knee-length lower garments along with an upper garment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details about clothing reflect the cultural practices and social norms of an ancient civilization.

Question 9. What were their ornaments made up of?
Answer: Their ornaments were made up of gold, copper, precious stones as also shells, cowries, seeds, etc.
In simple words: Harappan ornaments were fashioned from materials like gold, copper, precious stones, shells, cowries, and seeds.

🎯 Exam Tip: The variety of materials used for ornaments indicates the Harappan's access to diverse resources and their metallurgical and crafting skills.

Question 10. What is the Indus valley known for?
Answer: The Indus valley was known for its high quality cotton.
In simple words: The Indus Valley was renowned for its production of high-quality cotton.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying key contributions or specializations (like cotton production) of a region helps understand its economic significance.

Question 11. To which countries was the cotton exported?
Answer: The cotton was exported to regions like west Asia, southern Europe and Egypt.
In simple words: Harappan cotton was traded to West Asia, southern Europe, and Egypt.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the export destinations illustrates the extensive trade network and economic influence of the Harappan civilization.

Question 12. Where was the Harappan dockyard discovered?
Answer: A huge dockyard was discovered at Lothal.
In simple words: A large dockyard was found at Lothal, an important Harappan site.

🎯 Exam Tip: The discovery of a dockyard signifies the importance of maritime trade for the Harappan civilization.

Question 13. What was the reasons for the decline of the Harappan civilization?
Answer: Frequent floods, invasions by foreign tribes, decline in trade were some of the reasons for the decline of Harappan civilization.
In simple words: The Harappan civilization declined due to factors like recurring floods, invasions by external groups, and a decrease in trade activities.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing the decline of a civilization, identify multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause, as decline is often multi-faceted.

Question 14. Why did the people migrate to other places?
Answer: Some regions became arid due to weakening of monsoon, drying up of river basins, earthquakes, changes in sea-level, etc. This led the people to migrate to other places.
In simple words: People migrated due to environmental changes like monsoon weakening, drying rivers, earthquakes, and sea-level shifts, which made their regions uninhabitable.

🎯 Exam Tip: Environmental factors play a significant role in human migration patterns, especially in ancient times when communities were heavily reliant on natural resources.

Answer The Following Questions In Short:

Question 1. Which similar characteristics are seen in all the places of Harappan civilization?
Answer: Similar characteristics that are seen in all the places of Harappan civilization are town planning, roads, construction of houses, drainage system, seals, pots, toys and burial customs.
In simple words: Common traits across Harappan sites include standardized town planning, well-laid roads, similar house construction, advanced drainage, specific seals, pottery, toys, and shared burial customs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the consistent features across different Harappan sites to demonstrate the uniformity and advanced nature of their civilization.

Question 2. Describe the houses built in Harappa.
Answer:
• The houses in Harappa had rooms built around a central courtyard.
• The houses had wells, bathrooms and toilets.
In simple words: Harappan houses were well-planned, featuring rooms arranged around a central courtyard, and included private wells, bathrooms, and toilets.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on architectural layout and essential amenities to illustrate the advanced living standards of Harappan homes.

Question 3. Explain why the drainage system excelled in Harappa.
Answer:
• The Harappans had an excellent drainage system in which baked earthen conduits were used.
• The streets had covered drains built with bricks.
• All these shows great concern regarding public health.
In simple words: Harappa's drainage system was exceptional, featuring covered brick drains and baked earthen conduits, demonstrating a strong emphasis on public health and hygiene.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the materials used (baked earthen conduits, bricks) and the impact (covered drains, public health) to explain the excellence of their drainage system.

Question 4. Describe the streets in Harappan town planning.
Answer:
• The streets in Harappan towns were broad and laid out in a grid pattern.
• The streets had covered drains on either sides.
In simple words: Harappan streets were broad, arranged in a precise grid pattern, and featured covered drainage systems along their sides.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing urban infrastructure, focus on aspects like layout (grid pattern), dimensions (broad), and integrated utilities (covered drains).

Question 5. What ritual did the people in Harappa follow for their burial?
Answer:
In simple words: (The specific rituals involved burying the dead, often along with earthen pots.)

🎯 Exam Tip: Burial rituals are important for understanding a civilization's beliefs about death and the afterlife, so detailing the associated practices is key.

Question 8. Comparison between today's modem town planning with that of the Harappan periods.
Answer: Harappan houses were built in rectangular blocks and had excellent roads and drainage system.
In comparison, the older cities in India do not have the Harappan style of town planning. There are places in these older cities where hutmen live in congested areas with open drainages. But today, changes are being made.
Open drainages are being replaced by underground drainage system. Rain water is diverted to avoid floods and hutmen's areas are getting transformed into tall high-rise buildings. Cities now in India are getting transformed with broad roads, well interstate connecting highways, bridges, railway, metro, airports, etc.
In simple words: Harappan cities featured organized roads, rectangular housing, and sophisticated drainage. Modern Indian urban planning is evolving to mirror these structured elements, transitioning from older, often congested areas with exposed drains to advanced infrastructure with broad roads, high-rise developments, and subterranean drainage systems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on contrasting the features of Harappan town planning (structured, advanced drainage) with older Indian cities (congested, open drains) and highlight modern improvements.

6th Std History Questions And Answers: