Samacheer Kalvi Class 6 Social Science Solutions Term 1 Chapter 3 Indus Civilisation

I. Choose The Correct Answer

Question 1. What metals were known to the people of Indus Civilisation?
(a) Copper, bronze, silver, gold, but not iron
(b) Copper, silver, iron, but not bronze
(c) Copper, gold, iron, but not silver
(d) Copper, silver, iron, but not gold
Answer: (a) Copper, bronze, silver, gold, but not iron
In simple words: The people of the Indus Valley Civilisation used many metals like copper, bronze, silver, and gold. However, they did not know about iron yet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the use of iron came much later in history, marking a different age. The Indus people lived in the Bronze Age.

Question 2. Indus Civilisation belonged to.
(a) Old Stone age
(b) Medieval stone age.
(c) New stone age
(d) Metal age
Answer: (d) Metal age
In simple words: The Indus Civilisation is part of the Metal Age, specifically the Bronze Age, because people used tools and objects made from metals like bronze and copper. It was a time when metalworking became very important.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age by identifying the primary material used for tools and weapons during each period.

Question 3. River Valleys are said to be the cradle of civilisation because
(a) Soil is very fertile.
(b) They experience good climate.
(c) They are useful for transportation.
(d) Many civilizations flourished on river valleys.
Answer: (d) Many civilizations flourished on river valleys.
In simple words: River valleys were great places for early civilizations to start because they had fertile soil for farming, water for drinking, and easy ways to travel by boat. Many great ancient societies grew along rivers.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why river valleys were important for civilizations, mention the availability of water, fertile land for agriculture, and ease of transport as key factors.

II. Match The Statement With The Reason. Tick The Appropriate Answer:

Question 1. Statement: Harappan civilisation is said to be an urban civilisation. Reason: It has well planned cities with advanced drainage system.
(a) Statement and reason are correct.
(b) Statement is wrong.
(c) Statement is true, but the reason is wrong.
(d) Both statement and reason are wrong.
Answer: (a) Statement and reason are correct
In simple words: The Harappan Civilisation was known as an urban (city-based) civilization. This is true because its cities were carefully planned with good drainage systems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always look for a direct, logical connection between the statement and the reason. If the reason explains *why* the statement is true, they are usually both correct.

Question 2. Statement: Harappan civilization belongs to BronzeAge. Reason: Harappans did not know the use of iron.
(a) Statement and reason are correct.
(b) Statement is wrong.
(c) Statement is correct, but the reason is wrong.
(d) Both statement and reason are wrong.
Answer: (a) Statement and reason are correct
In simple words: The Harappan Civilisation was part of the Bronze Age because its people used bronze tools and did not know how to use iron yet. The absence of iron is a key feature of the Bronze Age.

🎯 Exam Tip: To evaluate Assertion-Reason questions, first check if the statement is true. Then, check if the reason is true. Finally, determine if the reason correctly explains the statement.

Question 3. Statement: The engineering skill of Harappans was remarkable. Reason: Building of docks after a careful study of tides, waves and currents.
(a) Statement and reason are correct.
(b) Statement is wrong.
(c) Statement is correct, but the reason is wrong.
(d) Both statement and reason are wrong.
Answer: (a) Statement and reason are correct
In simple words: The Harappans had amazing engineering skills, proven by how they built docks. They carefully studied the ocean's tides and currents to build these structures, which shows their advanced knowledge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific examples like the dockyard at Lothal are excellent evidence to support statements about Harappan engineering prowess. Mentioning such examples can earn extra marks.

Question 4. Which of the following statements about Mohenjo-Daro is correct?
(a) Gold ornaments were unknown.
(b) Houses were made of burnt bricks.
(c) Implements were made of iron.
(d) Great Bath was made water tight with the layers of natural bitumen.
Answer: (b) Houses were made of burnt bricks.
In simple words: In Mohenjo-Daro, most houses were built using bricks that had been baked in a fire, making them strong and durable. This shows how advanced their building techniques were.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering questions about specific Harappan cities, recall their distinct features like building materials, famous structures, or key discoveries made there.

Question 5. Consider the following statements.
1. Uniformity in layout of town, streets, and brick sizes
2. An elaborate and well laid out drainage system
3. Granaries constituted an important part of Harappan cities Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1&2
(b) 1&3
(c) 2&3
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: All three statements are correct. Harappan cities were very well-planned, had good drainage systems, and included large granaries for storing food. These features highlight the advanced nature of their urban planning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Harappan urban planning is a key feature. Remember the grid pattern, standardized bricks, advanced drainage, and important public buildings like granaries and the Great Bath.

Question 6. Circle the odd one.
1. Oxen
2. Sheep
3. Buffaloes
4. Pigs
5. Horses
Answer: Horses
In simple words: The Indus Valley people knew about oxen, sheep, buffaloes, and pigs. However, there is not much evidence to show they knew about horses.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying the odd one out, recall the animals commonly domesticated or known to the Harappan people based on archaeological evidence.

Question 7. Find out the wrong pair.
(a) ASI – John Marshall
(b) Citadel – Granaries
(c) Lothal - dockyard
(d) Harappan Civilisation – River Cauvery
Answer: (d) Harappan – River Cauvery
In simple words: The Harappan Civilisation was mostly found near the Indus River and its tributaries, not the River Cauvery. The other pairs are correct connections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Familiarize yourself with key figures, important sites, and geographical locations associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation to identify incorrect pairings.

III. Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. _______________ is the oldest civilisation.
Answer: Mesopotamian
In simple words: The Mesopotamian civilisation, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is considered to be one of the very first civilizations in the world. Its early development influenced other nearby regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the major early river valley civilizations and their relative timelines to accurately identify the oldest known one.

Question 2. Archaeological Survey of India was founded by _______________.
Answer: Alexander Cunningham
In simple words: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was started by Alexander Cunningham. He was a British army engineer and explorer who became very interested in ancient Indian history.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the founders of important institutions like the ASI helps in understanding the history of archaeological exploration in India.

Question 3. _______________ were used to store grains.
Answer: Granaries
In simple words: Large buildings called granaries were built to keep huge amounts of harvested grains safe. This helped feed many people and store food for times of scarcity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Granaries are a strong indicator of an organized agricultural society and central planning in ancient civilizations.

Question 4. Group of people form _______________.
Answer: Community
In simple words: When many people live and work together in an area, sharing common interests and rules, they form a community. This cooperation is key to building complex societies.

🎯 Exam Tip: The concept of a community is fundamental to social studies, explaining how groups of people live and interact.

IV. State True Or False

Question 1. Mehergarh is a Neolithic site.
Answer: True
In simple words: Mehergarh is indeed a very old site where people first started farming and living in settled villages, marking it as a Neolithic (New Stone Age) location. It shows the earliest farming practices in the region.

🎯 Exam Tip: Neolithic sites are important for understanding the beginnings of agriculture and settled human life. Mehergarh is a prime example in the Indian subcontinent.

Question 2. Archaeological survey of India is responsible for preservation of cultural monuments in the country.
Answer: True
In simple words: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the main government body in charge of finding, studying, and protecting old historical buildings and sites in India. Their work is vital for saving India's past.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the role of the ASI. Its main function is to protect and maintain India's ancient monuments and archaeological sites.

Question 3. Granaries were used to store grains.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, granaries were large storehouses specifically built to keep harvested grains. This was important for feeding the population and managing food supplies in ancient times.

🎯 Exam Tip: This is a straightforward factual statement. Granaries are consistently associated with grain storage across many ancient civilizations.

Question 4. The earliest form of writing was developed by the Chinese.
Answer: False
In simple words: The earliest known writing systems, like cuneiform, were actually developed by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia, not the Chinese. Chinese writing developed later, though it is also very ancient.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise about the origins of major inventions. While China has ancient writing, Mesopotamia generally gets credit for the *earliest* forms.

V. Match The Following

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, eliminate the obvious pairs first. Understand the meaning of terms and their significance in the context of the civilization.

VI. Answer In One Or Two Sentences

Question 1. What are the uses of metal?
Answer:
1. Gold and Silver were used to make ornaments.
2. They used copper and bronze to make weapons and vessels.
3. Bronze was used to make statues. For example, the Statue of a dancing girl.
In simple words: People used gold and silver for jewelry. They made weapons and containers from copper and bronze. Bronze was also used to create sculptures, like the famous dancing girl statue.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing uses of metals in ancient times, remember that precious metals were for decoration, while stronger metals like copper and bronze were for tools, weapons, and practical objects.

Question 2. What did the people of Indus Civilisation eat?
Answer:
1. Baked foods: Rice, wheat, vegetables, greens, roots, mutton, fish, etc.
2. Raw Foods: Fruits, some vegetables, and nuts.
In simple words: The Indus people ate a mix of cooked foods like rice, wheat, vegetables, and meat such as mutton and fish. They also ate raw foods like fruits and nuts. Their diet was quite varied.

🎯 Exam Tip: To recall the diet of ancient people, think about what could be grown (grains, vegetables, fruits) or hunted/fished in their environment.

Question 3. Do we have the practice of worshipping animate and trees?
Answer: Yes, people belonging to some religions worship animals and trees.
In simple words: Even today, in some religions, people still respect and worship animals and trees as sacred. This practice has very old roots in many cultures.

🎯 Exam Tip: This question connects ancient practices to modern ones. Emphasize the continuity of nature worship in some religious traditions.

Question 4. River valleys are cradles of civilization. Why?
Answer:
1. In the river valleys, the soil is fertile.
2. Freshwater is available for drinking, watering livestock, and irrigation.
3. Easy movement of people and goods is possible.
So, people settled in the river valleys. Many civilizations flourished on river valleys. Florence river valleys are called cradles of civilization.
In simple words: River valleys were ideal for early civilizations because they offered rich soil for farming, fresh water for everyone, and easy travel by river. These things made it possible for many groups of people to settle and build great societies there.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why river valleys were "cradles of civilization," focus on the essential resources they provided: fertile soil (for agriculture), water (for survival and irrigation), and transportation (for trade and movement).

Question 5. How did toys move in the Indus Civilisation?
Answer: They used wheels.
In simple words: Toys in the Indus Civilisation moved by using wheels. This shows that the people knew how to make and use wheels, even for fun objects.

🎯 Exam Tip: The presence of wheeled toys suggests an understanding of basic mechanics and the importance of wheels in Harappan society, even beyond transport.

Question 6. Dog was the first animal to be tamed. Why?
Answer:
1. Dogs prevented the entry of dangerous animals by their sniffing skill.
2. Dogs helped the people in their hunting activities.
In simple words: Dogs were the first animals tamed by humans because their excellent sense of smell helped warn people about wild animals and also assisted in hunting. Their protective and helpful nature made them valuable companions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the practical benefits dogs offered early humans: protection and assistance with food acquisition. This made them prime candidates for domestication.

Question 7. If you were an Archaeologist, what will you do?
Answer: If I were an archaeologist, I would go to Adichanallur, which is located in our district, and do excavation there.
In simple words: As an archaeologist, I would choose a local historical site, like Adichanallur, to start digging and discover old artifacts. This helps us learn about our own local history.

🎯 Exam Tip: For hypothetical questions, provide a specific, plausible action that aligns with the role. Mentioning a local site adds a personal and informed touch.

Question 8. Name any two Indus sites located on the Indian border
Answer:
1. Kalibangan
2. Lothal
In simple words: Two important Indus sites found within India are Kalibangan, in Rajasthan, and Lothal, a port city in Gujarat. These sites show the vast spread of the Indus Civilisation across different regions of India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep a mental map of major Indus Valley sites and their locations, especially distinguishing between those in present-day India and Pakistan.

Question 9. In Indus civilization, which features you like the most? Why?
Answer:
1. I like the drainage system very much.
2. Most of the drains were covered with slabs or bricks. Even after nearly 5000 years, many of the modern cities don't have covered drains.
3. It is said that each house had its own soak pit, which collected all the sediments and allowed only the water to flow into the street drain. I like this system very much.
In simple words: I am most impressed by the excellent drainage system of the Indus Civilisation. Their drains were covered, and each house had a soak pit to filter waste, which was very advanced, even compared to some places today.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to state a preference, pick a well-known feature (like drainage) and provide specific, detailed reasons for your choice. Comparing it to modern times can strengthen your answer.

Question 10. What did the Indus people use to weigh things?
Answer: Electronic weighing machine.
In simple words: The Indus people used advanced weighing methods, which were accurate and standardized, though not "electronic" as we know it today. They had precise weights to measure things.

🎯 Exam Tip: While the term "electronic weighing machine" is modern, the concept of standardized weights and measures was indeed highly developed in the Indus Civilisation, crucial for trade.

VII. Answer The Following

Question 1. What method is used to explore buried buildings nowadays?
Answer:
1. To see under the ground, archaeologists may use a magnetic scanner.
2. The presence and absence of archaeological remains can be detected by Radar and Remote Sensing Method.
In simple words: Today, archaeologists use modern tools like magnetic scanners and radar to look for hidden buildings underground without digging. They also use remote sensing from above to find ancient sites.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight modern technological advancements in archaeology, such as geophysical surveys (magnetic scanners, radar) and remote sensing, which allow for non-invasive exploration.

Question 2. Why Indus Civilisation Is called Bronze Age civilization?
Answer:
1. Bronze is an alloy.
2. This period is characterized by the articles made of bronze.
3. So Indus Valley Civilization is also known as bronze age civilization.
In simple words: The Indus Civilisation is called a Bronze Age civilization because many tools, weapons, and statues from that time were made of bronze. Bronze is a strong metal alloy that was widely used then.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that the "Bronze Age" label signifies the widespread use of bronze for technology and objects during that period, as it was a dominant material.

Question 3. Indus civilization is called urban civilization. Give reasons.
Answer: The reasons are.
1. Well conceived town planning.
2. Astonishing masonry and architecture.
3. Wealth.
4. Standardized weights and measures.
5. Solid agricultural and artisanal base.
In simple words: The Indus Civilisation is called urban because its cities had excellent planning, impressive buildings, and a thriving economy with standardized weights and measures. This shows a complex, city-based way of life.

🎯 Exam Tip: To prove a civilization was "urban," focus on evidence of city planning, advanced construction, organized economic activities, and specialized crafts, rather than just rural farming.

Question 4. Can you point out the special feature of their drainage system?
Answer:
1. They had well-covered drains. The drains were covered with slabs or bricks.
2. Each drain had a gentle slope, so that water could flow.
3. Manholes were provided at regular intervals to clear the drains.
4. House drains passed below many lanes before finally emptying into the drains.
5. Every house had its own soak pit, which collected all the sediments and allowed only the water to flow into the street drain.
In simple words: The Indus Civilisation had a remarkable drainage system with covered drains that sloped gently, allowing water to flow. They even had manholes for cleaning and individual soak pits in houses to filter waste before it reached the main drains. This shows a very organized and hygienic approach to city living.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detail is key for this question. Mentioning covered drains, gentle slopes, manholes, house connections, and soak pits collectively demonstrates the sophistication of the system.

Question 5. What do you know about the Great Bath?
Answer:
1. The Great Bath is one of the earliest public tanks.
2. It is a waterproof structure.
3. The bath was lined with bricks.
4. It was made watertight using layers of natural bitumen.
5. There were rooms on three sides.
6. The water was drained after use.
7. There were steps on both sides of the pool.
In simple words: The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro was an early public water tank. It was built with bricks and made waterproof with natural tar, showing advanced construction skills. It had steps for access, rooms around it, and a system to drain water after use. This structure likely served a ritual or community purpose.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the Great Bath, remember its key features: public nature, waterproof construction (bricks and bitumen), architectural details (steps, surrounding rooms), and functionality (draining water).

Question 6. How do we know that Indus people traded with other civilizations?
Answer:
1. King Naram – the sin of the Akkadian empire has written about buying jewellery from the land of Melukha which is a region of the Indus valley.
2. The same types of seals found in Mesopotamia have been also found in the Indus area.
3. A naval dockyard has been discovered in Lothal in Gujarat. All these things show that the Indus people traded with other countries.
In simple words: We know the Indus people traded because ancient texts from Mesopotamia mention buying goods from a land called Melukha, which was likely the Indus Valley. Also, similar seals have been found in both regions, and a dockyard at Lothal suggests sea trade. These pieces of evidence strongly indicate a vast trade network.

🎯 Exam Tip: Evidence of trade includes foreign records mentioning the region, finding artifacts (like seals) from one culture in another, and the presence of port facilities.

VIII. HOTS

Question 1. Observe the following features of Indus civilization and compare that with the present day.
(a) Lamp post:
1. In the Indus cities, street lights were an important feature. The lamp posts were made of stones.
2. Now we have iron lamp posts and cement lamp posts.
(b) Burnt bricks:
1. The houses were built using burnt brick. The bricks were of uniform size.
2. The bricks were burnt because burnt bricks are strong, hard, durable, resistant to fire, and will not dissolve in water.
3. The present-day buildings are also constructed with burnt bricks.
(c) Underground drainage system:
1. The Indus cities had an underground drainage system. They were covered with slabs or bricks. Holes were provided at regular intervals to clean the drains.
2. Even in some of the modern cities, there is no underground drainage system. This system is being introduced gradually now. In Tamil Nadu, there is an underground drainage system almost in all the corporations.
(d) Weights and measurements:
1. Standardized weights and measures were used by the Indus valley people. They used sticks with marks to measure length.
2. Now we have various types of weighing machines and scales.
(e) Dockyard:
1. Lothal was a port in Gujarat. There was a naval dockyard in Lothal. It shows the maritime activities of the Indus people.
2. Now, dockyards are found almost in all ports. Apart from loading, unloading, and repairing of ships, new ships are built in these yards.
3. Example: Mazagaon dock at Mumbai.
Answer:
(a) Lamp Post: Indus cities had stone lamp posts for street lighting, a sign of their advanced urban planning. Today, we use iron and cement lamp posts, but the idea of street lighting remains essential for safety and convenience.
(b) Burnt Bricks: Houses in the Indus Valley were built with strong, uniform burnt bricks, which were durable and fire-resistant. This shows their excellent building skills, a practice that continues in modern construction because of the strength these bricks provide.
(c) Underground Drainage System: The Indus cities had an advanced underground drainage system with covered drains and cleaning holes. This system was very sophisticated, and even today, many modern cities are still trying to implement such efficient underground drainage for hygiene and sanitation.
(d) Weights and Measurements: The Indus people used standardized weights and measuring sticks, showing their precision in trade and daily life. Modern society also relies on various types of weighing machines and scales to ensure accuracy in all transactions.
(e) Dockyard: Lothal had an ancient naval dockyard, proving the Indus people were involved in sea trade. Today, large modern dockyards in many ports, like Mazagaon Dock in Mumbai, continue to play a crucial role in international trade, shipping, and shipbuilding, much like in the ancient world.
In simple words: Many features of the Indus Civilisation, like street lamps made of stone, houses built with strong burnt bricks, underground drainage, and standardized weights, show how advanced they were. These ideas are still important today, though we use modern materials and technology, such as iron lamp posts, new types of scales, and sophisticated port facilities.

🎯 Exam Tip: For comparison questions, pick a few key features from the ancient civilization and draw clear parallels or contrasts with their modern equivalents. Emphasize the underlying principles that remain relevant.

Question 2. Agriculture was one of their occupations, How can you prove this? (with the findings)
Answer:
1. Agriculture might have been their main occupation since they settled near the Indus river bank.
2. We find the terracotta plough which might have been used for agriculture.
3. They used granaries to store food grain.
4. A granary with walls made of mud, bricks, which are still in good condition, has been discovered in Rakhigarhi, a village in Haryana belonging to the Mature Harappan phase.
In simple words: We can prove agriculture was important for the Indus people because they lived by the fertile Indus River. Also, archaeologists found clay plough models and many large granaries built to store crops, like the one found at Rakhigarhi. These findings clearly show farming was a major activity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide specific archaeological evidence (terracotta ploughs, granaries) and geographical context (river banks) to support the claim that agriculture was a primary occupation.

Question 3. Many potteries and their pieces have been discovered from Indus sites. What do you know from that?
Answer:
1. It shows that they know the art of making pottery.
2. The broken pieces of pottery have animal figures on them.
3. It shows that they reared various animals. It also shows their skill in painting.
In simple words: The many pottery pieces found tell us that the Indus people were skilled potters. The animal pictures on these pots also show they kept different animals and were good at painting. Pottery was both a craft and a way to show their life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pottery is a rich source of information about ancient cultures. From pottery, you can infer artistic skills, technological advancements, and insights into daily life, including animals and diet.

Question 4. A naval dockyard has been discovered In Lothal, What does it convey?
Answer:
1. The Dockyard at Lothal is considered as the first naval dockyard of the world.
2. It has favourable features in terms of height, width, and length compared to the modern dockyards of Mumbai and Visakhapatnam.
3. Boats of 60-75 tonnes capacity and 20-25 metres in length could enter Lothal DOCK.
4. It was designed in such a manner as to ensure berthing 20-30 boats, a fairly large size.
5. Large foreign and Indian ships could enter the harbour without any difficulty.
In simple words: The discovery of the Lothal dockyard tells us that it was possibly the world's first naval dockyard, showing amazing engineering for its time. It was well-designed to hold many large boats, indicating that the Indus people were skilled sailors and had extensive trade routes with other countries.

🎯 Exam Tip: The Lothal dockyard is a prime example of Harappan engineering and their engagement in maritime trade. Emphasize its size, capacity, design, and implication for trade networks.

Question 5. What are the possible reasons for the disappearance of the Harappans?
Answer: The Harappans might have disappeared due to the following reasons.
1. Repeated floods.
2. Ecological changes.
3. Invasions.
4. Natural calamity.
5. Climatic changes.
6. Deforestation.
7. An epidemic.
In simple words: Historians believe the Harappan Civilisation might have ended because of several problems like frequent floods, changes in the environment, invasions by other groups, natural disasters, changes in weather patterns, cutting down too many trees, or widespread diseases. No single reason fully explains their decline.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation, present a range of possible factors (environmental, social, climatic) rather than a single cause, as it's a complex historical mystery.

IX. Activity (For Students)

• Prepare a scrapbook. (Containing more information about objects collected from Mohenjo – Daro, and Harappa.)
• You are a young archaeologist working at a site that was once an Indus city. What will you collect?
• Make flashcards. (Take square cards and stick a picture in one card and the information for the same picture in another card. Circulate among the groups and tell them to match the picture with information.)
• Draw your imaginary town planning in a chart.
• Make a model of anyone structure of Indus Civilisation using clay, broken pieces of bangles, matchsticks, woollen thread, and ice cream sticks.
• Can you imagine how toys have changed through the ages? wood → metal → plastic → fur → electric →

IX. Activity (For Students)

• Prepare a scrapbook. (Containing more information about objects collected from Mohenjo – Daro, and Harappa.)
• You are a young archaeologist working at a site that was once an Indus city. What will you collect?
• Make flashcards. (Take square cards and stick a picture in one card and the information for the same picture in another card. Circulate among the groups and tell them to match the picture with information.)
• Draw your imaginary town planning in a chart.
• Make a model of anyone structure of Indus Civilisation using clay, broken pieces of bangles, matchsticks, woollen thread, and ice cream sticks.
• Can you imagine how toys have changed through the ages? wood → metal → plastic → fur → electric → electronic → ???

Question 7. Crossword puzzle
Top to Bottom:
1. Director-General of ASI
2. Is older than Mohenjo - Daro
3. This is age civilization
4. Each house had a
Left to Right:
5. Place used to store grains
6. A dockyard has been found
7. is unknown to Indus people
8. It is used to make watertight.
Right to Left:
9. From this we can get a lot of information
10. This is responsible for research
Answer:
1. Director-General of ASI
2. Is older than Mohenjo - Daro
3. This is age civilization
4. Each house had a
5. Place used to store grains
6. A dockyard has been found
7. is unknown to Indus people
8. It is used to make watertight.
9. From this we can get a lot of information
10. This is responsible for research
In simple words: This question asks you to understand clues for a crossword puzzle. Each clue describes a word related to the Indus Valley Civilization.

🎯 Exam Tip: Crossword puzzles test your general knowledge and vocabulary. If you know the topic well, you can often guess the words.

Question 1. Which crop did Indus people use to make clothes?
Answer: Cotton. Cotton was a very important crop for the Indus people, allowing them to create textiles and clothing.
In simple words: Indus people used cotton to make their clothes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Key products like cotton are crucial facts to remember when studying ancient civilizations.

Question 2. Which was the first Indus city discovered?
Answer: Harappa. Harappa was one of the first sites of the Indus Valley Civilization to be discovered and excavated, giving the civilization one of its names.
In simple words: Harappa was the first city of the Indus Valley Civilization to be found.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the first discovered city helps to understand the early stages of archaeological work on the civilization.

Question 3. Where was the Indus civilization?
Answer: The Indus valley. The Indus Civilization was located around the basin of the Indus River and its tributaries, hence its name.
In simple words: The Indus civilization was found in the area around the Indus River.

🎯 Exam Tip: The location of a civilization, especially near a river, is often key to its development and survival.

Question 4. Which animal was used to pull carts?
Answer: Bullocks. Animals like bullocks were very important for the Indus people for farming and moving goods, helping them with daily tasks.
In simple words: Bullocks were used by the Indus people to pull carts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the role of animals in ancient societies highlights their reliance on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Question 5. Which metal was unknown to the Indus people?
Answer: Iron. The Indus people used metals like copper, bronze, gold, and silver, but they did not know about iron. This is why their civilization is often called a Bronze Age civilization.
In simple words: The Indus people did not know about iron.

🎯 Exam Tip: Iron was a later discovery; its absence indicates the technological stage of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 6. What was used to make pots?
Answer: Clay. Clay was readily available and easy to mold, making it the primary material for pottery. This skill was a cornerstone of their daily life and art.
In simple words: Clay was used to make pots.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pottery is a key archaeological indicator of a civilization's technology, art, and daily life.

Question 7. Which is considered the largest civilization among four ancient civilizations of the world?
Answer: The Indus valley civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the three early civilizations of the Near East and South Asia, and among the most widespread, making it one of the largest ancient civilizations.
In simple words: The Indus Valley Civilization is thought to be the largest among the four ancient civilizations in the world.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlighting its size helps emphasize the vastness and influence of the Indus Valley Civilization.

XI. Life skill

• Making an animal or a pot out of clay.
• Making terracotta toy with movable limbs.
• Pot painting (with geometric pattern).
• Make informational charts and posters.

X. Answer Grid

Question 1. What did Charles Masson see?
Answer: Some mysterious brick mounds. Charles Masson was an explorer who saw these ancient mounds and noted them in his records, sparking later interest in the site.
In simple words: Charles Masson saw some strange brick mounds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognizing the role of early explorers like Charles Masson is important for understanding the discovery of ancient sites.

Question 2. List three things people used which we use today?
Answer:
1. Toys
2. Carts
3. Jewels
Many things like toys, carts for transport, and various forms of jewelry used in the Indus Valley Civilization are still common in modern society.
In simple words: People still use toys, carts, and jewels today, just like the Indus people did.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connecting ancient practices with modern life helps to understand the continuity of human needs and innovations.

Question 3. What else has been found?
Answer: Burnt bricks. Burnt bricks were widely used for construction in Indus cities, indicating advanced building techniques and durability.
In simple words: Burnt bricks were also found at the sites.

🎯 Exam Tip: The discovery of burnt bricks indicates sophisticated urban planning and construction methods.

Question 4. Can you say three things unknown to Indus people?
Answer:
1. Gun.
2. Paper.
3. Ink.
The Indus people lived in a period before the invention of guns, paper, and ink, which are much more recent developments in human history.
In simple words: Guns, paper, and ink were not known to the Indus people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing what a civilization did *not* have can be as informative as knowing what it *did* have, showing its technological limits.

Question 5. Which metal was unknown to the Indus people?
Answer: Iron. The Indus people primarily used copper and bronze, indicating that their civilization belonged to the Bronze Age.
In simple words: Iron metal was not known to the Indus people.

🎯 Exam Tip: The absence of iron is a defining characteristic of the Bronze Age, distinguishing it from later periods.

Question 6. Which is the oldest civilization in the world?
Answer: Mesopotamian Civilization. Mesopotamia is widely recognized as one of the earliest civilizations, developing along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
In simple words: The Mesopotamian Civilization is known as the oldest in the world.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the timeline of ancient civilizations helps to put historical developments into perspective.

Question 7. Why the dog was the first animal to be tamed?
Answer: It helped them in hunting. Dogs were valuable companions for early humans, assisting in hunting game and providing protection, making them the first animals to be domesticated.
In simple words: Dogs were tamed first because they helped people hunt.

🎯 Exam Tip: The domestication of animals like dogs marked a significant step in human history, impacting hunting and daily life.

Question 8. Who were the first people to grow cotton?
Answer: Sumerians. The Sumerians, an ancient civilization in Mesopotamia, are credited with being among the first to cultivate cotton for textiles.
In simple words: The Sumerians were the first people to grow cotton.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the origins of agricultural practices like cotton cultivation highlights important historical advancements.

Question 9. Which institution is responsible for archaeological research?
Answer: The Archaeological Survey of India. This institution is responsible for archaeological research, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the exploration of ancient sites in India.
In simple words: The Archaeological Survey of India does research about old places and keeps them safe.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the role of national organizations in protecting and studying historical sites.

Question 10. Was there any river valley civilization found in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: No. While Tamil Nadu has its own rich history and ancient sites, a major river valley civilization comparable to the Indus Valley Civilization has not been found there.
In simple words: No, there was no major river valley civilization found in Tamil Nadu.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between different types of ancient settlements and major river valley civilizations based on their characteristics.

Question 11. Name any two Harappan sites which were found on the Indian border?
Answer:
1. Lothal
2. Kalibangan
These sites are important archaeological locations of the Indus Valley Civilization that are situated within or very close to India's present-day borders.
In simple words: Lothal and Kalibangan are two Harappan sites located near the Indian border.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the names and locations of key Harappan sites to answer questions about their geographical distribution.

Question 12. Can we say the Indus cities as cities of children?
Answer: Yes. The discovery of numerous toys, miniatures, and evidence of play suggests that children were an important part of Indus society and culture, indicating a child-friendly environment.
In simple words: Yes, because many toys and child-related items have been found in Indus cities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Archaeological finds related to daily life, such as toys, offer insights into the social aspects of ancient civilizations.

Samacheer Kalvi 6th Social Science Indus Civilisation Additional Important Questions and Answers

I. Choose the correct answer

Question 1. The headquarters of the Archaeological Survey of India is located in
(a) Chennai
(b) Mumbai
(c) Kolkata
(d) Delhi
Answer: (d) Delhi
In simple words: The main office of the Archaeological Survey of India is in Delhi. This is where the organization responsible for protecting ancient sites is based.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the headquarters of important national institutions is a common general knowledge question.

Question 2. The dancing girl statue was made out of
(a) gold
(b) silver
(c) bronze
(d) iron
Answer: (c) bronze
In simple words: The famous statue of the dancing girl was made from bronze metal. This shows the advanced metalwork skills of the Indus people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Significant artifacts like the dancing girl statue are often associated with the materials they are made from, which indicates technological advancement.

Question 3. The word 'civilization' comes from the ancient Latin word 'civis' which means
(a) City
(c) People
(d) Govern
Answer: (c) People
In simple words: The word 'civilization' comes from the old Latin word 'civis', which means 'people' or 'citizen', showing how societies are built around groups of people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the roots of words like 'civilization' can help you understand their deeper meaning and historical context.

Question 4. The first metal discovered and used by humans was
(a) Iron
(b) Copper
(c) Bronze
(d) Silver
Answer: (b) Copper
In simple words: Copper was the first metal that humans found and started to use. This was a big step for early tools and technology.

🎯 Exam Tip: The discovery of copper marked the beginning of the Chalcolithic Age, a crucial period before the widespread use of bronze.

II. Match the statement with the reason. Tick the appropriate answer

Question 1. Which of the following statements is true.
(a) Copper was the first metal used by humans.
(b) Horse was used by the Indus people to pull carts.
(c) Mohenjo - Daro was older than Harappa.
(d) Harappan civilization is a rural civilization.
Answer: (a) Copper was the first metal used by humans.
In simple words: Among the choices, it is true that copper was the first metal that humans started using. The other statements are not correct about the Indus civilization.

🎯 Exam Tip: For true/false questions, carefully evaluate each statement against historical facts to identify the correct one.

Question 2. Consider the following statements. Which of the above statements are correct?
1. The streets of the Indus area have a grid pattern.
2. There is no evidence of the presence of palaces.
3. There are evidence of the presence of places of worship.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All the three
Answer: (a) 1 and 2
In simple words: The Indus cities had streets in a grid pattern, and no palaces have been found. While there might have been religious practices, clear evidence of specific places of worship is missing.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating statements, remember that the absence of evidence (like palaces or temples) is a significant historical point for the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 3. Circle the odd one:
1. Harappa
2. Mohenjodaro
3. Lahore
4. Lothal
5. Kalibangan
Answer: 3. Lahore
In simple words: Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, and Kalibangan are all names of cities from the Indus Valley Civilization. Lahore is a modern city and not an ancient Indus site.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the common theme among the items and pinpoint the one that doesn't fit the category.

III. Fill in the blanks

Question 1. In 1924, the Director-General of ASI was ___________.
Answer: Sir John Marshall. Sir John Marshall was a key figure in the archaeological excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization, announcing the discovery of a new civilization in 1924.
In simple words: Sir John Marshall was the Director-General of ASI in 1924.

🎯 Exam Tip: Key historical figures and their contributions are important facts to remember for exams.

Question 2. The Archaeological Survey of India was started in ___________.
Answer: 1861. The Archaeological Survey of India was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, playing a crucial role in preserving India's heritage.
In simple words: The Archaeological Survey of India began in 1861.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the establishment dates of major institutions helps to understand their historical context.

Question 3. The earliest form of writing was developed by the ___________.
Answer: Sumerians. The Sumerians developed cuneiform, one of the earliest known systems of writing, which was essential for record-keeping and communication.
In simple words: The Sumerians created the first kind of writing.

🎯 Exam Tip: The development of writing is a major milestone in human history, marking the transition to recorded history.

Question 4. The great pyramid of Giza was built by king ___________.
Answer: Khufu. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for Pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt.
In simple words: King Khufu built the great pyramid of Giza.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connecting famous structures with their builders helps to recall important figures from ancient history.

Question 5. Granaries were used to store ___________.
Answer: Foodgrains. Granaries were large buildings specifically designed for storing grains, which was vital for feeding the urban populations of the Indus Valley Civilization.
In simple words: Granaries were used to keep foodgrains safe.

🎯 Exam Tip: The presence of granaries indicates an organized agricultural system and efficient food management in ancient societies.

IV. Answer the following questions

Question 1. Why did people settle near rivers?
Answer: People settled near rivers because:
1. The soil is fertile.
2. Freshwater is available for drinking, watering livestock, and irrigation.
3. Easy movement of people and goods is possible.
Rivers provided essential resources like fertile land for agriculture and water for various uses, as well as routes for trade and transport, making them ideal places for early settlements.
In simple words: People settled by rivers because the land was good for farming, there was fresh water, and it was easy to travel and move things by boat.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining reasons for settlement patterns, focus on basic human needs and environmental advantages provided by rivers.

Question 2. Why do we say that the Indus people were the first to make cotton clothes?
Answer: We say this because:
1. Cotton fabrics were in common use.
2. Clay spindles unearthed suggest that yam was spun.
Archaeological evidence such as cotton fabric fragments and tools for spinning indicates that the Indus people had an advanced knowledge of cotton cultivation and textile production, making them pioneers in cotton clothing.
In simple words: We believe Indus people made cotton clothes first because we found old cotton cloth and spinning tools there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always support historical claims with archaeological evidence or primary source information.

Question 3. Write about the occupations of the Indus people.
Answer: The occupations of the Indus people included:
1. Agriculture, handicrafts, pottery making, jewellery making, weaving, carpentry, and trading were practiced.
2. There were merchants, traders, and artisans.
3. They reared cattle and other animals.
The Indus civilization had a diverse economy supported by farming, skilled crafts, trade, and animal husbandry, indicating a complex and well-organized society.
In simple words: Indus people farmed, made crafts like pottery and jewelry, wove cloth, worked with wood, traded goods, and raised animals.

🎯 Exam Tip: List a variety of occupations to show the multi-faceted nature of the civilization's economy.

Question 4. Who built the Pyramid of Giza?
Answer:
1. The Pyramid of Giza was built by King Khufu in 2500 BCE.
2. It was built with limestone (15 tons each).
The Great Pyramid, a marvel of ancient engineering, served as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, constructed using massive limestone blocks.
In simple words: King Khufu built the Giza Pyramid around 2500 BCE using very heavy limestone blocks.

🎯 Exam Tip: For significant historical structures, remember both the builder and key construction details like materials and time period.

V. Mind Map