The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation NCERT Class 6th SST Chapter 6 Question Answer
The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Questions and Answers
The Big Questions (Page 85)
Question 1.
What is a civilisation?
Answer:
A Civilisation is a complex society with the following key features:
- Urbanisation: Cities as centers of population and activity.
- Social Hierarchy: Organised social structures with different roles and statuses.
- Advanced Technology: Tools and knowledge beyond basic survival needs.
- Writing Systems: Developed methods for recording information.
- Complex Economy: Systems for trade, production, and distribution of goods.
- Government and Laws: Organised systems for leadership and maintaining order.
- A Productive Agriculture: To feed people in the civilisation.
Question 2.
What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent?
Answer:
The earliest known Civilisation of the Indian subcontinent is the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation.
Question 3.
What were its major achievements?
Answer:
The Harappan Civilisation achieved great things for its time, here are some of their major achievements:
- Urban Planning: Well-planned cities with grid layouts, drainage systems, and sanitation facilities.
- Advanced Architecture: Use of fired bricks, multi-storied buildings, and impressive granaries.
- Craft and Technology: Skilled in metalworking, pottery and seal carving. Developed a system of weights and measures.
- Trade: Extensive trade network with Mesopotamia and other regions. Evidence of trade goods like beads and tools.
- Writing System: Developed a writing system, though its full decipherment remains a work in progress.
Let’s Explore
Question 1.
For each characteristic in the list above, can you make a list of professions or occupations that might exist in such a society? (Page 87)
Answer:
The list of professions or occupations that might exist in such a society is as follows:
- Fisherman
- Animal Herder
- Potter
- Stone Carver
- Jeweler
Construction and Engineering
- Mason
- Carpenter
- Architect
- Brick Maker
- Canal Builder
- Road Builder
- House Builder
- Drainage Engineer
- Wall Painter
Trade and Commerce
- Merchant
- Trader
- Caravan Leader
- Market Vendor
- Moneylender
- Warehouse Keeper
- Scribe
- Accountant
- Transporter
- Shipbuilder
Administrative and Religious Roles
- City Planner
- Priest
- Astrologer
- Healer
- Chieftain
- Tax Collector
- Law Enforcer
- Record Keeper
- Council Member
These occupations reflect the diverse and complex nature of the Harappan Civilisation, which was known for its advanced urban planning, trade networks, and craft specialisation.
Question 2.
Some of the important cities of this civilisation are marked in the map (Fig. 6.3). As a class activity, can you try to match, these cities with the modern states or regions in the table given below? (Page 89)
Figure: Map of some of the main settlements of the Indus-Sarasvat civilisation. Notice the natural boundaries formed by the mountain ranges (in brown colour).
Answer:
| Harappan city | Modern state/region | Modern state/region |
| Dholavira | Punjab | Gujarat |
| Harappa | Gujarat | Punjab |
| Kalibangan | Sindh | Rajasthan |
| Mohenjo-Daro | Haryana | Sindh |
| Rakhigarhi | Rajasthan | Haryana |
Questions, Activities and Projects (Page 104)
Question 1.
Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.
Answer:
The Civilisation has several names such as Harappan, Indus, or Indus- Sarasvatl Civilisation. This is because it was discovered in the region along the Indus River and its tributaries, and the city of Harappa, so with these names, it connects to all these points.
Question 2.
Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation.
Answer:
The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the earliest known in the history of mankind, came up with some remarkable achievements such as-
- The Harappans established well-planned cities with advanced drainage systems, which clearly gives us a glimpse on their emphasis on sanitation and public health.
- The Harappans were very skilled in metallurgy, producing bronze tools and various ornaments.
- The Civilisation had a robust trade network extending to Mesopotamia, facilitated by their standardised weights and measures.
- Also, the Harappans excelled in bead-making and pottery, leaving behind intricate artifacts that highlight their artistic prowess.
- Their script, though deciphered, suggests a complex administrative system.
Question 3.
Imagine you have to travel from the city of Harappa to Kaliban- gan. What are your different options? Can you make a rough estimation of the amount of time each option might take?
Answer:
Traveling from Harappa to Kalibangan in ancient times would primarily involve land routes. Utilising the Indus River for the initial part of the journey would be the most efficient as this water route is not only convenient but also safe to start with. Further, followed by overland travel using horse, bullock carts or on foot. The total distance of approximately 200 kilometers and hence this might take few days, depending on the conditions and speed of travel.
Question 4.
Let us imagine a Harappan man or woman being transported to an average kitchen in today’s India. What are the four or five biggest surprises awaiting them?
Answer:
We can imagine how it can be a revelation for a Harappan man or women being transported to an average kitchen in today’s India. There will be many surprises for him such as
- A Harappan individual will be surprised by the presence of electrical appliances like refrigerators and microwaves.
- He/she will be amazed to see the variety* of processed and packaged milk and foods and the availability of running water through taps.
- He/She will be further astonished to witness the use of gas or electric stoves instead of traditional firewood.
- Also the presence of modern utensils and cookware made of stainless steel and non-stick materials will be another big surprise for him.
Question 5.
Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments / gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century.
Answer:
Looking at all the pictures in this chapter we can say that – ornaments such as bangles and beads, gestures like the ‘namaste’ pose, and objects like mirrors and toys are still familiar in the 21st century.
Question 6.
What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholamra reflect?
Answer:
The system of reservoirs at Dholavira clearly reflects the following:
- Advanced Planning and Engineering Skills: The Harappans were able to develop and construct large and interconnected water reservoirs which actually gives us an idea of their smart and well developed engineering and planning skills.
- Conservation of Water: The construction of these water reservoirs also demonstrates their understanding towards the importance ofwater conservation.
- Social Collaboration and Civic Sense: Their combined effort to build such huge constructions proves that they had social sense of collaboration and civility.
- Continuous and Stable Water Supply: This also proves that how in collaboration they ensured a stable and continuous water supply for the whole society.
- Sustainability of Resources: This again highlights their deep understanding for maintaining a sustainable living conditions and to secure resources for the coming future generations.
Question 7.
In Mohenjo-daro, about 700 wells built with bricks have been counted. They seem to have been regularly maintained and used for several centuries. Discuss the implications.
Answer:
The implications of regularly maintained wells in Mohenjo-daro are as following:
- Sophisticated Urban Planning: The extensive network of 700 wells indicates advanced urban planning and an emphasis on decentralised water supply.
- A Reliable Water Supply: Ensuring access to water for all resident’s highlights the Harappans’ understanding of the necessity of a consistent water source for urban life.
- Well-Organised Governance: The regular maintenance of these wells over centuries suggests a stable and efficient administrative system capable of managing public utilities.
- Social Stability and Continuity: The long-term use and upkeep of the wells imply a stable society with continuous governance structures and communal efforts.
- Commitment to Public Welfare: The widespread availability of wells demonstrates a strong commitment to public health and welfare, ensuring that all citizens had access to clean water.
Question 8.
It is often said that the Harappans had a high civic sense. Discuss the significance of this statement. Do you agree with it? Compare with citizens in a large city of India today.
Answer:
The Harappans had the high civic sense. We agree to the statement because of the following points—
- Meticulous Urban Planning: The well-planned layout of Harappan cities, with wide streets and a standardised drainage system, indicates a high level of civic sense and concern for urban living conditions.
- Uniform Quality of Construction: The consistent quality in building houses, regardless of size, shows a societal commitment to equity and public welfare.
- Emphasis on Cleanliness: The extensive and efficient drainage systems reflect a strong emphasis on public health and hygiene.
Comparison with Modern Indian Cities:
- Similar Challenges: Both ancient Harappan cities and modern Indian cities face challenges related to water supply, waste management, and public health.
- Varying Civic Responsibility: While some modern cities exhibit high civic responsibility but issues like pollution and inadequate waste disposal are prevalent due to a lack of public awareness and civic duty.
- Historical Benchmark: The Harappans set a historical benchmark for urban planning and civic responsibility that modern cities can aspire to, emphasising the need for community-oriented approaches and sustainable practices.
Class 6 Social Science Question Answer
- Chapter 1 Locating Places on the Earth
- Chapter 2 Oceans and Continents
- Chapter 3 Landforms and Life
- Chapter 4 Timeline and Sources of History
- Chapter 5 India, That is Bharat
- Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation
- Chapter 7 India’s Cultural Roots
- Chapter 8 Unity in Diversity, or ‘Many in the One’
- Chapter 9 Family and Community
- Chapter 10 Grassroots Democracy Part 1 Governance
- Chapter 11 Grassroots Democracy Part 2 Local Government in Rural Areas
- Chapter 12 Grassroots Democracy Part 3 Local Government in Urban Areas
- Chapter 13 The Value of Work
- Chapter 14 Economic Activities Around Us