Chapter 3 HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION.Pdf

Chapter 3 HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION II. Answer these questions. 1. The Indus Valley Civilization was also called the Harappan Civilization. Explain. The Indus Valley Civilization was also called the Harappan Civilization because Harappa was the first city to be discovered in the region. 2. What was the extent of the Harappan Civilization? The Harappan Civilization extended from Jammu in the north to Narmada River in central India and from the Makran coast of Balochistan in the west Meerut (Alamgirpur) in the north-east. 3. List two unique features of Harappan cities. Two unique features of the Harappan cities are town planning and drainage system. 4. Write a short note on the Great Bath. The Great Bath was located at Mohenjodaro. It was used for some important religious rituals. Some interesting features of the Great Bath are as follows: i) There were six entrances. There was flight of steps on either end of the pool leading to the bottom of the tank. ii) The water of the tank could be emptied by a drain. iii) The tank was made water tight with finely fitted bricks laid on the edge with gypsum plaster. 5. Describe the economy of the Harappan Civilization. Agriculture was the main occupation of Harappan people. Major crops that were grown included wheat, barley, dates, field peas, sesame and mustard. They were expert in polishing beads, making seals and sculptures etc. They had trade relations not only with the neighbouring parts of modern India, but also with many other countries such as Afghanistan and Persia. 6. What did the Harappan people do in their leisure time? The Harappan people in their leisure time played with dice, they were also fond of music and dancing. Hunting, and fishing were their outdoor activities. Children played with terracotta toys which included dolls, wheeled carts, rattles, whistles and sliding monkeys. 7. What information can we draw from the Harappan seals? The Harappan seals provide us with various information such as – i) Their culture and civilization ii) Their religious beliefs iii) Their commercial activities and iv) Their artistic skills, dress and ornaments. 8. What does the discovery of a dockyard at Lothal prove? The discovery of a dockyard at Lothal proves that the Harappans had trade relation with other countries (civilizations). 9. What kind of art and crafts were the Harappan people proficient in? The Harappan people were proficient in polishing beads, making seals and sculptures. They were excellent potters, painters and weavers. 10. What do we learn from the Pashupati seal? From the Pashupati seal we learn that the Harappans worshipped Lord Shiva as Pashupati or the Lord of beasts (animals). 11. Explain the religious practices that were common in Harappan cities. The Harappans worshipped Mother Goddess, Lord Shiva and Shiva Linga. They worshipped pipal tree. They wore amulets around their arms to drive away evil spirits. Like the Egyptians the Harappans also believed in life after death. 12. What were the main causes of decline of the Harappan Civilization? The most probable reasons or causes of decline of the Harappan civilization were as follows – i) Invasion of the Aryans. ii) Natural disasters like flood, earthquakes, epidemics. iii) The expansion of the neighbouring desert. 13. Write a short note on the drainage system of the Harappan towns. The Harappans had an elaborate and scientific drainage system. i) Water flowed from the house to the streets, which had drains. ii) The drains were covered with bricks and stone slabs. iii) The street drains were equipped with manholes for regular inspection. 14. What made the soil of the Harappan Civilization suitable for agriculture? River Indus and its tributaries brought fresh alluvial soil that made the soil of the Harappan Civilization suitable for agriculture. 15. List at least eight Harappan sites and mention where they are located in contemporary times. Harappan Sites Contemporary (Present) Times Harappa In Punjab province of Pakistan Mohenjodaro In Sindh Chanhudaro In Sindg Kalibangan In Rajesthan Banawali In Haryana Lothal In Gujarat Sutkagendor In Balochistan Sunauli In Uttar Pradesh 16. What was the special feature of town planning in the Harappan Civilization? The Harappan cities were divided into two parts – i) Citadel: This was located on an elevated place in the Western part of Harappan cities. All important buildings such as town hall and granary were found in this part of the city. ii) Lower Town: This section was located below the citadel and contained brick houses where common people lived .

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