The Big Questions
What is a civilisation?
Answer:- A Civilization is a complex society with the following key features:-
1. Cities:- Civilisations have large organised communities or cities where people live and work together.
2. Government:- They have systems of leadership and rules to help manage and organise the society.
3. Writing:- Civilisations often have writing systems to record important information and communicate.
4. Technology:- They use advanced tools and techniques to make life easier and more productive.
5. Culture:- Civilizations have rich traditions, art and beliefs that are shied among their people.
Q2. What was the earliest civilization of the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:- The earliest known civilization of the subcontinent is the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as Harappan civilization.
Q3. What were its major achievements?
Answer:- Its major achievements are:-
1. Urban planning:- Well planned cities with great layouts, drainage system and sanitation facilities.
2. Advanced Architecture:- Use of fired bricks, multi-storied buildings and impressive granaries.
3. Craft and Technology:- Skilled in metalworking, pottery and seal carving and developed a system of weights and measures.
4. Trade:- Extensive trade network with Mesopotamia and other regions. Evidence of trade goods like beads and tools.
5. Writing System:- Developed a writing system, though its full decipherment remains a work in progress.
Let's Explore
Q1. For each characteristics 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 for occupations that might exist in such a society is as follows:-
Farmer, hunter, batcher, Weaver, metalworker, bead maker, fisherman, animal harder, Potter, Stone Carver, jeweller etc.
Construction and Engineering:-
Mason, carpenter, architect, brickmaker, canal builder, road builder, house builder, drainage engineer, wall painter etc.
Trade and Commerce:-
Merchant, trader, caravan leader, market vendor, moneylender, warehousekeeper, Scribe, accountant, transporter, ship builder etc.
Administrative and Religious Roles:-
City planner, priest, astrologer, healer , chieftain, Tax collector, Law enforcer, record keeper, council members etc.
Q2. 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 the cities with the modern states for regions in the table given below?
Harappan City | Modern state/region |
Dholavira | Punjab |
Harappa | Gujarat |
Kalibangan | Sindh |
Mohenjo-daro | Haryana |
Rakhigarhi | Rajasthan |
Answer:
Harappan City | Modern state/region |
Dholavira | Gujarat |
Harappa | Punjab |
Kalibangan | Rajasthan |
Mohenjo-daro | Sindh |
Rakhigarhi | Haryana |
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