Chapter 06 The Beginnings of India Civilisation Solution

Chapter 06 The Beginnings of India Civilisation Text Book Solution

The Big Questions (Page 85)

Q1; What is a civilisation?
Ans: A civilisation is an advanced stage of human societies with characteristics such as a form of government and administration, urbanism, a variety of crafts, trade, some form of writing, cultural ideas, and a productive agriculture.

Q2: What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent?
Ans: The earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent was the Harappan, Indus, or Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation.

Q3: What were its major achievements?
Ans: The major achievements of the Harappan Civilisation included planned cities with efficient water management, diverse crafts, a brisk trade, and productive agriculture.

Back Exercises (Page 104)

Q1: Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.
Ans: The civilisation has several names such as Harappan, Indus, or Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation because it was discovered in the region along the Indus River and its tributaries, and the city of Harappa.

Q2: Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
Ans: This question needs to be attempted by students themselves. Here, we have provided a sample answer: The Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation, one of the earliest known to humankind, showcased remarkable achievements. The Harappans established well-planned cities with advanced drainage systems, indicating their emphasis on sanitation and public health. They were skilled in metallurgy, producing bronze tools and various ornaments. The civilisation had a robust trade network extending to Mesopotamia, facilitated by their standardized weights and measures. Additionally, the Harappans excelled in bead-making and pottery, leaving behind intricate artifacts that highlight their artistic prowess. Their script, though undeciphered, suggests a complex administrative system.

Q3: Imagine you have to travel from the city of Harappa to Kalibangan. What are your different options? Can you make a rough estimation of the amount of time each option might take?
Ans: This question needs to be attempted by students themselves. Here, we have provided a sample answer: Traveling from Harappa to Kalibangan in ancient times would primarily involve river and land routes. Utilizing the Indus River for the initial part of the journey would be the most efficient, followed by overland travel using bullock carts or on foot. The total distance of approximately 600 kilometers might take several weeks, depending on the conditions and speed of travel.

Q4: 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?
Ans: This question needs to be attempted by students themselves. Here, we have provided a sample answer: A Harappan individual transported to a modern Indian kitchen would be surprised by the presence of electrical appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, the variety of processed and packaged foods, the availability of running water through taps, the use of gas or electric stoves instead of traditional firewood, and the presence of modern utensils and cookware made of stainless steel and non-stick materials.

Q5: Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments / gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century.
Ans: Ornaments such as bangles and beads, gestures like the ‘namaste’ pose, and objects like mirrors and toys are still familiar in the 21st century.

Q6: What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect? 
Ans: 

• Advanced Planning and Engineering Skills: The construction of large and interconnected reservoirs demonstrates the Harappans’ ability to plan and execute complex engineering projects.
  
• Prioritization of Water Conservation: Building multiple reservoirs indicates a deep understanding of the importance of conserving water in an arid region.
  
• High Social Organization and Civic Responsibility: The coordinated effort to build and maintain these reservoirs reflects a well-organized society that values public welfare and communal resources.
  
• Collective Effort for Stable Water Supply: The existence of such infrastructure shows a collective commitment to ensuring a stable water supply for the entire community.
  
• Emphasis on Sustainability: The efficient water harvesting and distribution system highlights their foresight in creating sustainable living conditions for future generations.
  

Q7: 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.
Ans: 

• Sophisticated Urban Planning: The extensive network of 700 wells indicates advanced urban planning and an emphasis on decentralized water supply.
  
• Importance of Reliable Water Supply: Ensuring access to water for all residents highlights the Harappans’ understanding of the necessity of a consistent water source for urban life.
  
• Well-Organized 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.
  

Q8: 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.
Ans: 

1. Meticulous Urban Planning: The well-planned layout of Harappan cities, with wide streets and a standardized drainage system, indicates a high level of civic sense and concern for urban living conditions.
   
2. Uniform Quality of Construction: The consistent quality in building houses, regardless of size, shows a societal commitment to equity and public welfare.
   
3. Emphasis on Cleanliness: The extensive and efficient drainage systems reflect a strong emphasis on public health and hygiene.
   
4. 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, 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, emphasizing the need for community-oriented approaches and sustainable practices.