Chapter 6: The Beginning of Indian Civilization

Answer: Civilization refers to an advanced and developing stage of human society, where town planning, social balance, administrative systems, and cultural values have reached a high level. A balanced social life where there is no huge gap between the rich and the poor, and where mutual harmony exists, can be considered a perfect example of civilization.

Answer: The oldest civilization of the Indian subcontinent is known as the Harappan, Indus, or Indus-Sarasvati civilization.

Answer: Among its main achievements was the creation of a proper and balanced social life. Apart from this, their town planning (like the northern gateway of the Dholavira fort), and an exploitation-free and mutually 'harmonious' social perspective were their great achievements.

Outline/Answer: As a teacher, I would say that town planning and agriculture/water management are the fundamental characteristics. A settled life and adequate storage of grains provide the foundation for the development of other arts, trade, and administration.

Answer (Match the following):

• Dholavira – Punjab (Wrong) → Correct answer: Gujarat
• Harappa – Gujarat (Wrong) → Correct answer: Punjab (currently in Pakistan)
• Kalibangan – Sindh (Wrong) → Correct answer: Rajasthan
• Mohenjo-Daro – Haryana (Wrong) → Correct answer: Sindh (currently in Pakistan)
• Rakhigarhi – Rajasthan (Wrong) → Correct answer: Haryana

Outline: In this activity, students have to reason by looking at the structures found in archaeological excavations (like baked brick drains or house structures). The teacher should conduct a group discussion on how these remains interpret their scientific understanding, awareness towards hygiene, and social organization despite the lack of written records.

Outline: Ask students to measure the length of the ground using a measuring tape in groups of 5. Then, explain to them that the rock-cut reservoir found in Dholavira was 33 meters long. Students will be able to get an idea of the vastness of this ancient reservoir by comparing the measurement of their ground with 33 meters.

Detailed Answer:

• Guidance: For the construction of such a 33-meter-long reservoir, proper guidance must certainly have been provided by a skilled architect (engineer) and a central ruler.
• Remuneration: Since there was no currency like today at that time, workers must have been paid in exchange for their labor by giving them grains, clothes, or essential commodities (barter system).
• Maintenance: Since periodic cleaning of the reservoir was necessary, a local system or municipality-like structure must have been operational to oversee this maintenance.
• Understanding about the ruler: This system shows that the rulers of the city were highly farsighted regarding the basic needs of the people (water), and the administration of the city was very disciplined and organized.

Outline: This activity is imaginative. As a teacher, encourage students to think about using wheat, barley, pulses, and milk obtained from animal husbandry available in the Harappan civilization. They can imagine making simple dishes like barley porridge, wheat roti, or boiled pulses in clay pots.

Outline: Show students the seals with a unicorn, a bull, and a tiger given on pages 98-99. They can imagine that these symbols and animals might have been identity cards of merchants, stamps to indicate ownership, or some religious symbols. The script is yet to be deciphered, so students should be allowed to present their own ideas.

Answer: The clay pots, comb, carnelian beads, terracotta and stone statues, and gaming dice found on pages 100-101 show that they were excellent craftsmen, engaged in trade, were conscious about decoration and beauty, and played games for entertainment in their free time.

Outline: The painting on the vessel looks like a Panchatantra story (such as the story of the cunning fox and the crow). Since these stories are connected with folk life and because of their moral lessons, they might have been remembered for 4000 years from generation to generation through oral tradition.

Answer: Bangles covering the entire arm like the dancing girl are still worn by women in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan today. From this, it can be concluded that the influence of some cultural and sartorial traditions of the Harappan civilization was so deep that it is preserved even in today's modern times.

Detailed Answer: This civilization is known by various names like Harappan, Indus, and Indus-Sarasvati civilization.

• Harappan Civilization: Because the first city of this civilization, 'Harappa' (currently in Punjab, Pakistan), was discovered in 1920-21.
• Indus Civilization: It got this name because initially, most of the cities were found in the Indus River valley.
• Indus-Sarasvati Civilization: Later excavations revealed that this civilization extended far beyond the Indus River, and many of its remains were also found on the banks of the Sarasvati (present-day Ghaggar-Hakra) river. These names indicate the geographical expansion of the civilization and the historical sequence of its discovery.

Project Outline/Answer: The Indus-Sarasvati civilization was the most glorious civilization of the Indian subcontinent. Its biggest achievement was its well-planned town planning. The baked brick houses, forts, and covered drainage systems show their engineering skills. The 33-meter-long reservoir found in Dholavira is an excellent example of their water management. The huge port (Dockyard) of Lothal shows their capacity for international maritime trade. They knew the metallurgy of making hard bronze by adding tin to copper. The most special thing was that there was no huge discrimination between the rich and the poor in their society, which is a reflection of a balanced and peaceful social life.

Answer:

• In ancient times: To travel from Harappa (Punjab) to Kalibangan (Rajasthan) in ancient times, bullock carts or riverboats might have been used. This journey could take weeks or months.
• In present times: Today, options like buses, trains, or private vehicles are available for the same journey, which can take about 8 to 12 hours. If traveling by air, it can be reached in a matter of hours.

Answer:

• Gas stove or induction: They cooked by burning wood on clay hearths, so turning on the fire (gas) just by pressing a button would be a big surprise for them.
• Stainless steel and plastic utensils: Harappan people used clay, bronze, or copper utensils. Shiny steel utensils will surprise them.
• Refrigerator (Fridge): A machine that keeps food cold and fresh for a long time would be like magic to them.
• Mixer Grinder: For people who used stones to grind grain or spices, the speed of an electric mixer would be astonishing.

Answer:

• Circular clay pots and vessels.
• Bangles covering the entire arm worn by women.
• A comb used to comb hair.
• Bead necklaces used for decoration (like carnelian beads).
• Chopat/gaming dice for entertainment.

Answer: Dholavira is located in Gujarat where rainfall is irregular. The 33-meter-long rock-cut reservoirs reflect their foresight towards rainwater harvesting, their scientific approach, and a mindset sensitive towards the environment. They understood the value of water and believed in preserving resources for future generations.

Detailed Answer: This shows that public health and hygiene were given the highest priority in Mohenjo-Daro. Around 700 wells are proof that pure drinking water was easily available in every area. Their maintenance for centuries shows that their local administration was extremely strong and responsible. As a result of this system, epidemics must have spread less in the society and the health of the people must have been of a high standard.

Detailed Answer: Yes, I completely agree with this statement. The ideal citizenship of the Harappan people is seen in their well-organized drainage system, roads, and awareness towards hygiene. They disposed of waste properly and maintained peace in a society where there was no exploitation. Comparing them with the citizens of major cities in today's India, today we often see citizens throwing garbage in public places or breaking traffic rules. A huge gap between the rich and the poor is seen in today's cities. It can be said that the Harappan people were much more conscious and ideal regarding community responsibilities and discipline than today's citizens.