Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilization

Answer: The Indus-Sarasvatī civilization was marked by its sophisticated urban planning. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were built with grids, featuring wide streets oriented to cardinal directions. The architecture included segregated residential areas, public baths such as the Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro, and advanced drainage systems indicating a high level of municipal organization.

Answer: Harappans demonstrated advanced water management through their systematic design of drainage systems, private and public wells, and large reservoirs. The reservoirs, particularly notable in Dholavira, were crucial for water storage and management, reflecting an understanding of hydraulic engineering and ensuring water availability throughout the year.

Answer: Trade was a vital component of the Harappan economy, facilitating exchanges within and beyond the civilization. Harappans traded goods such as cotton, beads, and pottery, with regions as far as the Persian Gulf, reflecting both terrestrial and maritime trade routes supported by dockyards like the one found in Lothal. Their trade networks were extensive, involving exchanges of cultural and technological advances.

Answer: The decline of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization is attributed mainly to environmental changes. Two primary factors include a shift towards a drier climate reducing rainfall and agriculture viability, and the significant reduction of the Sarasvatī River, leading to the abandonment of cities dependent on its waters. While social and political factors might have also played a role, these environmental changes were crucial.

Answer: Harappan artifacts, such as pottery, tools, jewelry, and seals, offer glimpses into their socio-economic life, trade practices, art, and religious beliefs. For example, the seals, often depicting animals and symbols, indicate commercial activity and possibly governance systems, while pottery reveals everyday life and technological capabilities in craftsmanship.

Answer: The Harappans had a diverse diet, including cereals like wheat and barley, pulses, vegetables, and dairy products. They were pioneers in cultivating cotton for textiles. Their agriculture was enhanced by fertile lands along river banks, utilization of advanced tools like ploughs, and systematic irrigation techniques.

Answer: The 'Great Bath' of Mohenjo-daro signifies the architectural and social sophistication of the Harappans. It indicates the importance of hygiene and possibly ritualistic or communal activities. Its construction using waterproof bricks also illustrates advanced engineering skills in the Indus cities.

Answer: The Harappan civilization laid the groundwork for urban settlements through their systematic city planning, use of standardized weights and measures, and integration of trade and agriculture. They influenced subsequent cultures in terms of city layouts, governance structures, and resource management practices.

Answer: Similarities include advanced architectural techniques, trade networks, and the use of pictorial writing. However, unlike Mesopotamia or Egypt, Harappan cities show less evidence of monumental architecture dedicated to rulers or gods, suggesting different governmental or religious structures. Moreover, Harappans focused strongly on urban sanitation.