The Indus valley Civilization
Give reasons
Archaeological sources are the main sources for studying the Indus valley civilization
The Indus script has not yet been deciphered.
Granaries were built close to rivers
It is so that grains could be transported easily to the boats
Answer these:
Describe Great Bath
It is the most impressive structure found in Mohenjo Daro. It is a rectangular structure and resembles a swimming pool. It is made of baked bricks. It has been made watertight by a layer of bitumin or tar. There were rooms on the sides for changing clothes.It was perhaps used for bathing on special occasions.
Write about the other structures found in Mohenjo Daro
Another famous building found in Mohenjo Daro is the Assembly hall.It was a hall with pillars and thick walls. People probably assembled here to discuss important issues.
What is the Indus valley civilization also known as? Why?
The Indus valley civilization also known as Harappan Civilisation because Harappa was its first site to be excavated.
Write any three features of town planning.
The main roads ran parallel to each other
The smaller streets intersected the main roads at right angles. Thus, the entire city was divided into a series of rectangular blocks.
The main roads were 8 to 10 m wide and curved at the corners for heavy cards to turn easily.
There were street lamps on the roads.
Houses were built on both sides of the street.
Baked bricks of good quality were used for construction.
Describe the buildings found on the Citadel in Harappa
Great Granary - It is a collection of two rows of six granaries each. It was used to store surplus grains for use in times of flood or famine. The granaries were built close to the rivers so that grains could be transported easily to the boats.
Circular brick platforms were found near granaries for probably threshing grain
Many furnaces for metal work were found.
Many two room quarters were found nearby, they were probably the houses of labourers
What do we know about the drainage system of the Indus cities?
Excellent and well planned drainage systems characterised the civilization.
Bathrooms had sloping floors and their drains were connected to the main street drains.
Kitchens also had drains connected to the main street drains.
The main drains ran along the sides of the streets. They were covered with bricks.
The drains had manholes, so that they could be cleaned regularly.
What do we know about the food and amusements in the Indus valley civilization
Food:
Wheat and Barley were the main crops.
They were used to make bread.
Oil was extracted from mustard.
Rice was also cultivated.
People ate meat fish eggs milk fruits and vegetables
Amusement:
Singing and dancing were quite popular.
People played a game similar to modern chess.
Terracotta toys like small clay carts, animals with movable heads, sliding monkeys, rattles, marble, dolls and bird shaped whistles have been found
Describe the religious beliefs of the Indus people
Indus cities had no temples.
Great bath was perhaps a religious structure used for ritual bathing.
People worshipped clay images of mother goddess.
Perhaps they worshipped Lord Pashupati.
Peepal tree was perhaps held sacred and worshipped.
They wore amulets to ward off evil spirits.
They believed in life after death.
Discuss agriculture and trade in the Indus valley civilization
Agriculture
Agriculture was the main occupation of the people.
People used ploughs to farm their lands.
Farmers produce sufficient food to meet the needs of all.
Cattle rearing was also practised.
They domesticated cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats perhaps for milk and meat
Trade
People exported surplus goods and imported goods that were short in supply.
They had trade relations with Mesopotamia, Persia, Oman and Afghanistan.
All trade may have taken place through barter.
Weights, measures and marked sticks were used
Why are seals considered an important discovery?
Seals are considered an important discovery as they tell us about the artistic skills, trade contacts, dresses, ornaments, religious beliefs and script of the Indus people.
What led to the decline of the Indus valley civilization?
Historians have different views. Some of the causes maybe:
Natural disasters like earthquake, floods aur diseases
A change in the course of the river Indus
A change in the cropping patterns suggested by the new findings from Bhirrana.
Why did the Indus people wear amulets?
They wore amulets to ward off evil spirits.
Write short note on
buildings in the lower town
Residential buildings have been found in the lower town.
The houses were one or two storeyed and had flat roofs.
They were built of baked bricks and had plastered walls.
Most houses had a courtyard with rooms around it, a bathroom, a kitchen and a well.
Indus script
It is the earliest form of writing discovered in india
It has been engraved on numerous seals found from various sites.
It is a pictographic script.
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