Ancient Agriculture and Civilization Quiz

Indus Valley Civilization

• Agriculture was the cornerstone of the economy, with the first civilization cultivating cotton.
• Domesticated animals included sheep, goats, and pigs; major crops were wheat, barley, cotton, ragi, dates, and peas.
• Engaged in trade with the Sumerians; produced metalwork using copper, bronze, tin, lead, gold, and silver.
• Major structures like temples or palaces are absent in archaeological findings, indicating potential simplicity in social organization.
• Worshipped male and female deities, exemplified by the 'Pashupati Seal' featuring a three-eyed figure resembling early depictions of Lord Shiva.
• Excavations revealed fine red pottery with black designs and items made from faience such as beads and bangles.
• Artistic advancements included sculptures, with notable findings like the 'Dancing Girl' statuette from Mohenjodaro, about 4000 years old, and a bearded Priest-King figure.
• Lothal served as a dockyard, showing the civilization’s adeptness in trade and commerce.
• Disposal of the dead was initially through wooden coffins; later practices included cremation in urns.
• The Indus Valley script remains undeciphered.

Major Cities of Indus Valley Civilization

• Mohenjodaro located in Sindh Province (Pakistan).
• Kalibangan situated in Rajasthan.
• Lothal found in Gujarat, also known for its dockyard.
• Surkotada and Banawali are in Gujarat and Haryana, respectively.
• Dholavira, another key city, is located in Gujarat.

Decline of Indus Valley Civilization

• The decline is thought to be gradual rather than abrupt.
• Movements eastward led to city abandonment.
• Theories for decline include the Aryan invasion (Mortimer Wheeler), tectonic movements, floods, river drying, deforestation, and destruction of green cover.
• A combination of factors likely contributed to the civilization's decline rather than a single event.

Indian Fine Arts

• Major forms of art include rock art paintings (pictoglyphs) and carvings (petroglyphs), along with sculptures in bronze and terracotta.
• The earliest known sculptures date back to 2500-1800 BCE, depicting both animals and humans.
• Prehistoric rock art evidence is in Bhimbetka, central India, with carvings believed to be 29,000 years old.
• The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are significant rock-cut monuments dating from the second century BCE to 480 CE.
• Ellora Caves illustrate religious harmony, consisting of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves, with a total of over 100 excavated.
• Khajuraho temples, built during the Chandella dynasty (950-1050 CE), are known for their architectural and sculptural excellence.

Ceremonial Rituals in Indian Culture

• Jatakarma is the first ceremony held after the birth of a child.
• Namakarana, or the naming ceremony, occurs 11-12 days post-birth to formally acknowledge the child.
• Nishkraman involves taking the child out for the first time after four months.
• Annaprasana marks the child's first food intake, highlighting maternal responsibilities.
• Chudakarana or Mundan is the child's first haircut ceremony.
• Karnavedha pertains to the optional ear-piercing ritual for body ornamentation.
• Vidyarambha formally marks the start of primary education at age 5.
• Upanayana initiates regular education under a Guru.
• Medhajanana invokes divine blessings for mental development and intelligence.
• Upakarma and Utsarjana mark the beginning and end of academic sessions, respectively.
• Samavaj-tana signifies graduation and farewell to the teacher.
• Vivaha is a comprehensive set of marriage rites.
• Antyeshti, or last rites, relate to funeral practices.

Indian Geography

• India features seven major mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, Purvanchal, Satpura, Vindhya, Aravalli, Western Ghats, and Eastern Ghats.

The Himalaya Range

• The highest mountain range, home to Mount Everest (8848m) and vital river origins.
• Serves as a climatic barrier for northern India.

Karakoram Range

• Contains K2 (8611m), the second-highest peak, and significant glaciers such as Siachen and Biafo.
• The Pir Panjal Range is located to the south of the Himalayas.

Purvanchal Range

• An eastern extension of the Himalayas with notable hills like the Khasi and Garo Hills.
• Mawsynram in Meghalaya, part of this range, is the wettest place on Earth.

Satpura and Vindhya Range

• Found in central India, known for tourist attractions and sources of major rivers.

Aravalli Range

• The oldest mountain range in India, featuring tourist spots and important rivers like Banas and Sabarmati.

Western Ghats

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site running from Gujarat to Kanyakumari, rich in biodiversity.

Eastern Ghats

• Running parallel to the Bay of Bengal, important rivers flowing into the Bay include Godavari and Krishna, with key cities like Vishakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar.