Harappan Civilization: Comprehensive Overview Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a notable feature of Harappan cities?

  • Elaborate storage facilities (correct)
  • Grand temples
  • Imposing palaces
  • Elaborate marketplaces
  • What was a primary source of livelihood for the Harappan people?

  • Fishing
  • Agriculture and animal farming (correct)
  • Hunting
  • Mining
  • What was the purpose of the Great Bath in Mohenjodaro?

  • A storage facility
  • A royal palace
  • A public bathing area (correct)
  • A temple for worship
  • What was used for financing in the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>Metals like gold, silver, and copper</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable artifact found in Harappan workshops?

    <p>Tools for making beads</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a unique feature of the Harappan people's relation to animals?

    <p>They used oxen for farming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a unique feature of the sewage system in Harappan cities?

    <p>Drains covered with stone blocks and inspection holes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about the Indus Valley script?

    <p>It was used for writing names</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the citadel in Harappan cities?

    <p>For religious and administrative activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How were the houses built in Harappan cities?

    <p>Around the veranda</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable feature of Harappan architecture?

    <p>Wide roads perpendicular to each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be said about the economy of the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>It was based on trade and commerce</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Harappan Civilization: A Comprehensive Overview

    The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE in the regions surrounding the Indus River. This ancient civilization is known for its urban planning, writing system, religion and beliefs, trade and economy, and art and craft. In this article, we will delve into these subtopics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Harappan Civilization.

    Urban Planning

    Harappan cities were divided into two or more parts. The western part was smaller but higher, known as the citadel, which housed granaries, places of worship, public spaces, and assembly halls. The lower town, located to the east, was relatively larger but lower, and was divided into rectangular sections of wide roads perpendicular to each other. People built single or multiple houses on each side of the road, with rooms built around the veranda. The towns had well-planned sewage systems, with each house having a drain linked to the street drains, which were further connected to larger drains. The drains were also covered with stone blocks laid in neat lines along with inspection holes for cleaning purposes.

    Writing System

    The Indus Valley script, used by the Harappans, has not been deciphered, with around 400 different symbols identified inscribed in objects. These symbols appear in strings of between 3 and 20 and are believed to be names, as they do not have any other meaning.

    Religion and Beliefs

    Despite having an organized way of life, there is no depiction or evidence of any ruler or any governing system for the Harappan civilization. The closest depiction to any kind of central figure is a terracotta sculpture believed to be that of a priest-king. There is no evidence of warfare from the Indus Valley Civilization, indicating that they were generally a peace-loving people.

    Trade and Economy

    The Harappan Civilization's economy was centered on animal farming and agriculture, with wheat, barley, pulses, and other plants grown. They made a living by making ceramics, weaving, and hunting. Financing was done with metals like gold, silver, and copper. Domesticated animals such as goats, cows, and sheep were prevalent. The people of the Indus Valley Civilization relied extensively on both types of cattle. The Indus farmers' carts and ploughs were drawn by oxen, while cows produced milk. The most prevalent animals employed were oxen.

    Art and Craft

    Harappan cities had elaborate storage facilities, and special structures were constructed on the citadel. For instance, in Mohenjodaro, a very special tank, called the Great Bath, was built in this area. Some towns like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, and Lothal had elaborate storage facilities. Workshop for making beads: stone pieces, half beads, tools for making beads, and finished beads have also been discovered.

    In conclusion, the Harappan Civilization was a remarkable civilization that left an indelible mark on history through its urban planning, writing system, religion and beliefs, trade and economy, and art and craft. Though the reasons for its decline are still a matter of debate, it is undeniable that the Harappan Civilization played a significant role in shaping the future of human civilization.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the Harappan Civilization with this comprehensive overview quiz covering topics like urban planning, writing system, religion and beliefs, trade and economy, and art and craft. Explore the ancient civilization that flourished around the Indus River from 3300 to 1300 BCE.

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