Harappan Civilization Overview
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Harappan Civilization Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate time frame during which the Harappan Civilization is said to have flourished?

  • 2500 to 2000 BC
  • 3000 to 2500 BC
  • 3250 to 2750 BC (correct)
  • 4000 to 3500 BC
  • Which of the following locations is NOT considered a major center of the Harappan Civilization?

  • Chennai (correct)
  • Dholavira
  • Chanhudaro
  • Mohenjodaro
  • What was one of the key features of urban planning in the Harappan Civilization?

  • Use of mud huts
  • Narrow, winding streets
  • Wide roads intersecting at right angles (correct)
  • Interconnected low-rise buildings
  • What materials were commonly used for seals in the Harappan civilization?

    <p>Chert and clay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the social structure of the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>The society was characterized by mutual love and understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about the Harappan script?

    <p>It contains between 375 and 400 signs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence indicates that the Harappan people practiced irrigation?

    <p>Archaeological findings of wells and canals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a predominant occupation among the people of the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>Agriculture and animal husbandry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way did the Harappan civilization regulate exchange?

    <p>Through a precise system of unmarked stone weights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of worship was practiced by the Harappan Civilization's people?

    <p>Worship of various gods and goddesses, including nature elements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following food animals were domesticated by the Harappan people?

    <p>Cattle and pigs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What remains undeciphered from the materials associated with the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>The languages used on the seals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following materials was NOT typically excavated from the sites of the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>Clay tablets with writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specialized craft production activity was Chanhudaro known for?

    <p>Bead making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which evidence do archaeologists use to explore social differences among the Harappan people?

    <p>Study of burial practices and artefacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Harappan civilization signify the identity of the sender in communication?

    <p>Through seals that were stamped</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Around which year did the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization become evident?

    <p>1900 BC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which archaeologist was the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India?

    <p>Cunningham</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the time period during which the Harappan Civilization existed?

    <p>2600 BC to 1990 BC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for the Indus Valley Civilization?

    <p>Bronze Age Civilization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors are suggested as reasons for the decline of the Harappan Civilization?

    <p>Epidemics and changes in river courses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cities is NOT associated with the Harappan Civilization in India?

    <p>Mohenjodaro</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of artifacts do archaeological studies of the Harappan Civilization primarily rely on?

    <p>Houses and tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception did Cunningham hold regarding Indian history?

    <p>It was solely focused on the Ganges valley</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary characteristic of the settlements like Nageshwar and Balakot?

    <p>They were specialized in craft production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Harappans usually obtain raw materials for crafts?

    <p>By establishing settlements near available resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did trade play in the Harappan civilization?

    <p>It was well developed with both internal and external trade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of worship practices were prevalent among the Harappan people?

    <p>Worship of multiple gods and goddesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant factor contributing to the end of the Harappan civilization?

    <p>Climate change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In relation to social structure, what was notable about the Harappan civilization?

    <p>There was an absence of a caste system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which decorative motif was used on seals by the Harappans?

    <p>Animal motifs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant feature of urban planning was observed in Mohenjodaro?

    <p>A carefully planned drainage system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the relative sizes of settlements in the Harappan civilization is accurate?

    <p>Citadels were smaller but higher in power than cities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the study of historical layers?

    <p>Stratigraphy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of public structures did the Harappans construct in Mohenjodaro?

    <p>Warehouses and huge baths for public use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Proto-Shiva' refer to?

    <p>An early representation of Lord Shiva</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main function of a granary in Harappan civilization?

    <p>To store grain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event marked the beginning of formal archaeological study of the Harappan sites?

    <p>Appointment of Alexander Cunningham</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which significant structure is known as the most famous building in Mohenjodaro?

    <p>Great Bath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were shamans believed to possess in the Harappan civilization?

    <p>Magical and healing powers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Harappan Civilization

    • This is the oldest civilization in India
    • There's no single timeline for the civilization. Different scholars have different dates
    • Flourished between 3250 and 2750 BCE, according to Sir John Marshall
    • Discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni
    • Major centers are in Pakistan (Mohenjodaro and Chanhudaro) and India (Kalibangan, Sangol, Pangplore, Lothal, Dholavira, Banavali)
    • Urban planning was advanced, with wide roads intersecting at right angles and well-planned drainage systems
    • People lived with mutual love and understanding
    • No caste system existed
    • Main occupations: agriculture and animal husbandry
    • Trade was well-developed (internal and external)
    • Worshipped various gods and goddesses (Mother Goddess, Lord Shiva, animals, birds, trees, and the Sun)
    • Skilled in arts and crafts (sculptures, toys, pottery, jewelry)
    • Used seals with writing systems that are still being deciphered

    Archaeological Evidence

    • Excavations of Indus sites provide information about tools, pottery, and household items.
    • Archaeological evidence (artifacts) show the types of tools, seals, jewelry, houses etc. used by the people.
    • The civilization dates back to between 2600 and 1900 BCE
    • There were Early and Late Harappan cultures
    • Important archaeologists: Cunningham, Daya Ram Sahni, Rakhal Das Banerjee, John Marshall

    Decline of the Civilization

    • Signs of decline around 1900 BCE
    • Two major cities (Mohenjodaro and Harappa)- completely declined
    • Possible causes: change in the course of the Indus River, excessive floods, earthquakes, epidemics, invasion by the Aryans

    Social and Economic Differences

    • Differences between people are studied using archaeological techniques.
    • Valuable materials were concentrated in larger settlements
    • The Harappan people primarily engaged in agriculture.
    • Traded with other cultures
    • Economic life was prosperous
    • Crafted beautiful sculptures and decorative items

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating aspects of the Harappan Civilization, one of the oldest in India, flourishing between 3250 and 2750 BCE. Learn about its advanced urban planning, trade practices, artistic skills, and cultural worship. Delve into the archaeological evidence that unveils this enigmatic civilization's history.

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