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 (C)</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. (A)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence indicates that the Harappan people practiced irrigation?

<p>Archaeological findings of wells and canals (D)</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 (A)</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 (D)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cattle and pigs (C)</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 (A)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specialized craft production activity was Chanhudaro known for?

<p>Bead making (C)</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 (B)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Cunningham (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is another name for the Indus Valley Civilization?

<p>Bronze Age Civilization (C)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Mohenjodaro (B)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did Cunningham hold regarding Indian history?

<p>It was solely focused on the Ganges valley (A)</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. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Harappans usually obtain raw materials for crafts?

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

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

<p>Climate change (A)</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. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which decorative motif was used on seals by the Harappans?

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

What significant feature of urban planning was observed in Mohenjodaro?

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

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

<p>Stratigraphy (A)</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. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>To store grain (A)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What were shamans believed to possess in the Harappan civilization?

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

Flashcards

Indus Valley Civilization dates

The Indus Valley Civilization flourished between 2600 BC and 1900 BC, peaking around 2600-1900 BC.

Indus Valley Civilization decline

The Indus Valley Civilization experienced a significant decline around 1900 BC, with major cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa falling into disuse.

Harappan Civilization

Another name for the Indus Valley Civilization, encompassing the sites of Harappa and other settlements.

Bronze Age Civilization

A designation for the Indus Valley Civilization due to the widespread use of bronze in tools, pottery, and jewelry.

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Archaeological Evidence

Houses, utensils, jewelry, tools, and seals are examples of evidence used to understand the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Early and Late Harappan Cultures

Earlier and later stages of development within the Indus Valley Civilization, preceding and following the peak.

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Cunningham's View

The first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, Cunningham did not fully appreciate the significance of the Harappan civilization, believing Indian history started with the Ganges.

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Harappan Civilization Artifacts

Unusual objects (statues, seals, etc.) and structures (baths, fire altars) found in the Harappan civilization, potentially holding religious significance.

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Harappan Seals

Used for long-distance communication; their intact condition indicated no tampering. Seals also identified the sender.

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Harappan Script

Not alphabetical, containing 375-400 signs; its meaning remains unknown.

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Harappan Weights

Precise system used for regulating exchange; made primarily of chert; lower values binary (base-7), higher values decimal (base-10).

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Harappan Diet

Consisted of various plant products (wheat, rice, etc.) and animal products (meat, fish, etc.), with domesticated animals (cattle, sheep).

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Harappan Agriculture

Used oxen for plowing and cultivated multiple crops simultaneously, likely irrigated with canals and wells due to semi-arid land.

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Social/Economic Differences (Harappan)

Archaeologists study burials and artifacts (utilitarian vs. luxury) to understand social and economic distinctions between people.

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Harappan Craft Production

Harappans created various crafts like sculptures, pottery, jewelry, etc. Chanhudaro specialized in craft production.

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Harappan Civilization

The oldest civilization in India, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Indus Valley Civilization

Another name for the Harappan Civilization.

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Chronology of Harappan Civilization

The time period of the Harappan Civilization, with varying scholarly interpretations.

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Mohenjo-daro and Chanhu-daro

Important sites of the Harappan civilization in Pakistan.

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Kalibangan, Lothal...

Major Harappan sites in India.

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Urban Planning

Organized city layout with wide streets and drainage systems.

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Drainage System

Advanced system for managing rainwater and wastewater.

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No Caste System

Harappan society did not have a rigid social hierarchy.

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High Status of Women

Women held a significant and respected position in Harappan society.

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Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Primary occupations of Harappan people.

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Well-Developed Trade

Harappans conducted both internal and external trade.

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Religious Beliefs

Harappans worshipped various deities, including Mother Goddess, Lord Shiva.

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Arts and Crafts

Harappans excelled in creating sculptures, toys, pottery, and jewelry.

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Seals

Important artifacts with inscriptions, used in trade and possibly religious practices.

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Undeciphered Script

The language on Harappan seals remains unknown.

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Archaeological Evidence

Excavations at Harappan sites provide crucial information about the civilization.

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Shell Object Centers

Nageshwar and Balakot were significant centers for crafting shell objects due to their coastal location.

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Craft Production Centers

Large cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa were specialized in producing various crafted items.

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Harappan Material Sourcing

Harappans used different methods to get raw materials, including establishing settlements near resources and expeditions to distant areas.

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External Trade

Harappans traded with other regions, like Oman, for materials like copper.

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Harappan Civilization's Economic Life

The Harappan people had a prosperous economy, with agriculture and animal husbandry as primary occupations.

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Harappan Trade

Harappan civilization had well-developed internal and external trade networks.

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Harappan Religious Beliefs

Harappan people worshipped several gods and goddesses, including Lord Shiva, Mother Goddess, and animals.

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Caste System's Absence

Harappan society lacked a rigid caste system; people lived harmoniously.

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Women's High Position

Women held a significant position in Harappan society.

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Mohenjo-daro (City)

Mohenjo-daro was a prominent urban center in the Harappan civilization; although Harappa was discovered first, it was badly damaged.

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Citadels and Cities

Harappan settlements were divided into two categories: citadels (smaller but powerful) and cities (larger but less powerful).

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Harappan Drainage

Advanced drainage systems were present in Harappan cities, showing careful urban planning.

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Mohenjo-daro Houses

Mohenjo-daro houses featured courtyards, personal bathrooms, and connections to street drains.

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Mohenjo-daro Wells

Numerous wells existed in Mohenjo-daro (estimated 700+).

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Public Structures

Public structures like warehouses and baths were part of Harappan urban planning.

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End of Harappan Civilization

Around 1900 BCE, Harappan sites were largely abandoned by 1800 BCE, with the civilization fully disappearing by 1200 BCE.

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Late Harappan/Successor Cultures

Rural lifestyle that emerged after the mature Harappan phase, representing variations in the civilization's progression.

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Causes of Harappan Decline

Likely a combination of climate shifts (floods, drying rivers), deforestation, and potential large-scale destruction/invasion.

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Seal (Harappan)

Objects, primarily made of stone, often with animal motifs and signs from an undeciphered script; used likely by traders.

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Hoarding (Harappan)

Collection of metal objects, jewelry, and other valuable items stored in containers, revealing aspects of wealth.

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Stratigraphy

Study of layered historical remains, used to understand cultural practices over time. Used in archaeology.

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Motif (Harappan)

A recurring design (often an animal) found on seals, potentially representing a symbol or cultural identification.

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Proto-Shiva

A seal depicting a figure in a yogic posture surrounded by animals, interpreted as an early representation of a Hindu deity.

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Linga

Polished stones worshipped as a symbol of Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity.

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Shamans

Men and women believed to possess magical healing powers and communicate with the spirit world; potentially important figures in Harappan society.

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Art (Harappan)

A broad category encompassing painting, sculpture, pottery, and seal making, revealing artistic expressions of the period.

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Culture (Archaeology)

A group of distinctive objects, unified by style, found within a specific geographic location during a particular period; helps identify and understand societies.

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Pictograms

Picture-like symbols used to represent letters or words, used in undeciphered scripts.

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Great Bath

The most famous structure in Mohenjo-daro; large communal bathing area.

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Granary

Building used for storing grain, revealing aspects of Harappan agriculture and food storage practices.

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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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12th History Harappan Civilization PDF

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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