Questions and Answers
Which burial type is specifically found in Harappa?
What is the nearest archaeological site to Bolan Pass?
Where is Inamgaon situated geographically?
Which burial type is associated with the site of Lothal?
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What type of burial involves an oval burial pit and a dog?
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What is a significant feature found in Dholavira?
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Which site is known for having a clay figure of a mother Goddess?
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Which is the oldest site of the Indus Valley Civilization?
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What distinct evidence of urban planning was found at Lothal?
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Which site features black bangles as a notable artifact?
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What was the main urban structure in the Indus Valley civilization known as the Citadel?
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Which of the following was a significant achievement of the Indus Valley civilization in terms of agriculture?
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Which material did the Indus Valley civilization NOT use in their tools and crafts?
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What was the primary method of trading in the Indus Valley civilization?
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Which site was identified as a city without a citadel in the Indus Valley civilization?
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What feature of the Great Granary found in Mohenjadaro indicates its significance?
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What type of script was used in the Indus Valley civilization?
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Which two rivers were significant to the trade activities of the Indus Valley civilization?
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What was a common religious practice in the Indus Valley civilization?
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Which of the following was found as archaeological evidence indicating the domestication of animals?
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How was the urban design of the Indus Valley civilization characterized?
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Which of the following best describes the trading network of the Indus Valley civilization?
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What was a notable characteristic of the drainage system in the Indus Valley civilization?
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Study Notes
Indus Valley Civilization Overview
- Known as Bronze Age urban civilization from 2600 BC to 1700 BC.
- Centered around the Indus/Sindhu River.
- Also referred to as "Happan Civilization" after Harappa, one of its main sites.
- Named by John Marshall, Director of Archaeological Survey of India.
Geographic Distribution
- Extent includes areas in India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Western Uttar Pradesh) and Pakistan (Sindh, Baluchistan).
- Significant sites include Manda (J&K), Sutkagendor (Baluchistan), Alamgirpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Dholavira (Gujarat).
Urban Planning and Architecture
- Cities often featured a citadel (higher town) and a lower town (commoners).
- Chanhudaro is noted for having no citadel.
- Advanced town planning with a grid system where roads intersected at 90-degree angles.
- The largest and prominent structures include the Great Bath in Mohenjadaro and the Great Granary, also in Mohenjadaro.
Infrastructure and Systems
- Notable drainage systems with manholes for waste management.
- The Great Bath was used for ritual bathing, constructed with burnt bricks.
Agriculture and Economy
- Evidence of cultivated crops includes wheat, barley, peas, and cotton; first civilization to produce cotton.
- Pastoral community with domesticated animals like buffalo, goats, sheep, and pigs.
- Gabarband (water storage) found in Baluchistan and artifacts like ploughshares in Kalibangan (Rajasthan).
Trade and Craftsmanship
- Engaged in trade with Mesopotamia (known as Meluha).
- No currency used; barter system prevalent.
- Specialization in textile, boat making, and bead crafting with evidence of jadeite stone from Assam.
- Evidence of weights and measures indicating advanced trade practices.
Religious Practices and Beliefs
- Worship included phallic and yoni symbols along with trees and animals.
- Terracotta sculptures signify veneration of Mother Earth.
- Proto-Shiva figure and depictions of various animals found on seals.
Script and Communication
- Employed a pictographic script known as Baustrophedon.
- Iconic artifacts include the bearded man and dancing girl, showcasing bronze craftsmanship.
Major Archaeological Sites
- Harappa: Notable for significant granaries and urban layout.
- Mohenjadaro: Features include the Great Bath, granary, and iconic bronze figures.
- Lothal: Ancient dockyard and maritime trading center; notable for terracotta ships.
- Kalibangan: Known for ploughed fields and unique burial practices.
Burial Practices and Society
- Varied burial methods including coffin, joint, and extended burials, reflecting diverse customs.
- Rakhigarhi is noted as the largest site in India, while Bhirrana is recognized as the oldest IVC site.
- No temples discovered, suggesting different worship practices; possibly ruled by a merchant class.
Key Terminology
- Meluha: Name used by Mesopotamians to refer to the Indus Valley civilization.
- Chanhudaro: A city known for its absence of a citadel, unique in urban layout.
- Dholavira: Divided into three sectors, showcasing advanced water management techniques.
Noteworthy Archaeological Discoveries
- Artifacts include bronze tools, pottery made with the potter's wheel, and intricate jewelry.
- Trade routes extended to regions like Afghanistan (notably Shortugai).
Miscellaneous Facts
- Earliest evidence of domestication of animals, including the limited discovery of horse bones at Surkotada.
- Symbols of deities often depicted animals such as the one-horned "unicorn" rhino and elephants in seals.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of the Indus Valley Civilization, a prominent Bronze Age urban society that thrived between 2600 BC and 1700 BC. Delve into its geographic distribution, urban planning, architecture, and advanced infrastructure systems. Discover how this ancient civilization laid the groundwork for future urban development.
