NCERT Class 6th History: Indus Valley Civilization Quiz

NCERT Class 6th History: Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization is a fascinating chapter from our history books, one that offers insights into life during ancient times. Studying this civilization through the lens of textbooks published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCER) provides children with valuable knowledge about their ancestors' lifestyles, culture, society, and more. Here, we delve deeper into some key aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization based on what you would find in your NCERT class 6th textbook.

Life During the Ancient Times

The Indus Valley Civilization spanned over two thousand years, starting around 7,000 BCE and ending around 1,900 BCE. It was marked by significant changes in the lifestyle of people living in the region now known as Pakistan and northwestern India. Some notable features of daily life included:

1. Early Urbanization: This was a period where humans began to live together in cities rather than small villages. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Lothal served as centers of trade, religion, and politics.

2. Craftsmanship: People were skilled craftsmen who manufactured pottery, jewelry, weapons, and more using techniques such as polishing, molding, and painting.

3. Agriculture: Farming was central to the survival of communities. They grew crops like rice, wheat, barley, millet, and raised domesticated animals for food and labor.

4. Trade: With the development of towns and cities came increased interaction between different regions, leading to extensive trading networks across land and sea routes.

5. Social Structures: While much remains unknown about the social structure of this era, it seems likely that there were distinct classes within these early civilizations—the nobility, merchants, artisans, farmers, and slaves.

6. Religion and Beliefs: There is evidence suggesting that religious practices played a crucial role in everyday life. Many beliefs centered around symbols of fertility, purity, and protection.

Discoveries and Archaeology

Archaeological discoveries have been key to understanding the Indus Valley Civilization better. Key findings include the following:

a. Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa Sites: These two sites contain well-planned streets, large public baths, granaries, fire altars, and other structures which give us glimpses into how they lived.

b. Artifacts and Seals: Numerous seals carved with images of women, bulls, men, dancers have been found. The script used on them called 'Indus Script', though yet undeciphered, reveals some elements of their writing system.

c. Tools and Weapons: Sharp stone tools used for cutting meat were common while copper knives, axeheads, chisels, etc., suggest metalworking. Warfare also existed as evidenced by arrowheads made from bone, shell, slate, and steatite, often having serrated edges.

d. Irrigation Systems: Remains of canals built to supply water for agriculture indicate advancement in managing resources.

e. Houses: Huge houses made of mud bricks and clay baked under straw roofs show how well-built their homes could be.

f. Food and Drink Vessels: Bowls, cups, dishes decorated with geometric patterns and designs reflect a sense of aesthetic appeal.

g. Games: Board games like Senet and Chaturanga hint at a pastime enjoyed by these societies.

In conclusion, studying the Indus Valley Civilization through NCERT class 6th texts introduces students to various facets of human achievement during those times. By exploring archaeological finds, decoding the enigma behind their scripts, understanding their city planning, and getting insight into their daily lives, children gain an appreciation for our roots and the evolution of cultures worldwide.