Notebook & Workbook -Indus Valley Civilization(2021-22)

 KWL & LMR to be made by students.

4.  Answer the following questions in 10 to 20 words.

a) Define Civilization.

Ans-The term ‘civilization’ is derived from Latin words  civitas meaning courteousness and civilis meaning relating to a citizen. Civilization can be defined as ‘the stage of human social development and organization which is considered most advanced’.

 

b)  Why is the Indus Valley Civilization also known as the Harappan Civilization?

Ans- The first city to be excavated was city of Harappa, Indus Valley Civilization is also known as the Harappan Civilization.

 

c)  State the four features of a civilization.

Ans-Civilization has the following characteristics: large urban centres; unique art and architecture styles; written language; systems for administering territories; specialisation of labour; and class structured society.

 

d)  Why is the age of the River Valley Civilizations is also known as the Bronze Age?

Ans-The period of the River Valley Civilizations is also known as the Bronze Age as most of the material used during this period was made up of bronze. This played an important role in

the growth of the civilizations.

 

 

 

5.  Answer the following questions in 50 to 70 words.

a)  Write a brief note on the Great Bath.

Ans-1) The most important public place in Mohenjodaro was the Great Bath, comprising the tank situated in the Citadel.

2)The tank itself measured 39 feet long, 23 feet broad and about 8 feet deep. It was constructed with bricks, coated with plaster and a layer of natural tar that made it water-tight.

3)There were steps at either end leading down to the bath. Rooms were constructed on sides for changing clothes.

4)Water was probably drawn from a well to fill the bath. There were provisions made to drain out used water.

5)It is believed that the Great Bath was intended used for religious ceremonies.

 

b)  Discuss the trade in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Ans-1)The importance of trade in the life of the Indus people is supported by the number of seals, weights, measures, granaries and uniform script found at Harappa, Mohenjodaro  and Lothal.

2)The Harappans had trade relations with Afghanistan and Iran. 3)Harappan seals have  been discovered in Mesopotamia. Mesopotamian texts from about 2350 BCE indicate trade relations between the two civilizations.

4)They did not use metal money and perhaps carried exchanges through barter system.

5)Tin, silver and gold were brought from Afghanistan.

 

c)  Write about the pottery of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Ans-1)Harappan  pottery is one of the  finest specimens of

Harappan art.

2)They were chiefly made of wheel bright or dark red in colour and well baked.

3) Both plain and painted potteries were found. Plain varieties of pottery were more common.

4)Different types of pottery such as polychrome,  

glazed, perforated, incised and knobbed were known

to Harappan people.

5) Generally  flora, fauna, geometrical designs and scenes from forest life were illustrated on the potteries.

 

d)  Describe the dress and the ornaments worn by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Ans-1) Clothes made of cotton fabrics were commonly used but wool was also used. The art of stitching may be known to them as a needle and thread were discovered at Harappa.

2)The men wore something similar to dhoti and women wore skirt. Both men and women wore shawls on the upper body.

3) Both men and women of all classes wore ornaments. 4)Ornaments such as necklaces, armlets, fillets , finger-rings and bangles were worn by both men and women; whereas nose studs, girdles, anklets and ear-rings by women alone.

5) These ornaments were made of gold, ivory, silver, copper and both precious and semi-precious stones such as crystal, jade, agate, carnelian and lapis lazuli.

 

e)  What are the various reasons of the possible decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Ans- 1) According to some historians, Indus Valley Civilization was destroyed due to the Aryan invasion. The Aryan invaders would have possibly destroyed the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.

2)According to another theory, the climatic changes would have led to the decline of the cities. Perhaps, the rivers Indus and Ravi changed their courses due to which the cities were completely wiped out. Probably, the frequent flooding of these rivers made it difficult for the people to live. In course of time, the cities perhaps got buried under the earth.

 

6. Give reasons.

a)  The Ancient Civilizations grew near the river banks.

Ans-1) Large populations migrated to river valleys, as the area had surplus food and water.

  2) River banks were used for fishing and hunting as the wild animals used to come to river banks to drink water. People got the opportunity to do jobs other than farming.

  3)Annual floods near the rivers spread silt across the valleys. Silt makes the valleys fertile for crops to grow in.

  4)Rivers were used for irrigation. Irrigation brought water to dry areas and led to surplus farming.

  5)Transportation became easier.

  6) Rivers also served as a natural barrier since it protected the area from surprise invasion from across the river.

  7) The period of the River Valley Civilizations is also known as the Bronze Age as most of the material used during this period was made up of bronze. This played an important role in the growth of the civilizations.

 

 

b)  Seals are most distinct relic of Indus Valley Civilization.

Ans -1)Seals are most distinct relic of Indus Valley Civilization. They were made of steatite and faience and generally square and rectangular in shape.

2)They had animal motifs, different signs and symbols on it.

3) The most famous Harappan seals are ‘Unicorn seal’ and ‘Pashupati seal’ discovered at Mohenjodaro. The latter depicts a horned deity, probably Shiva Pashupati, sitting in a yogic posture.

4)He is surrounded by animals – an elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, a buffalo.

5)Two antelopes can be seen under the throne.

 

8. Life Skills

  The Indus Valley Civilization had an elaborate drainage system. What does it demonstrate about the values of the people of those times?

Ans-This shows that the Harappan people paid great attention to health and cleanliness. The drains have covering and most structures are built of burnt brick. This avoided overflow/clogging/deterioration when it rained. Further, this may have also prevented spread of water-borne diseases.

Extended Learning & Concept Map to be done by students.

Work book Link-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U9deB1BCsV9ho7JlM5DJ6cPcjOP-6GLn/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113484546011408948043&rtpof=true&sd=true