Chapter 6 Solutions — The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Questions, Activities and Projects

1. 1.
   Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.
2. 2.
   Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation.
3. 3.
   Imagine you have to travel from the city of Harappa to Kalibangan. What are your different options? Can you make a rough estimation of the amount of time each option might take?
4. 4.
   Let us imagine a Harappan man or woman being transported to an average kitchen in today's India. What are the four or five biggest surprises awaiting them?
5. 5.
   Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments / gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century.
6. 6.
   What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?
7. 7.
   In Mohenjo-daro, about 700 wells built with bricks have been counted. They seem to have been regularly maintained and used for several centuries. Discuss the implications.
8. 8.
   It is often said that the Harappans had a high civic sense. Discuss the significance of this statement. Do you agree with it? Compare with citizens in a large city of India today.