Question with Answer Class 6 SST Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Class 6 SST Chapter 6, “The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation,” introduces students to one of the earliest and most advanced civilisations in the world. This civilisation developed in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent around 2600 BCE and is known as the Indus Valley Civilisation.

1. Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.

Answer

The civilisation studied in this chapter has several names because it was discovered in different regions and at different times. It was first called the Harappan civilisation because Harappa was the first city of this civilisation to be excavated. It was also called the Indus civilisation because many of its important cities were located along the Indus River and its tributaries. Later, archaeologists discovered many sites along the Sarasvati River, so the name Indus-Sarasvatī (or Sindhu-Sarasvatī) civilisation was used. These different names show the wide geographical spread of the civilisation and the progress in archaeological discoveries.

---

2. Write a brief report (150–200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.

Answer

The Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation was one of the oldest civilisations of the world and showed remarkable achievements. The Harappans built well-planned cities with wide streets, strong houses made of bricks, and an efficient drainage system. Water management was one of their greatest achievements, as seen in wells, drains, and large reservoirs, especially at Dholavira.

Agriculture was productive and supported city life. The Harappans grew crops such as wheat, barley, millets, pulses, and cotton. They domesticated animals and practised fishing. Crafts were highly developed; people made tools, pots, ornaments, seals, and figurines using copper, bronze, stone, and terracotta.

Trade was brisk, both within the civilisation and with distant regions. Land routes, rivers, and sea routes were used, and seals helped identify goods and traders. The Harappans also showed rich cultural life through art, games, toys, and symbolic objects. Overall, the civilisation reflects a balanced society with advanced urban planning, trade, agriculture, and civic organisation.

---

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?

Answer

A traveller from Harappa to Kalibangan had several options. One option was to travel by river, using the Indus River and its tributaries for part of the journey. This would be slower but suitable for transporting goods and might take several days. Another option was to travel by land routes, using carts or walking along established trade paths. This could take a few weeks, depending on the weather and terrain. Since trade was active, such routes were regularly used by traders.

---

4. 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?

Answer

A Harappan person would be surprised to see gas stoves or electric appliances instead of fire or clay ovens. They would find metal utensils made of steel or aluminium unusual compared to clay or bronze pots. The use of refrigerators for storing food would be new to them. Packaged food items and spices available in large quantities would also surprise them. However, some familiar items like wheat, pulses, turmeric, ginger, and dairy products would still be recognisable.

---

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.

Answer

Some familiar ornaments, gestures, and objects include bangles worn on the arms, beads used as ornaments, combs, mirrors, pots and pans, games and toys, seals with symbols, the ‘namaste’ posture, ploughs used in farming, and storage vessels.

---

6. What mindset does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect?

Answer

The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mindset of careful planning, cooperation, and concern for water conservation. It shows that the Harappans understood the importance of water management and had an organised administration to plan, build, and maintain large public structures for the benefit of the city.

---

7. In Mohenjo-daro, about 700 wells built with bricks have been counted. Discuss the implications.

Answer

The presence of about 700 brick-built wells in Mohenjo-daro shows that water supply was given great importance. These wells were regularly maintained and used for centuries, indicating efficient civic administration. It also suggests a high level of technical skill, planning, and concern for public hygiene and daily needs of the people.

---

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 in India today.

Answer

The statement means that the Harappans showed responsibility towards public life and cleanliness. Their cities had proper drainage systems, regular water supply, planned streets, and well-built houses. This shows discipline and respect for shared spaces. Compared to many large cities in India today, where problems like poor waste management and water shortages exist, the Harappans appear to have had a strong civic sense. Yes, I agree with this statement because archaeological evidence clearly shows their concern for hygiene, planning, and community well-being.