NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Solutions English Medium As Per CBSE New Syllabus to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse through different chapters NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Question Answer and select need one. NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Notes Download PDF. CBSE Class 6 Solutions for Social Science in English.

NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Also, you can read the NCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Book guidelines. NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Textual Solutions are part of All Subject Solutions. Here we have given CBSE Class 6 Social Science Textbook Solutions English Medium for All Chapters, You can practice these here.

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Chapter: 6

TEXTUAL QUESTION ANSWER

Theme B: Tapestry of the Past

The Big Questions

1. What is a civilisation? 

Ans: Civilisation is used to indicate a positive, progressive and inclusive development of human society. Civilised society is often characterised by advanced agriculture, long-distance trade, occupational specialisation and urbanisation.

2. What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent? 

Ans: The earliest civilization of the Indian subcontinent was the Harappan Civilisation.

3. What were its major achievements?

Ans: Its major achievements were knowledge of agriculture and animal husbandry, arts and crafts, technological advancement, town planning and administration, drainage system, accurate system of weights and measures, infrastructure, currency, taxation and regulation, specialisation of labour.

Questions, activities and projects

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

Ans: The civilisation studied in this chapter is known by several names, including the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Harappan Civilisation and the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation. The name ‘Indus Valley Civilisation’ is derived from the Indus River, around which the earliest sites were discovered.

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

Ans: Achievements of Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation: The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the oldest civilisations in the world, demonstrated brilliant urban planning with cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro having well-built roads and advanced drainage systems. They had sophisticated water management including wells and reservoirs, and impressive public structures such as the Great Bath.

Their craftsmanship was advanced, producing intricate jewellery, pottery and tools. Trade with local and remote regions was extensive, facilitated by a standardised system of weights and measures.

The Harappans also practiced productive agriculture, growing cereals and cotton, which supported urban centres. Their use of seals for trade and administration indicates a complex economic system and an early form of writing.

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?

Ans: If we were to travel from Harappa to Kalibanga, this journey would cover the distance geographically between Pakistan (Punjab Province) and India (Rajasthan) as per the present time. Since Harappa is now located in Pakistan and Kalibanga in India, crossing the border would be necessary.

Options and time estimation:

(i) Road route:

Route: Pakistan (Harappa) to Wagah Border (Lahore), then from Amritsar in India to Kalibanga.

Time: About 15-18 hours (1,000-1,200 km, including border crossing procedures).

(ii) Rail route:

Route: Pakistan (Samjhauta Express from Lahore Station) to Rajasthan in India.

Time: 12-16 hours (including border formalities).

(iii) Air route:

Route: Lahore (Pakistan) to New Delhi (India), then from Delhi to Bikaner (Rajasthan), and from there to Kalibanga.

Time: 6-8 hours (including flight and road travel)

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?

Ans: If we bring a Harappan man or woman to a normal kitchen in today’s India, the four or five biggest surprises they would find are:

(i) Gas stove: They would find it miraculous to light a fire with a small button instead of using wood, coal or any other fuel.

(ii) Refrigerator: The facility of keeping food and ingredients cool and fresh for a long time would be amazing for them. Harappans probably used natural or limited methods to preserve food.

(iii) Mixer machine: A mixer in which spices, pulses or other things are ground in a moment would also be a miracle for them.

(iv) Water management: Harappan civilization was advanced in water management, but in today’s kitchen, clean water flowing from the tap and availability of hot/cold water (geyser for hot water) would impress them immensely.

(v) Packaged and Ready-to-Eat Food: They would be astonished at the variety of products such as packaged spices, instant noodles, and ready-to-eat meals available in today’s kitchens. 

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.

Ans: Ornaments/Gestures/Objects:

(i) Bangles: Widely worn by the ‘Dancing Girl’ idol.

(ii) Earthenware: Similar to the pots used for storage and cooking in rural areas.

(iii) Jewellery: Beads and necklaces resembling modern designs.

(iv) Board Games: Similar to board games still played today.

(v) Seals: Similar to modern seals, these are used for stamps and authentication.

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

Ans: The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mindset focused on advanced engineering, sustainable water management and long-term planning. It reflects a deep understanding of the environment and a commitment to community welfare, ensuring a stable water supply in an arid region.

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. 

Ans: The presence of about 700 wells at Mohenjo-daro indicates a highly organized and resource-rich society. Regular maintenance over the centuries indicates a strong civil administration, which emphasizes the importance of water availability and sanitation. It also indicates advanced knowledge in civil engineering and public health.

8. It is often said that the Harappans had a high civic sense. Discuss the significance of this statement. Do you agree with it? Compared with citizens in a large city of India today.

Ans: The high civic spirit of the Harappans is evident in urban planning, public sanitation systems and standard building techniques. This reflects a community mindset that prioritises collective welfare and environmental sustainability. Compared to modern Indian cities, where some areas display high civic spirit, challenges such as urban sprawl point to the need to revive and raise civic consciousness by drawing inspiration from the Harappan heritage.