Foundation of Indian Culture: Class 12-History- Class Notes

 

Harappan culture (Discovery, extent, town planning, agriculture, trade, beliefs, etc.)

 

Here are concise and easy-to-understand class notes for Class 12 students on the chapter: "Foundation of Indian Culture: Harappan Culture," covering discovery, extent, town planning, agriculture, trade, and beliefs.

 

### Discovery of Harappan Culture

 

- Harappan culture, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was first discovered in 1921 at Harappa (now in Pakistan) and later at Mohenjodaro in 1922[8][3].

- It is one of the oldest urban civilizations in the world, dating back to around 2600–1900 BCE

 

### Extent of Harappan Civilization

 

- The civilization covered a vast area: from Sutkagendor (Baluchistan, Pakistan) in the west to Alamgirpur (Uttar Pradesh, India) in the east, and from Manda (Jammu) in the north to Daimabad (Maharashtra) in the south.

- More than 100 towns and villages have been found, with important sites like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan, and Banawali

### Town Planning

 

- Harappan cities were very well planned. They used a grid system, meaning roads cut each other at right angles, creating blocks of houses.

- Each city had two main parts: the Citadel (higher and smaller, for rulers and important buildings) and the Lower Town (for common people).

- Houses were made of baked bricks, often two storeys, with their own bathrooms and courtyards

- Cities had advanced drainage systems, with covered drains connected to houses and streets

- Public buildings included the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro (used for ritual bathing) and large granaries for storing grains

- Wells and reservoirs provided water; Dholavira is known for its water reservoirs and storm drains

 

### Agriculture

 

- Harappans were expert farmers. The main crops were wheat, barley, lentils, peas, sesame, chickpeas, and mustard. Rice was also found, but less common.

- Cotton was grown for making cloth – the Indus people were the first to produce cotton.

- Terracotta (clay) models and seals suggest ploughs were used for farming, and bulls/oxen helped in the fields.

- Some sites, especially in semi-arid regions, show traces of irrigation, but large canal systems are known only at a few places (like Shortughai in Afghanistan)

- Animal husbandry (rearing cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo) was also common

 

### Trade

 

- Harappan people had active trade – both inside India and with other countries like Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).

- Seals of Harappan origin found in Mesopotamia and vice versa prove trade contacts.

- They traded goods like beads, ornaments, pottery, metals, and food grains.

- Items like lapis lazuli (Afghanistan), carnelian (Gujarat), and copper (Rajasthan and Oman) were brought from faraway places.

- Lothal in Gujarat was an important port city with a big dockyard for ships.

 

### Beliefs and Society

 

- Harappan people worshipped many Gods and Goddesses. These included a Mother Goddess, Lord Pashupati (an early form of Shiva), animals, trees, and the sun.

- No evidence of the caste system. Society was likely equal and women enjoyed a good status.

- Many burial practices were followed, showing belief in life after death.

- Harappans used a script that remains undeciphered and had rich artistic traditions (pottery, jewelry, sculpture).