Harappan civilization: Class 12 - History
Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. When was the Harappan civilization first officially recognized through widespread excavations?
a) 1901
b) 1921
c) 1931
d) 1853
**Answer:** b) 1921
**Rationale:** While initial discoveries were made earlier (e.g., during railway construction), it was the extensive excavations by R.D. Banerji (Mohenjo-Daro) and Daya Ram Sahni (Harappa) in the early 1920s that led to the formal recognition of a distinct civilization.
2. Which of the following sites represents the southernmost extent of the Harappan civilization?
a) Manda
b) Alamgirpur
c) Sutkagendor
d) Daimabad
**Answer:** d) Daimabad
**Rationale:** Daimabad, in Maharashtra, marks the southernmost known boundary of the Harappan civilization. Manda is northern, Alamgirpur is eastern, and Sutkagendor is western.
3. A defining characteristic of Harappan town planning was the presence of:
a) Organic, unplanned growth
b) Narrow, winding streets with no drainage
c) A highly standardized grid pattern and elaborate drainage system
d) Fortifications around every individual house
**Answer:** c) A highly standardized grid pattern and elaborate drainage system
**Rationale:** Harappan cities are renowned for their sophisticated urban planning, featuring streets laid out in a grid pattern and an advanced drainage system.
4. The 'Great Granary' and assembly halls are significant structures found at which prominent Harappan site?
a) Lothal
b) Kalibangan
c) Harappa
d) Mohenjo-Daro
**Answer:** c) Harappa
**Rationale:** While granaries existed at Mohenjo-Daro as well, the extensive 'Great Granary' complex and possible assembly halls are particularly noted at Harappa. Mohenjo-Daro is famous for the Great Bath.
5. What were the two most important staple crops cultivated by the Harappans?
a) Rice and Maize
b) Wheat and Barley
c) Millets and Sugarcane
d) Potatoes and Tomatoes
**Answer:** b) Wheat and Barley
**Rationale:** Archaeological evidence strongly suggests that wheat and barley were the primary cereal crops grown by the Harappan people.
6. Which domesticated animal was NOT extensively used for traction or transport by the Harappans, based on archaeological evidence?
a) Oxen/Cattle
b) Buffaloes
c) Horses
d) Donkeys
**Answer:** c) Horses
**Rationale:** While some debated evidence exists, widespread domestication and significant use of horses for traction or transport are not conclusively proven for the mature Harappan period. Oxen, buffaloes, and donkeys were commonly used.
7. The Harappan Civilization is primarily known as a/an _______ Age civilization due to its widespread use of a particular metal alloy.
a) Iron
b) Copper
c) Bronze
d) Stone
**Answer:** c) Bronze
**Rationale:** The Harappans were highly skilled in metallurgy, particularly in mixing copper with tin to produce bronze, which was extensively used for tools, weapons, and sculptures.
8. Which of the following is the most compelling evidence for Harappan trade relations with Mesopotamia?
a) Discovery of Mesopotamian pottery in Harappan cities.
b) Mention of "Meluhha" (identified with the Indus region) in Mesopotamian texts, along with the discovery of Harappan seals in Mesopotamia.
c) Similarities in religious practices between the two civilizations.
d) Evidence of a shared script.
**Answer:** b) Mention of "Meluhha" (identified with the Indus region) in Mesopotamian texts, along with the discovery of Harappan seals in Mesopotamia.
**Rationale:** Mesopotamian cuneiform texts refer to trade with a land called Meluhha, often identified as the Indus region. The presence of numerous Harappan seals in Mesopotamian sites, and Mesopotamian artifacts in Harappan cities (though less common), provides strong proof of extensive trade.
9. The Harappan script remains undeciphered, but it is generally characterized as:
a) An alphabetical script
b) A phonetic script
c) A logographic/pictographic script
d) A syllabic script
**Answer:** c) A logographic/pictographic script
**Rationale:** The Harappan script consists of numerous signs, many of which appear to be pictograms representing objects, ideas, or sounds (logograms), but its exact nature is still debated due to its undeciphered status.
10. Harappan weights followed a specific system. In lower denominations, they were usually in multiples of:
a) 5
b) 10
c) 16
d) 20
**Answer:** c) 16
**Rationale:** Harappan weights, typically cubical chert weights, followed a binary system in the lower denominations (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64), with the unit of 16 being fundamental.
11. What was the most likely primary function of the numerous seals found in Harappan sites?
a) Decorative items for homes
b) Religious amulets for personal protection
c) Markers of ownership and trade authentication
d) Currency for daily transactions
**Answer:** c) Markers of ownership and trade authentication
**Rationale:** The presence of seals along trade routes and in large numbers suggests their use in marking property, sealing goods, and authenticating commercial transactions.
12. The "Priest-King" statue, a famous stone sculpture, was discovered at which Harappan city?
a) Harappa
b) Lothal
c) Mohenjo-Daro
d) Dholavira
**Answer:** c) Mohenjo-Daro
**Rationale:** The iconic 'Priest-King' sculpture, with its distinctive trefoil pattern shawl, was found at Mohenjo-Daro.
13. What material was most commonly used to carve Harappan seals?
a) Copper
b) Bronze
c) Terracotta
d) Steatite
**Answer:** d) Steatite
**Rationale:** The vast majority of Harappan seals are made from steatite, a soft stone, which was then sometimes fired to harden it and given a glossy finish.
14. Which feature best highlights the advanced engineering skills of the Harappans related to water management?
a) Absence of wells
b) Simple, open drains
c) Elaborate drainage systems with covered drains and manholes
d) Reliance solely on river water
**Answer:** c) Elaborate drainage systems with covered drains and manholes
**Rationale:** The Harappan cities possessed remarkably sophisticated drainage systems, including well-built covered drains, soak pits, and inspection manholes, indicating advanced hydraulic engineering.
15. Besides the 'Pashupati' (Proto-Shiva) figure, which other religious belief is strongly suggested by Harappan archaeological finds?
a) Worship of fire and sun gods
b) Worship of a Mother Goddess and nature worship
c) Belief in polytheistic deities similar to Vedic pantheon
d) Monotheistic worship of a single supreme being
**Answer:** b) Worship of a Mother Goddess and nature worship
**Rationale:** Numerous terracotta figurines of female deities suggest the worship of a Mother Goddess. The reverence for trees (e.g., peepal), animals (e.g., bull, unicorn), and natural forces also indicates nature worship.
Part B - Short Answer Questions
1. Who were the two main archaeologists associated with the initial recognition and widespread excavations of the Harappan Civilization in the 1920s?
Answer: Daya Ram Sahni (Harappa) and R.D. Banerji (Mohenjo-Daro).
2. Name any two Harappan sites that are located outside of present-day India.
Answer: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (both in Pakistan). Other examples include Ganweriwala, Chanhudaro, Sutkagendor, etc.
3. What was the most distinctive feature of Harappan city planning that facilitated public health?
Answer: The highly organized and elaborate drainage system, featuring covered drains and manholes.
4. Name one major structure found at Mohenjo-Daro that suggests the importance of ritualistic bathing.
Answer: The Great Bath.
5. Besides wheat and barley, name one other crop cultivated by the Harappans that is significant in terms of its early cultivation.
Answer: Cotton.
6. Which animal, often depicted on Harappan seals, is considered a mythical creature and a prominent motif?
Answer: The Unicorn.
7. What material was predominantly used by the Harappans for their tools and weapons, giving the civilization its alternative name?
Answer: Bronze (leading to the term "Bronze Age Civilization").
8. What specific archaeological evidence strongly suggests trade links between the Harappans and Mesopotamia?
Answer: The discovery of Harappan seals in Mesopotamian cities and Mesopotamian texts mentioning trade with "Meluhha" (identified with the Indus region).
9. Why is the Harappan script considered a mystery even today?
Answer: It remains undeciphered.
10. What is the approximate weight ratio (in lower denominations) followed by the standardized Harappan weights?
Answer: They followed a binary system in lower denominations, typically in multiples of 16 (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16).
Part C: Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the key features of Harappan town planning, structures, and their drainage system, highlighting how they reflect the advanced nature of the civilization.
Answer:
The Harappan civilization is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning and architectural prowess, which stand as strong indicators of an advanced society.
Town Planning:
Harappan cities, especially major ones like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, exhibited a remarkable degree of planning and standardization.
Grid Pattern: Cities were typically divided into two or more parts, notably the 'Citadel' and the 'Lower Town'. Streets and lanes were laid out in a precise grid pattern, intersecting at right angles, dividing the city into rectangular blocks. This systematic layout suggests centralized authority and meticulous planning.
Standardized Brick Size: A striking feature was the use of standardized bricks (ratio 1:2:4, e.g., 7:14:28 cm) across almost all Harappan sites, indicating a uniform system of measurement and production across the vast empire.
Fortifications: Many cities had massive brick walls around them or around specific parts (like the Citadel), suggesting defensive purposes and controlled access.
Structures:
Harappan architecture primarily used baked bricks, signifying durability and advanced construction techniques.
Citadel: The smaller, higher part of the city (Citadel) typically housed important public structures. Examples include the 'Great Bath' at Mohenjo-Daro, likely for ritualistic bathing, and large granaries at both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, probably for storing surplus grain. These structures point towards a well-organized administration and communal life.
Lower Town: The larger 'Lower Town' contained residential buildings, workshops, and marketplaces. Houses were often multi-storied, built around a courtyard, and showed a clear concern for privacy, with no windows facing the main streets. This standardization in residential areas indicates a planned distribution of population.
Public Buildings: Evidence of public buildings like pillared halls (e.g., at Mohenjo-Daro, possibly an assembly hall) further underscores the civic organization.
Drainage System:
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Harappan urban infrastructure was its elaborate and efficient drainage system, unparalleled in other contemporary civilizations.
Covered Drains: Every house had its own drainage system, connected to the main street drains. These drains were typically made of baked bricks, covered with brick slabs or stone, and meticulously laid out to ensure a gentle slope for water flow.
Manholes and Soak Pits: Regular inspection manholes were provided at intervals along the main drains for cleaning. In some areas, soak pits were used to collect solid waste before wastewater flowed into the main channels.
Hygiene and Sanitation: The sophisticated drainage system reflects a strong emphasis on public health and hygiene, suggesting an advanced understanding of sanitation principles.
In conclusion, the town planning, monumental structures, and particularly the advanced drainage system of the Harappan civilization demonstrate a highly organized, centrally administered society with remarkable engineering and architectural skills, far ahead of its time.
2. Evaluate the economic life of the Harappans by discussing their agricultural practices, domestication of animals, technology and crafts, and internal and external trade networks.
Answer:
The economic life of the Harappan civilization was robust and multifaceted, supported by a prosperous agricultural base, advanced crafts, and extensive trade networks, both internal and external.
Agricultural Practices:
Staple Crops: Agriculture formed the backbone of the Harappan economy. Their primary crops were wheat and barley, supplemented by pulses, oilseeds, lentils, and sesame. Evidence from sites like Lothal and Rangpur indicates rice cultivation as well. Cotton was also grown, making the Harappans among the earliest people to produce cotton.
Advanced Techniques: They practiced mixed farming and evidence from Kalibangan suggests the use of a ploughed field, indicating knowledge of tilling. Irrigation was likely carried out using canals (though direct evidence is scarce, given their proximity to rivers) and wells. The ability to produce surplus food was crucial for supporting a large urban population and specialized craftsmen.
Domestication of Animals:
Key Livestock: Animals played a vital role in the Harappan economy. Cattle (especially zebu), buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs were widely domesticated for meat, milk, and wool.
Working Animals: Oxen were extensively used for ploughing fields and for transport, pulling carts. Dogs and cats were also domesticated. The depiction of various animals on seals and figurines confirms their importance. However, conclusive evidence for the widespread domestication and use of horses is generally lacking for the core Harappan period.
Technology and Crafts:
The Harappans were master craftsmen, demonstrating significant technological advancements.
Metallurgy: They were proficient in metallurgy, particularly in copper and bronze work. They produced a variety of tools (axes, saws, chisels), weapons (spears, daggers), utensils, and impressive bronze sculptures (e.g., the 'Dancing Girl' from Mohenjo-Daro). Gold and silver were used for ornaments.
Pottery: Harappan pottery was wheel-made, well-fired, and often decorated with geometric patterns or naturalistic designs.
Bead Making: The Harappans were famous for their exquisite bead making, using diverse materials like carnelian, lapis lazuli, steatite, and shell. Sites like Chanhudaro were centers for bead production.
Seals and Terracotta: The carving of steatite seals with animal motifs and undeciphered script, along with terracotta figurines, reflects their artistic and symbolic expressions.
Trade Networks (Internal and External):
Trade was a crucial aspect of the Harappan economy, facilitating the exchange of raw materials and finished goods.
Internal Trade: Extensive internal trade networks existed to procure raw materials like copper (from Rajasthan), gold (from Karnataka), silver (possibly Afghanistan or Iran), lapis lazuli (from Afghanistan), carnelian (from Gujarat), and timber. This implies a well-organized system of transport, likely using bullock carts and boats along rivers.
External Trade: The Harappans engaged in flourishing long-distance trade with contemporary civilizations, particularly Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and regions like Oman and Bahrain.
Evidence: This is evidenced by the discovery of Harappan seals in Mesopotamian cities (like Ur, Kish, Lagash), and Mesopotamian texts mentioning trade with "Meluhha," identified as the Indus region. Traces of Harappan pottery and artifacts have also been found in the Persian Gulf.
Traded Goods: Harappans exported agricultural products (grains, timber), unique beads, cotton textiles, and possibly exotic birds. They imported precious metals, stones, and possibly other luxury goods.
Maritime Trade: The discovery of a massive dockyard at Lothal strongly suggests maritime trade with regions across the Arabian Sea.
In summary, the Harappan economy was a sophisticated system, driven by efficient agricultural practices, skilled craftsmanship, and a widespread network of trade that connected them both internally within the subcontinent and externally with major civilizations of their time.
