10 class History Syllabus of CBSE

  10 class History Syllabus of CBSE

11 and 12 class History Syllabus of CBSE

11 and 12 class History Syllabus of CBSE

10 Hist The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Pasupati

 Pasupati 

Pasupati is a significant figure in the religion and iconography of the Indus Valley Civilization. Pasupati is believed to be an early form of the Hindu god Shiva and is often depicted as a three-faced figure surrounded 

by animals, including elephants, tigers, and bulls.

The name "Pasupati" is derived from the Sanskrit words "pasu," meaning animal, and "pati," meaning lord  or master. This has led many scholars to interpret Pasupati as a god of animals, particularly of domesticated 

animals such as cattle.

In the Harappan Civilization, the figure of Pasupati is often associated with the archaeological remains of large bath complexes, which some scholars interpret as evidence of ritual bathing and purification practices. 

The depiction of Pasupati in the Indus Valley Civilization suggests that the religious traditions of the region  had strong connections with early forms of Hinduism and that some of these beliefs and practices may have 

continued into later periods of Indian history.

The steatite (also known as soapstone) is a type of soft rock that is composed mainly of talc, a mineral that gives it a soapy feel. Steatite was a common material used for carving in the Indus Valley Civilization, and many artifacts and sculptures have been found made from it, including the famous statue of Pasupati.

The statue of Pasupati, also known as the "Lord of the Animals," is made from steatite and is one of the most significant and well-known artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization. This statue is a depiction of a three-faced male figure with horns, surrounded by various animals such as elephants, tigers, and bulls. The use of steatite for this statue was likely due to its softness and ease of carving, allowing for intricate details to be added to the sculpture.

The use of steatite for the Pasupati statue and other artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization shows the advanced craftsmanship and technical skills of the people who lived during that time period. Additionally, it provides insight into the availability of natural resources and the trade networks that existed in the region during that era.

Sites of Harappan Civilisation

Sites of Harappan Civilisation: 

Harappa: Located in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, Harappa is one of the most well-known 

and extensively excavated sites of the Harappan Civilization. It was one of the largest and

 most important cities of the civilization, 

with a well-planned layout and sophisticated infrastructure.

Mohenjo-daro: Located in present-day Sindh, Pakistan, Mohenjo-daro is another major site of the

 Harappan Civilization. It was a thriving city with a complex social organization and a highly developed

 system of water management.

Dholavira: Located in present-day Gujarat, India, Dholavira is one of the largest and most prominent

 Harappan sites in India. It was a city with a unique water management system, large public buildings,

 and a complex system of fortifications.

Kalibangan: Located in present-day Rajasthan, India, Kalibangan was an important Harappan site with 

evidence of both urban and rural settlements. It was also one of the few sites where evidence of

 fire altars and animal sacrifices were found.

Lothal: Located in present-day Gujarat, India, Lothal was a major center of maritime trade during the 

Harappan period. It had a well-developed dockyard and evidence of a flourishing trade network with

 Mesopotamia and other regions.

Rakhigarhi: Located in present-day Haryana, India, Rakhigarhi is the largest Harappan site in 

India and one of the largest in the world. It has evidence of both urban and rural settlements, 

and its excavation has yielded a wealth of artifacts,

 including pottery, jewelry, and seals.

Ganeriwala: Located in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, Ganeriwala is a lesser-known Harappan 

site with evidence of urban planning, public buildings, and a complex water management system.

Surkotada: Located in present-day Gujarat, India, Surkotada is a Harappan site that was originally

 a small fortified settlement but later developed into a larger urban center. It has yielded important 

artifacts like horse bones, suggesting that the Harappans had domesticated horses.

Banawali: Located in present-day Haryana, India, Banawali is a Harappan site with evidence of a 

well-planned layout and a complex water management system. It has also yielded important artifacts 

like copper and bronze tools and terracotta figurines.

Alamgirpur: Located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, Alamgirpur is a Harappan site that was 

originally a rural settlement but later developed into an urban center. It has yielded important artifacts

 like pottery, beads, and copper objects.

Town Planning In Mohenjodaro

Town Planning In Mohenjodaro

Grid-like layout: Mohenjo Daro's streets were laid out in a grid-like pattern, with most streets oriented in a north-south 

or east-west direction. This gave the city a highly organized and geometric feel.

Public amenities: The city had a well-developed system of public amenities, including public baths, granaries,

 and public wells. The city's sewer system was also highly advanced, with a series of drains and cesspools that 

helped to manage waste

 and prevent flooding.

Residential areas: Mohenjo Daro was divided into different residential areas, with each area consisting of multiple 

courtyard houses. These houses were built around a central courtyard, which served as a gathering place for the family.

Citadel: At the center of the city was a large fortified citadel, which may have served as a religious or administrative

 center. The citadel was surrounded by a high wall and featured a series of public buildings, including a large bath

 complex and a large assembly hall.

Time line of Harappan Civilisation

 Time line of Harappan Civilisation

The timeline of the Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, is a matter of ongoing

 research and debate among historians and archaeologists.

 However, here is a rough timeline based on current knowledge and research:

Early Harappan Period: 3300 BCE to 2600 BCE

Mature Harappan Period: 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE

Late Harappan Period: 1900 BCE to 1300 BCE

Post-Harappan Period: 1300 BCE to 600 BCE

During the Early Harappan Period, small communities were developing in the region that would later

 become the Indus Valley Civilization. By 2600 BCE, the civilization had reached its peak, with the development

 of cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The Mature Harappan Period saw the flourishing of trade and commerce,

 the development of writing systems, and the construction of impressive buildings and public works.

The Late Harappan Period saw a decline in urbanization and population, and a shift towards smaller, rural settlements.

 The causes of this decline are still debated, but factors such as climate change, environmental degradation,

 and invasion by outside forces have been suggested.

The Post-Harappan Period marks the transition between the Harappan Civilization and the subsequent Vedic

 Civilization of India. This period saw the rise of new cultural practices and the emergence of new political and 

religious traditions.

It's worth noting that these periods are not rigidly defined, and there is some overlap and variation in the timeline

 depending on the region and site being studied.

Abbreviations on Harappan Civilisation

 Here are some common abbreviations related to the Harappan Civilization:

IVC - Indus Valley Civilization

BCE - Before Common Era

BC - Before Christ

AD - Anno Domini (in the year of our Lord)

ASI - Archaeological Survey of India

RBC - Regional Bronze Age

Hakra Ware - a type of pottery found in the Indus Valley Civilization

OCP - Ochre Coloured Pottery

Ravi Phase - a phase of the Harappan Civilization characterized by the use of copper and bronze

Mature Harappan - the period of the Indus Valley Civilization from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE,

 characterized by the development of cities and writing.

ICS - Indus Civilization Society

ISI - Indus Script Indus

M-3C - Mohenjo-daro Mound 3 Cemetery

SMC - Sindh, Makran and Balochistan Civilization

DVP - Dholavira Phase

KLB - Kalibangan

SR - Surkotada

BRW - Banawali

NBPW - Northern Black Polished Ware

BWT - Bead Making Technology

12 History C B (Concept Bank) Harappan Civilisation

XII History Theme 5 : Notes on Study of Medieval Indian History through the Eyes of Travellers

                                 

1. Al-Biruni was born in the modern-day Uzbek city of Khwarizm. Al-Biruni was taken to Sultan Mahmud's capital Ghazni after an assault on Khawrizm.

2."Kitab-ul-Hind," also known as "Tahkik-a-Hind," was written by Al-Biruni.

3.Ibn-travelogue Battuta's "Rihla" contains fascinating details about social and

India's cultural life.

4. Ibn-Battuta is repeatedly attacked by robbery gangs.

5.Whatever Bernier observed in India, he related it to the situation in Europe.

6.Al-Biruni talked about a number of "barriers".

7.Indian agriculture, according to Ibn-Battuta, was exceedingly successful.

8.Ibn-Battuta was astonished by the postal system to a great extent. Bernier contrasted India

with present-day Europe.

9.In "Travels in the Mughal empire," Bernier recorded his narrative in a critical manner.

10.In India, towns were home to roughly 15% of the population in the 17th century.

11.Bernier referred to the Mughal towns, which were reliant on the imperial

     to ensure their survival, protection.

AL-BIRUNI AND THE KITAB –UL –HIND:

1. Kitab ul-Hind by Al-Biruni was written in Arabic language. 

2. It is a lengthy text with 80 chapters on topics like philosophy and religion.

festival, astronomy, social life, manners, and weight

3. Al-Biruni and the Sanskrit IC tradition: Making Sense of a Strange World Getting Past Obstacles to

   Understanding.

4. Ideas and concepts in Sanskrit were so dissimilar from those in Arabic and Persian languages.

didn't translate well from one tongue to another. 

5.Have different religious practises and beliefs. self-absorption and the ensuing isolationism of the people who live there.

6.He frequently cited verses from the Vedas and nearly exclusively relied on Bramanas' writings.

the Bhagavad Gita, the Puranas.

7.The works of Patanjali, the Manusmriti etc provided an understanding of Indian society.

Al-Biruni’s Description of the Caste System:

· Al-Biruni tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies.

· He suggested that social divisions were not uniqueto India

Themes in Indian History I,II nd III Books

12 History : MCQ on Theme 1 : Bricks, Beads and Bones

 MCQ on chapter 1 : Bricks, Beads and Bones

1.Which was the earliest Harappan site to be discovered?

a) Mohenjodaro

b) Harappa

c) Lothal

d) Kalibangan

Answer: b) Harappa

2.The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro was made of:

a) Fired bricks

b) Sun-dried bricks

c) Stone

d) Mud plaster

Answer: a) Fired bricks

3.Which of the following metals were used by the Harappans?

a) Gold and silver

b) Copper and bronze

c) Iron and steel

d) Platinum and palladium

Answer: b) Copper and bronze

4.The Harappan script is:

a) Hieroglyphic

b) Pictographic

c) Alphabetic

d) Syllabic

Answer: d) Syllabic

5.Which animal was not represented in Harappan art?

a) Elephant

b) Tiger

c) Cow

d) Lion

Answer: a) Elephant

6.The Harappan Civilization was located in which present-day region?

a) Mesopotamia

b) Egypt

c) Indus Valley

d) China

Answer: c) Indus Valley

7.Which of the following is not a major Harappan site?

a) Lothal

b) Dholavira

c) Kalibangan

d) Taxila

Answer: d) Taxila

8.Which of the following was not a Harappan craft?

a) Pottery

b) Weaving

c) Metallurgy

d) Glassblowing

Answer: d) Glassblowing

9.The Harappan Civilization declined around:

a) 2000 BCE

b) 1500 BCE

c) 1000 BCE

d) 500 BCE

Answer: b) 1500 BCE

10.What was the likely reason for the decline of the Harappan Civilization?

a) Invasion by foreigners

b) Environmental factors like climate change and floods

c) Economic collapse

d) Social and political upheaval

Answer: b) Environmental factors like climate change and floods

11.Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the major phases of the Harappan civilization?

A) Mature Harappan phase - Early Harappan phase - Late Harappan phase

B) Early Harappan phase - Mature Harappan phase - Late Harappan phase

C) Late Harappan phase - Early Harappan phase - Mature Harappan phase

D) Early Harappan phase - Late Harappan phase - Mature Harappan phase

Answer: B) Early Harappan phase - Mature Harappan phase - Late Harappan phase.

12.What is the most distinctive feature of Harappan town planning?

a) Circular roads

b) Grid system

c) Multiple citadels

d) Lack of public buildings

Answer: b) Grid system

13.Which of the following is NOT a feature of Harappan cities?

a) Citadel

b) Lower town

c) Great Bath

d) Multiple storey buildings

Answer: d) Multiple storey buildings

14.Which of the following was located at the center of the citadel in Harappan cities?

a) Great Bath

b) Assembly hall

c) Palace of the ruler

d) Granary

Answer: a) Great Bath

15.The drainage system in Harappan cities was:

a) Open drains

b) Closed drains

c) Non-existent

d) Underground canals

Answer: b) Closed drains

16.The houses in Harappan cities were made of:

a) Mud bricks

b) Stone blocks

c) Wood planks

d) Metal sheets

Answer: a) Mud bricks

17.Which river was located near the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro?

a) Ganges

b) Nile

c) Indus

d) Euphrates

Answer: c) Indus

18.What was the name of the largest building in Mohenjo-daro?

a) Great Hall

b) Royal Palace

c) Great Bath

d) Temple of the Sun

Answer: c) Great Bath

19.Which of the following was NOT found in Mohenjo-daro?

a) Public wells

b) Sewage system

c) Underground granaries

d) Stone sculptures

Answer: d) Stone sculptures

20.What was the purpose of the Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro?

a) Ritual bathing

b) Water storage

c) Fishing

d) Entertainment

Answer: a) Ritual bathing

21.Which civilization is believed to have influenced Mohenjo-daro?

a) Sumerians

b) Romans

c) Greeks

d) Egyptians

Answer: a) Sumerians

22.What was the material used to construct most buildings in Mohenjo-daro?

a) Stone

b) Wood

c) Brick

d) Concrete

Answer: c) Brick

23.Mohenjo-daro was rediscovered in the 1920s by which British archaeologist?

a) John Marshall

b) Howard Carter

c) Mary Leakey

d) Louis Leakey

Answer: a) John Marshall

24.What was the approximate population of Mohenjo-daro during its peak?

a) 5,000-10,000

b) 20,000-30,000

c) 50,000-100,000

d) 200,000-300,000

Answer: b) 20,000-30,000

25.Which of the following animals was NOT represented in Mohenjo-daro's art and artifacts?

a) Elephant

b) Bull

c) Tiger

d) Lion

Answer: a) Elephant

26.What was the likely cause of Mohenjo-daro's decline and eventual abandonment?

a) Invasion by foreign armies

b) Natural disasters like floods and droughts

c) Disease outbreaks

d) Economic collapse

Answer: b) Natural disasters like floods and droughts

27.Assertion: The Harappans were skilled in metallurgy.

Reasoning: Archaeological evidence suggests that the Harappans made use of a wide range of

 metals such as copper, bronze, gold and silver. The discovery of several copper smelting furnaces

 in the Indus Valley region also indicates that the Harappans were adept at extracting and refining metals.

a) Both the assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

b) Both the assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

c) The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

d) The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Correct answer: a) Both the assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the

 correct explanation of the assertion.

28.Assertion: The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro was a religious site for ritual purification.

Reasoning: The presence of changing rooms and steps leading to the pool suggest that the 

Great Bath was used for ceremonial bathing.

A) Both Assertion and Reasoning are true and Reasoning is the correct explanation of Assertion.

B) Both Assertion and Reasoning are true but Reasoning is not the correct explanation of Assertion.

C) Assertion is true but Reasoning is false.

D) Assertion is false but Reasoning is true.

Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reasoning are true and Reasoning is the correct explanation of Assertion.

29. Reasoning: The seal depicts a figure sitting in a yogic posture, surrounded by animals and

 with a horned headdress. The similarity of this figure with later representations of Shiva, who is also

 associated with animals and has a horned headdress, suggests a connection between the two.

A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

D. The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Answer: A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

30.Assertion: The Harappan Civilization is considered as one of the earliest Bronze Age civilizations in the world.

Reasoning: The Harappan Civilization had a well-developed system of metallurgy and the

 Harappans made extensive use of bronze for making tools and weapons.

A) Both Assertion and Reasoning are true and Reasoning is the correct explanation of Assertion.

B) Both Assertion and Reasoning are true but Reasoning is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.

C) Assertion is true but Reasoning is false.

D) Assertion is false but Reasoning is true.

Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reasoning are true and Reasoning is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Explanation: The Assertion is true, as the Harappan Civilization is indeed considered as one of the earliest 

Bronze Age civilizations in the world. The Reasoning is also true, as the Harappan Civilization had a 

well-developed system of metallurgy, and the Harappans made extensive use of bronze for making tools

 and weapons. Moreover, the extensive use of bronze is one of the defining characteristics of the Bronze Age. 

Therefore, both the Assertion and the Reasoning are true, and the Reasoning provides

 a correct explanation for the Assertion.

31.Who was the archaeologist who discovered the Harappan civilization?

a. Rakhaldas Banerji

b. Daya Ram Sahni

c. Sir John Marshall

d. Mortimer Wheeler

Answer: c. Sir John Marshall

32.Who excavated the Harappan site of Kalibangan?

a. R. S. Bisht

b. B. B. Lal

c. Mortimer Wheeler

d. Rakhal Das Banerji

Answer: a. R. S. Bisht

33.Who discovered the ancient city of Dholavira?

a. R. S. Bisht

b. Rakhal Das Banerji

c. Jagdish Chandra Sharma

d. J. P. Joshi

Answer: c. Jagdish Chandra Sharma

34.Who conducted the first scientific excavation at Harappa in 1920?

a. Rakhal Das Banerji

b. Mortimer Wheeler

c. Daya Ram Sahni

d. Sir John Marshall

Answer: d. Sir John Marshall

35.Who discovered the Harappan site of Lothal?

a. R. S. Bisht

b. S. R. Rao

c. B. B. Lal

d. Rakhal Das Banerji

Answer: b. S. R. Rao

36.Assertion: The term "Great Bath" refers to a large public water tank found in the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Reasoning: The Great Bath was used for ritualistic purposes, possibly for religious ceremonies or purification purposes.

a) Both assertion and reasoning are true and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

b) Both assertion and reasoning are true but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

c) Assertion is true but the reasoning is false.

d) Assertion is false but the reasoning is true.

Answer: a) Both assertion and reasoning are true and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

37.Assertion: The Indus script is a combination of ideographic and phonetic symbols.

Reasoning: The Indus script has not yet been deciphered and there is much debate over its nature and function.

a) Both assertion and reasoning are true and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

b) Both assertion and reasoning are true but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

c) Assertion is true but the reasoning is false.

d) Assertion is false but the reasoning is true.

Answer: b) Both assertion and reasoning are true but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

38.Assertion: The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as the Harappan Civilization because the city of Harappa was one of the first sites to be excavated.

Reasoning: Harappa was the largest and most important city of the Indus Valley Civilization.

a) Both assertion and reasoning are true and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

b) Both assertion and reasoning are true but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

c) Assertion is true but the reasoning is false.

d) Assertion is false but the reasoning is true.

Answer: a) Both assertion and reasoning are true and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

39.Assertion: The Harappans followed both burial and cremation practices.

Reasoning: The discovery of human bones in urns and brick-lined graves indicate that the Harappans followed both burial and cremation practices.

A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

D. The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Answer: A

40.Assertion: The Harappans practiced complex burial rituals.

Reasoning: The discovery of grave goods such as pottery, jewelry, and metal objects in graves indicate that the Harappans practiced complex burial rituals.

A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

D. The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Answer: A

41.Assertion: The Harappans believed in life after death.

Reasoning: The presence of grave goods in the Harappan burials indicate that the Harappans believed in life after death.

A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

D. The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Answer: A

42.Assertion: The Harappans believed in ancestor worship.

Reasoning: The discovery of terracotta figurines of both humans and animals at Harappan sites suggest that the Harappans believed in ancestor worship.

A. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

D. The assertion is false, but the reasoning is true.

Answer: B

43.What is the location of the Indus Valley Civilization?

A. Mesopotamia

B. South Asia

C. East Asia

D. Central Asia

Answer: B. South Asia

Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was located in 

present-day Pakistan and northwest India. It is one of the earliest known civilizations of the world, 

and it flourished between approximately 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE. Its major cities included Harappa, 

Mohenjo-Daro, and Lothal, among others. The civilization was primarily located in the Indus River Valley, 

but it also extended to other regions such as the Ghaggar-Hakra River basin

 and the Ganges-Yamuna Doab.

44.Which of the following best describes the religion of the Indus Valley Civilization?

A. The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization was polytheistic and worshiped a variety of gods and goddesses, 

including Shiva and Vishnu.

B. The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization is not well understood, but it appears to have been based on 

the worship of a mother goddess.

C. The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization was centered around the worship of the sun and moon.

D. The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization was monotheistic and worshiped a single god named Indra.

Answer: B. The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization is not well understood, but it appears to have been 

based on the worship of a mother goddess. The evidence for this comes from the many female figurines

 found at Indus Valley sites, as well as the presence of goddess symbols on seals and other artifacts. 

45.Which river was the most important to the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Ganges

b) Brahmaputra

c) Indus

d) Yamuna

Ans.c) Indus

46.What was the chief occupation of the Indus Valley people?

a) Agriculture

b) Hunting

c) Fishing

d) Trading

Ans.a) Agriculture

47.Which one of the following Indus Valley sites is not in India?

a) Harappa

b) Lothal

c) Mohenjo-daro

d) Chanhu-daro

Ans.d) Chanhu-daro

48.What was the main material used for making tools in the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Bronze

b) Iron

c) Copper

d) Gold

Ans.c) Copper

49.The Great Bath, one of the most impressive structures at Mohenjo-daro, was likely used for:

a) Religious rituals

b) Political meetings

c) Water storage

d) Bathing and cleaning

Ans. d) Bathing and cleaning

50.Which of the following animals was not depicted in Indus Valley Civilization art?

a) Elephant

b) Bull

c) Tiger

d) Lion

Ans. a) Elephant

51.What was the main crop grown by the Indus Valley people?

a) Wheat

b) Barley

c) Rice

d) Maize

Ans. b) Barley

52.The script used by the Indus Valley Civilization has yet to be deciphered, but it is known that it was written from:

a) Left to right

b) Right to left

c) Top to bottom

d) Bottom to top

Ans.b) Right to left

53.What was the most common material used to make seals in the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Clay

b) Stone

c) Metal

d) Wood

Ans. a) Clay

54.Which of the following metals was not known to the Indus Valley people?

a) Gold

b) Copper

c) Silver

d) Iron

Ans.d) Iron

55.Which of the following Indus Valley sites was discovered first?

a) Harappa

b) Lothal

c) Mohenjo-daro

d) Kalibangan

Ans.a) Harappa

56.What was the most common mode of transportation in the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Horse-drawn chariots

b) Camels

c) Boats

d) Foot

Ans.c)Boats

57.Which of the following cities of the Indus Valley Civilization was most likely a seaport?

a) Lothal

b) Harappa

c) Mohenjo-daro

d) Kalibangan

Ans.a) Lothal

58.What was the function of the granaries found in the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Storage of food

b) Religious ceremonies

c) Housing for the poor

d) Workshops for artisans

Ans.a) Storage of food

59.Which of the following metals was extensively used in the making of ornaments during the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Bronze

b) Iron

c) Copper

d) Silver

Ans.d) Silver

60.Which of the following Indus Valley sites is located in present-day Pakistan?

a) Kalibangan

b) Lothal

c) Dholavira

d) Harappa

Ans.d) Harappa

61.Which of the following domesticated animals was not known to the Indus Valley people?

a) Cow

b) Sheep

c) Goat

d) Horse

Ans.d) Horse

62.What was the most common form of Harappan pottery?

a) Black-on-red ware

b) Redware

c) Greyware

d) Blackware

Ans. c) Greyware

63.The Indus Valley Civilization was characterized by a high degree of:

a) Centralized political authority

b) Social inequality

c) Religious conflict

d) Trade and commerce

Ans.d) Trade and commerce

64.Which river was the most important to the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: c) Indus

65.What was the chief occupation of the Indus Valley people?

Answer: a) Agriculture

66.Which one of the following Indus Valley sites is not in India?

Answer: d) Chanhu-daro

67.What was the main material used for making tools in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: c) Copper

68.The Great Bath, one of the most impressive structures at Mohenjo-daro, was likely used for:

Answer: d) Bathing and cleaning

69.Which of the following animals was not depicted in Indus Valley Civilization art?

Answer: a) Elephant

70.What was the main crop grown by the Indus Valley people?

Answer: b) Barley

71.The script used by the Indus Valley Civilization has yet to be deciphered, but it is known that it was written from:

Answer: b) Right to left

72.What was the most common material used to make seals in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: a) Clay

73.Which of the following metals was not known to the Indus Valley people?

Answer: d) Iron

74.Which of the following Indus Valley sites was discovered first?

Answer: a) Harappa

75.What was the most common mode of transportation in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: c) Boats

76.Which of the following cities of the Indus Valley Civilization was most likely a seaport?

Answer: a) Lothal

77.What was the function of the granaries found in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: a) Storage of food

78.Which of the following metals was extensively used in the making of ornaments during the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: d) Silver

79.Which of the following Indus Valley sites is located in present-day Pakistan?

Answer: d) Harappa

80.Which of the following domesticated animals was not known to the Indus Valley people?

Answer: d) Horse

81.What was the most common form of Harappan pottery?

Answer: c) Greyware

82.The Indus Valley Civilization was characterized by a high degree of:

Answer: d) Trade and commerce

83.The largest building at Mohenjo-daro is believed to have been used for:

Answer: b) Public gatherings and meetings

84.What was the primary reason for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: c) Environmental factors such as climate change and deforestation

85.Which of the following was not a feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: b) Monumental architecture

86.The Indus Valley Civilization had a highly developed system of:

Answer: d) Weights and measures

87.Which of the following is not a characteristic of Indus Valley Civilization art?

Answer: b) Large-scale sculptures

88.The Indus Valley Civilization had an extensive trade network that reached as far as:

Answer: b) Mesopotamia

89.What was the most common type of dwelling in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: b) Mud-brick houses

90.Which of the following is not a city of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: c) Pataliputra

91.The Indus Valley Civilization had a system of:

Answer: a) Public sanitation

92.Which of the following was not a crop grown by the Indus Valley people?

Answer: d) Sugarcane

93.Which of the following was not a metal used by the Indus Valley people?

Answer: b) Zinc

94.Which of the following is not a feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Advanced urban planning

b) Sophisticated drainage system

c) Use of bronze and copper tools

d) Use of iron tools

Answer: d) Use of iron tools

95.What was the main source of livelihood for the Indus Valley people?

a) Agriculture

b) Hunting

c) Trading

d) Fishing

Answer: a) Agriculture

96.Which of the following is a unique feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Use of the wheel

b) Writing system

c) Bronze metallurgy

d) Domestication of animals

Answer: b) Writing system

97.Which of the following is not a characteristic of Indus Valley Civilization architecture?

a) Brick buildings

b) Use of arches

c) Decorative sculptures

d) Flat roofs

Answer: c) Decorative sculptures

98.The Great Bath, an important structure of the Indus Valley Civilization, was likely used for:

a) Religious rituals

b) Political meetings

c) Water storage

d) Bathing and cleaning

Answer: d) Bathing and cleaning

99.Which of the following animals was not depicted in Indus Valley Civilization art?

a) Elephant

b) Bull

c) Tiger

d) Lion

Answer: a) Elephant

100.What was the main crop grown by the Indus Valley people?

a) Wheat

b) Barley

c) Rice

d) Maize

Answer: b) Barley

101.Which of the following metals was not known to the Indus Valley people?

a) Gold

b) Copper

c) Silver

d) Iron

Answer: d) Iron

102.What was the most common mode of transportation in the Indus Valley Civilization?

a) Horse-drawn chariots

b) Camels

c) Boats

d) Foot

Answer: c) Boats

103.The Indus Valley Civilization was characterized by a high degree of:

a) Centralized political authority

b) Social inequality

c) Religious conflict

d) Trade and commerce

Answer: d) Trade and commerce

12 History Theme I: Summary: Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation

 Introduction : 

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest 

and most advanced civilizations of the ancient world. 

Its sites cover a vast area, including parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. 

The scope of the Indus Valley sites is significant and includes:

Urban centers: The civilization had several large, well-planned urban centers, including Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, 

Dholavira, and Lothal. These cities were characterized by their sophisticated drainage systems, brick-built houses, 

and public buildings.

Rural settlements: Along with the urban centers, the civilization also had numerous small rural settlements.

 These were primarily agricultural communities that supported the urban centers by providing food and raw materials.

Trade networks: The Indus Valley Civilization had extensive trade networks that extended to the Arabian

 Peninsula, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia. They traded in items such as textiles, pottery, beads, and metals.

Art and craft: The civilization was known for its skilled craftsmen who produced high-quality pottery,

 metalwork, and jewelry. Many of these items have been found at the excavation sites.

Writing system: The civilization had a unique writing system that is yet to be fully deciphered.

 The Indus script was used for record-keeping, and many of the seals found at the excavation sites

 bear inscriptions in this script.

Religion: The Indus Valley Civilization had a complex religious system, as evidenced by the many terracotta 

figurines and seals found at the excavation sites. However, the precise nature of their religion remains largely unknown.

Overall, the scope of the Indus Valley sites is vast and provides valuable insights into the life and culture of this ancient civilization.

Main Sites of Harappan civilisation:

Main sites of Indus valley civilisation: 

1.Mohenjo Daro is an ancient city located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, and is one of the largest settlements of

 the Indus Valley Civilization. The city was built around 2600 BCE and is thought to have been one of the most

 advanced urban centers of its time.

Some key features of Mohenjo Daro include:

Town planning: Mohenjo Daro was built using a sophisticated grid system, with streets and buildings laid out

 in a precise and organized manner. The city was divided into different sectors, with separate areas designated

 for residential, commercial, and public use.

Architecture: The buildings in Mohenjo Daro were made of baked bricks and featured distinctive features such

 as intricate carvings and elaborate staircases. The city also had a large public bath complex, which is thought

 to have been used for religious or ritual purposes.

Trade and economy: Mohenjo Daro was a center of trade and commerce, with evidence of long-distance trade

 with other regions of the ancient world, including Mesopotamia and Central Asia. The city also had a sophisticated 

agricultural system, with a network of canals and wells used to irrigate crops.

Religion: Mohenjo Daro was likely a center of religious activity, with evidence of temples and other religious

 structures throughout the city. The civilization of Mohenjo Daro is also notable for its unique religious iconography,

 including figures such as the "Priest-King" and the "Dancing Girl."

Mohenjo Daro was abandoned around 1900 BCE for reasons that are still not fully understood. Despite being 

largely destroyed over time, the ruins of the city continue to be an important archaeological site and provide

 valuable insights into the culture, society, and economy of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

2. Harappa:   Harappa was an ancient city and one of the major centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in

 present-day Punjab province of Pakistan. The city was rediscovered in the 1920s and excavations revealed a

 highly sophisticated urban culture that thrived in the region from around 2600 to 1900 BCE.

Some of the main features of Harappa include:

Town Planning: Like Mohenjo Daro, Harappa was designed using a grid system with streets, buildings, and 

public spaces laid out in an organized manner. The city was divided into several blocks, each with its own specific 

function, such as residential, commercial, and public areas.

Architecture: The buildings in Harappa were made of baked bricks and were designed to be durable and long-lasting.

 The architecture featured unique features such as elaborate staircases and drainage systems.

Trade and Commerce: Harappa was an important center of trade and commerce, with evidence of long-distance 

 trade with other regions of the ancient world, including Mesopotamia and Central Asia. The city had a sophisticated 

agricultural system, with a network of canals and wells used to irrigate crops.

Religion: Harappa was likely a center of religious activity, with evidence of temples and other religious structures

 throughout the city. The civilization of Harappa is also notable for its unique religious iconography, including figures 

such as the "Priest-King" and the "Dancing Girl."

Art and Culture: The art and culture of Harappa were diverse and sophisticated, with evidence of sculpture, pottery,

 and other forms of artistic expression. The civilization of Harappa also had a writing system, although it has yet to 

be fully deciphered.

Decline and Abandonment: Like Mohenjo Daro, Harappa was also abandoned around 1900 BCE. The reasons

 for its decline and abandonment are still not fully understood, but theories include environmental factors such as 

changes in the course of the river, as well as social and political factors such as

 invasion or internal conflict.

3.Lothal: Lothal was an ancient city and an important center of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day 

Gujarat state of India. The city was excavated in the 1950s and revealed a highly sophisticated urban culture that 

thrived in the region from around 2400 to 1900 BCE.

Some of the main features of Lothal include:

Dockyard: Lothal had one of the earliest known dockyards in the world, with a large basin and a series of channels 

that connected the city to the Arabian Sea. The dockyard was used for maritime trade and commerce, with evidence 

of trade with other regions of the ancient world, 

including Mesopotamia and Central Asia.

Town Planning: Like other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal was designed using a grid system with streets, 

buildings, and public spaces laid out in an organized manner. The city was divided into several blocks, each with its

 own specific function, such as residential, commercial, and public areas.

Architecture: The buildings in Lothal were made of baked bricks and were designed to be durable and long-lasting. 

The architecture featured unique features such as elaborate staircases and drainage systems.

Art and Culture: The art and culture of Lothal were diverse and sophisticated, with evidence of sculpture, pottery, 

and other forms of artistic expression. The civilization of Lothal also had a writing system, although it has yet to be

 fully deciphered.

Trade and Commerce: Lothal was an important center of trade and commerce, with evidence of long-distance trade

 with other regions of the ancient world. The city had a sophisticated agricultural system, with a network of canals and

 wells used to irrigate crops.

Decline and Abandonment: Lothal was also abandoned around 1900 BCE. The reasons for its decline and 

abandonment are still not fully understood, but theories include environmental factors such as changes in 

the course of the river, as well as social and political factors such as invasion or internal conflict.

4. Dholavira: Dholavira is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization. 

It is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, and is believed to have been inhabited from approximately 

2650 BCE to 1450 BCE.

Some of the main features of Dholavira include its impressive water conservation system, with a series of i

nterconnected reservoirs and channels to manage water resources in the arid region. The city also had a

 sophisticated urban planning system with fortified walls, public areas,

 residential areas, and a marketplace.

The site has been extensively excavated by archaeologists and has yielded a wealth of information about the

 Indus Valley Civilization, including the discovery of several unique artifacts, such as the famous Dholavira 

signboard, inscribed with ten Indus script symbols.

5.Kalibangan : Kalibangan is an ancient Indus Valley Civilization site located in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, 

India. It was inhabited from the early Harappan period, around 3500 BCE, to the late Harappan period, around 

1800 BCE.

Some of the main features of Kalibangan include a fortified citadel, a lower town, a cemetery, and a sophisticated

 drainage system. The citadel was built on a raised platform with walls made of mud bricks and had several buildings, 

including a public bath, granary, and residential houses. The lower town had a grid-like street system and 

residential houses 

with attached bathrooms and wells.

The site has been extensively excavated by archaeologists and has yielded a wealth of information about 

the Indus Valley Civilization, including artifacts such as pottery, beads, tools, and seals with Indus script

 inscriptions. The site is also known for the discovery of a ploughed field, indicating the use of agricultural

 practices during the Harappan period.

6. Suktagendor: Suktagendor, also known as the Cemetery H culture, is an archaeological site located in

 the south of present-day Uzbekistan, near the border with Turkmenistan.

 It is believed to have been inhabited from approximately 2200 BCE to 1700 BCE during the Bronze Age.

The site is notable for its large number of burial mounds, which have been excavated by archaeologists.

 The burials at Suktagendor were typically single-chambered and contained a variety of grave goods,

 including pottery, metal objects, and jewelry.

One of the most interesting finds at Suktagendor was the discovery of a pair of human teeth with copper

 wire around them, believed to be the earliest known example of dental fillings. The site has also yielded 

artifacts that suggest a high level of metallurgical skill among its inhabitants, including copper and bronze

 tools and weapons.

Suktagendor is considered to be an important site for understanding the culture and social organization

 of the Bronze Age people who inhabited Central Asia.

7.Surkotada: Surkotada is an archaeological site located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. It is believed to 

have been inhabited during the late Harappan period, from approximately 

2300 BCE to 1700 BCE.

The site was discovered in 1964 and excavated by archaeologists, revealing a fortified settlement with residential 

and industrial areas. The residential area contained several houses made of mud bricks, with rooms arranged 

around a central courtyard. The industrial area contained evidence of bead-making and copper-working, including 

molds for casting copper objects.

One of the most interesting finds at Surkotada was the discovery of horse bones, which suggest that the site may

 have been one of the earliest in South Asia to domesticate horses. Other animal remains found at the site include 

those of cattle, sheep, and goats.

Surkotada is considered an important site for understanding the late Harappan period and the 

transition from the Indus  Valley Civilization to the post-Indus period in South Asia.

Main features of Harappan civilisation: The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of

 the earliest and most advanced civilizations of the ancient world. Its main features include:

Urban Planning: The cities of the Harappan Civilization were well-planned, with a grid-like pattern 

of streets and houses. They had advanced drainage systems, public baths, and granaries.

Trade: The Harappan Civilization had an extensive trade network, exchanging goods such as 

cotton, textiles, and beads with other regions. They had contact with Mesopotamia, Central Asia, 

and the Arabian Peninsula.

Agriculture: The Harappan Civilization was primarily an agricultural society, with farmers cultivating 

wheat, barley, and rice. They also domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

Writing System: The Harappan Civilization had a unique writing system, known as the Indus Script,

 which is yet to be fully deciphered. They also used seals for record-keeping, many 

of which have been found at excavation sites.

Religion: The Harappan Civilization had a complex religious system, as evidenced by the

 many terracotta figurines and seals found at the excavation sites. However, the precise nature of 

their religion remains largely unknown.

Art and Craft: The Harappan Civilization was known for its skilled craftsmen who produced high-quality pottery, 

metalwork, and jewelry. They also made intricate seals using the Indus Script.

Water Management: The Harappan Civilization had a sophisticated system of water management, 

with wells, reservoirs, and channels for storing and distributing water. 

This allowed them to cultivate crops even in arid regions.

Sanitation: The cities of the Harappan Civilization had advanced sanitation systems, with indoor toilets 

and drains to dispose of waste. This was a significant achievement in the ancient world, and it helped

 to prevent the spread of diseases.

Standardization: The Harappan Civilization had a high degree of standardization in its weights, measures, 

and building materials. This suggests a strong central authority that regulated trade and commerce.

Diversity: The Harappan Civilization was a diverse society, with different ethnic and linguistic groups living together. 

This is evident in the variety of pottery and artifacts found at the excavation sites.

Metalworking: The Harappan Civilization was skilled in metalworking, and they produced a variety of

 copper and bronze artifacts, including weapons, tools, and jewelry.

Astronomy: The Harappan Civilization had a keen interest in astronomy and had a good understanding of

 celestial bodies. This is evident in their architecture, which includes features aligned with the movement 

of the sun and stars.

Burial Practices: The Harappan Civilization had a variety of burial practices, including burial in graves,

 urn burial, and cremation. This suggests a diversity of religious beliefs and practices.

Decline: The Harappan Civilization declined and eventually disappeared around 1900 BCE for

 reasons that are still not fully understood. Possible causes include natural disasters, such as floods

 and earthquakes, and ecological changes that impacted agriculture.