NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginings of Indian Civilisation

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Last Updated on February 21, 2025 by sanjjeett

The NCERT Solutions have been updated for current academic session, with the new NCERT Book “Exploring Society India and Beyond”. All questions are solved with detailed explanation of each and every questions. In this article, we are providing NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginings of Indian Civilisation. It is a part of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science series.

The Beginings of Indian Civilisation NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science:

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6, The Beginings of Indian Civilisation, offer clear, step-by-step answers to all textbook questions. Expertly crafted, these solutions simplify complex concepts, enhance understanding, and build confidence, helping students excel in their studies.

Exercise

Questions, Activities and Projects

Q. 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 many names, like the Indus Valley Civilisation, Harappan Civilisation, and Sarasvati-Sindhu Civilisation. Each name highlights a different aspect of this ancient culture:
(i) Indus Valley Civilisation: This name was given because most of the major sites of the civilisation, like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were found
near the Indus River. So, it was believed that this civilisation flourished because of the Indus River.
(ii) Harappan Civilisation: The first site to be discovered of this civilisation was Harappa, which is now in present-day Pakistan. The civilisation was then named after this city.
(iii) Sarasvati-Sindhu Civilisation: This name signifies the importance of the Sarasvati River, which some believe played a crucial role in the civilisation’s development alongside the Indus River.

We know very little about this civilisation as much of its sites are destroyed and we still don’t fully understand its script. So, it’s not clear what it was actually called. However, scholars and historians have tried to call this civilisation with the most relatable names to ensure that the significance of this great civilisation is not lost. These different names reflect the geographical spread and the cultural significance of the civilisation, highlighting its extensive influence and the various aspects.

Q. 2. Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation.
Ans. The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the world’s oldest and most advanced urban cultures. Among its most notable achievements was its well-organised town planning. The cities were laid out in a grid pattern with wide streets, advanced drainage systems, and sophisticated water management techniques. This highlights their understanding of urban infrastructure.

Another significant achievement was the civilisation’s expertise in craft production and metallurgy. The Harappans were skilled in making practical and daily use items. Therefore, they were just living a perfect life, having all essential amenities. The discovery of seals suggests they had a well-developed system of trade, both within the region and with distant lands like Mesopotamia. This even indicated that they had a good transportation system, which connected them with the outside world.

The Harappan script, though still undeciphered, indicates the existence of a written language used for communication and record-keeping. The civilisation also demonstrated some kind of social organisation and centralised administration, as seen in the uniformity of their building practices and the presence of large public structures like warehouses and the Great Bath, which may have been used for religious or ritual purposes. The town planning and these big structures make one point very clear that Harappans were great architects.
Overall, the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation was remarkable for its urban planning, technological advancements, and cultural achievements. The Harappan Civilisation was actually way ahead of its time.

Q. 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. Do it yourself.
(Hints: The estimated distance from Harappa to Kalibangan is 250-300 km / Travelling during the time of Harappan Valley Civilisation can use ways like walking, bullock cart, riding on horseback, river routes / walking can take upto 12-15 days / bullock cart can take more time as they are slow / horses will take around 10-12 days / riverways are the fasted / the time may vary depending on the terrain and weather conditions)

Q. 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 a Harappan man or woman were transported to an average kitchen in today’s time, they would likely be amazed by several big surprises, a few of which are mentioned below:
(i) Electric appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc.
(ii) Use of gas stoves instead of firewood to cook food.
(iii) The variety of cooking utensils and gadgets, including non-stick cookware, blenders, and pressure cookers, etc. Especially, airtight containers to store food.
(iv) Running water in taps.
(v) The wide range of ingredients available, including exotic spices, processed foods, and pre-packaged items.(Other relevant points can also be considered.)

Q. 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. The ornaments, gestures, and objects from the Harappan civilisation that still feel familiar in the 21st century are below listed:
(i) The practice of wearing bangles, as seen on the ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine, is still common in various parts of India, like Gujarat and Rajasthan.
(ii) Other jewellery items, like necklaces, are also still worn by the people of 21st century.
(iii) A comb and a mirror have been found from Harappan sites, indicating that the Harappan people were into self-grooming practices. These things are used till date.
(iv) The terracotta figurine seated in a ‘namaste’ posture is very similar to the traditional Indian greeting still widely used today.
(v) The cooking pots and storage jars from Harappan times are still relevant in contemporary kitchens.
(vi) The findings of games board signify that the enjoyment of games and toys is a long-standing tradition. As many similar games and toys are still popular today.

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

Ans. The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mindset of:
(i) Advanced Planning and Management: The construction of extensive reservoirs highlights a forward-thinking approach towards water use and management, showcasing systematic planning to address the needs of the community.
(ii) Sustainability: The reservoirs were designed to collect and store water, which suggests a sustainable mindset in making efficient use and storage of available resources, not only for the present but also for future generations. As doing so, was more crucial, especially in an arid environment.
(iii) Community Well-being: The effort to build and maintain such a system reflects a concern for the well-being of the whole community, ensuring a reliable water supply for domestic as well as agricultural use.
(iv) Innovative: The complexity of the reservoir system demonstrates an innovative and creative mindset, using advanced engineering techniques for the time to manage water resources effectively.
(v) Visionary: The scale and durability of the reservoir system suggest a long-term and resourceful vision. Harappans had already understood the importance of the judicious use of natural resources like water.

Q.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 around 700 brick wells in Mohenjodaro, which were regularly maintained and used for several centuries, has several important implications, a few of which are mentioned below:
(i) Systematic Urban Planning: The extensive number of wells indicates great urban planning and infrastructure. The wells were placed throughout the city to ensure a reliable and accessible water supply for everyone.
(ii) Water Management System: The Harappans had effective methods for managing their water resources, as all the wells were regularly maintained. With regular inspection and maintenance, they were ensuring a sustainable water supply.
(iii) Public Health and Hygiene: Easy access to clean water is crucial for maintaining sanitation and preventing waterborne diseases, and the presence of numerous wells suggests that Harappans prioritised public health and hygiene.
(iv) Social Structure: Only a well-organised social structure can build and maintain such a large number of wells. Therefore, it can be suggested that there was centralised administration and a proper system of public works and maybe roles were even dedicated to overseeing water resources.
(v) Stability: Such extensive infrastructure requires a stable society capable of supporting and managing large-scale projects. Therefore, it is clear that there was economic and social stability back then.

Q. 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 of India today.

Ans. The statement that the Harappans had a high civic sense is absolutely correct. The evidence from Harappan sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Dholavira supports this statement. The excavations clearly suggest that the cities were well-planned, there were advanced drainage systems, all houses had private bathrooms and standardised construction techniques were put in place. The Harappans demonstrated a strong commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, and public welfare, as seen in the uniformly laid out streets, public baths, and extensive water management systems like wells and reservoirs. These features highlight that the Harappans prioritsed public health and efficient urban living.

If we compare this to citizens in a large city in India today, the contrast is stark. Though modern Indian cities do have infrastructure and advanced technology, the civic sense among citizens often varies. Issues like pollution, improper waste disposal, traffic violations and disrespect for public property are common. Unlike the Harappans, who shared a collective sense of responsibility, many modern citizens sometimes overlook the importance of maintaining public spaces.

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