CBSE Class 6 History Chapter 3: In The Earliest Cities Notes

Key Points: The Harappan Civilization

• The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished around 4700 years ago.
• It was discovered when archaeologists found unique seals and other artefacts in Harappa (present-day Pakistan).
• Key cities include Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan, and Banawali.
• Cities were divided into two or more parts: the Citadel (western, higher part, smaller) and the Lower Town (eastern, lower part, larger).
• An impressive Great Bath was found in Mohenjodaro, likely used for special public rituals.
• Cities had well-planned drainage systems with covered drains and inspection holes.
• Houses were usually one or two storeys high, with rooms built around a courtyard, having separate bathing areas and wells.
• Life in the city involved rulers, scribes, craftspersons, and farmers/herders in the countryside.
• Important crafts included making beads, weights, seals, pottery, and objects of copper, bronze, gold, and silver.
• The civilization declined around 3900 years ago, possibly due to river drying up, deforestation, floods, or invasions.

Key Terms & Definitions

Harappan Civilization

One of the earliest urban civilizations, flourishing around 4700 years ago in the Indus Valley region, known for its advanced city planning.

Citadel

The western, smaller, and higher part of Harappan cities, often containing special buildings like the Great Bath or granaries, possibly used by rulers.

Lower Town

The eastern, larger, and lower part of Harappan cities, where common people lived and worked.

Great Bath

A large, rectangular tank found in Mohenjodaro, lined with bricks, coated with plaster, and made watertight with natural tar, believed to be used for ritualistic bathing.

Granary

A storehouse for threshed grain. Large granaries were found in Harappa and Mohenjodaro, suggesting organized agricultural surplus.

Seals

Small, flat, rectangular or square objects, often made of steatite, carved with animal motifs and pictographic script, used for stamping goods or as amulets.

Specialist

A person who is trained to do only one kind of work, e.g., a stone cutter, a carver of seals, or a bead maker.

The Marvel of Harappan City Planning

One of the most striking features of the Harappan Civilization was its sophisticated urban planning. Unlike many contemporary settlements, Harappan cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa were laid out with remarkable precision and foresight. Most cities were divided into at least two parts: the citadel and the lower town. The citadel, typically located to the west, was built on a raised platform, possibly for administrative or religious purposes, and often contained important public buildings. The lower town, to the east, was larger in area and comprised the residential and commercial zones. Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, running straight and cutting across each other at right angles, indicating a high degree of pre-planning and engineering skill.

Beyond the street layout, the drainage system was exceptionally advanced for its time. Every house had its own bathing area, and drains from these houses connected to larger main drains that ran along the streets. These drains were often covered, and inspection holes were provided at regular intervals for cleaning. This systematic approach to waste disposal highlights an awareness of public hygiene and urban management. Houses themselves were generally well-built, often two storeys high, with rooms constructed around a central courtyard that served as the main area for daily activities. Many houses had their own private wells, ensuring a clean water supply. The standardization in brick size and city layout across various sites suggests a strong central authority or a shared understanding of urban design principles, making Harappan city planning a testament to their advanced societal organization.

Life in Harappan Cities vs. Rural Areas

Examples of Harappan Artefacts

• {"title":"Seals","description":"More than 2000 seals have been found, often depicting animals like the bull, unicorn, or buffalo, and inscribed with pictographic script. Used possibly for trade, identification, or religious purposes."}
• {"title":"Weights and Beads","description":"Carefully shaped chert weights were used to measure precious stones or metals, showing a standardized system. Beautiful beads were made from carnelian, jasper, crystal, and steatite, often drilled with fine tools."}
• {"title":"Pottery","description":"Well-fired pottery, often with black designs on a red surface, showcasing skilled craftsmanship and artistic expression."}

Exam Tip: Mastering Chapter 3

For 'In The Earliest Cities,' pay close attention to site-specific features. For instance, know that the Great Bath is in Mohenjodaro, and dockyards were found in Lothal. Be prepared to describe the unique features of Harappan city planning (citadel, lower town, grid pattern, drainage) in detail. Also, understand the reasons proposed for the decline of the civilization. Map-based questions asking you to locate major Harappan sites are common, so practice identifying them on a map. Always support your answers with specific examples like artifacts or structures.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Name two major cities of the Harappan Civilization. A: Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
• Q: What was the main purpose of the Great Bath found in Mohenjodaro? A: It was likely used for special public rituals or religious ceremonies.
• Q: Describe one key feature of the Harappan drainage system. A: Drains from houses connected to larger main drains in the streets, which were often covered and had inspection holes for cleaning.
• Q: What kind of pattern did the streets in Harappan cities follow? A: The streets followed a grid pattern, running straight and cutting across each other at right angles.

Frequently Asked Questions