NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6, The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation, introduce students to the early stages of settled life in India. The chapter explains how people moved from being hunters and gatherers to farmers and herders. It also describes the growth of villages, the use of tools, and the beginning of trade and cultural practices that laid the foundation of Indian civilisation.

By studying these NCERT Solutions, students can gain a deeper understanding of how early societies developed and how agriculture, settlements, and social life contributed to human progress. The solutions provide clear explanations to textbook questions, making learning easier and more comprehensible. This chapter also helps students connect the past with the present, showing how ancient practices influenced modern Indian culture.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 6 Social Science: Chapter 6  The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation: Free PDF

Download NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation in our free PDF, crafted by experts to make concepts simple and aid in adequate exam preparation.

2.0Important Concept of Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation: Brief Explanation

Chapter 6, “The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation,” introduces the rise of the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures. It explains how people began to live in well-planned cities and practised organised ways of life.

Important Concepts Covered:

• Discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation:
  Archaeologists found remains of ancient cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, which showed advanced town planning and architecture.
• Town Planning and Structures:
  Cities had grid-like streets, drainage systems, granaries, and public baths, reflecting organised civic life.
• Life of the People:
  People engaged in farming, trade, and craft-making. They grew crops like wheat and barley and domesticated animals.
• Art and Culture:
  Pottery, seals, beads, and figurines reveal the artistic skills and cultural beliefs of the Harappan people.
• Decline of the Civilisation:
  The chapter also introduces possible reasons for the decline, such as floods, drought, or invasions.

3.0NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6: Detailed Solutions

1. Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance.

Ans. The Civilisation has several names such as Harappan, Indus, or Indus- Sarasvati Civilisation. This is because it was discovered in the region along the Indus River and its tributaries, and the city of Harappa, so with these names, it connects to all these points.

2. Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation.

Ans. The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the earliest known in the history of mankind, came up with some remarkable achievements such as-

• The Harappans established wellplanned cities with advanced drainage systems, which clearly gives us a glimpse on their emphasis on sanitation and public health.
• The Harappans were very skilled in metallurgy, producing bronze tools and various ornaments.
• The Civilisation had a robust trade network extending to Mesopotamia, facilitated by their standardised weights and measures.
• Also, the Harappans excelled in beadmaking and pottery, leaving behind intricate artifacts that highlight their artistic prowess.
• The construction of water reservoirs also demonstrates their understanding towards the importance of water conservation.

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

Ans. The system of reservoirs at Dholavira clearly reflects the following:

• Advanced Planning and Engineering Skills: The Harappans were able to develop and construct large and interconnected water reservoirs which gives us an idea of their smart and well-developed engineering and planning skills.
• Social Collaboration and Civic Sense: Their combined effort to build such huge constructions proves that they had social sense of collaboration and civility.
• Continuous and Stable Water Supply: This also proves that how in collaboration they ensured a stable and continuous water supply for the whole society.
• Sustainability of Resources: This again highlights their deep understanding for maintaining a sustainable living conditions and to secure resources for the coming future generations.

4. 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 implications of regularly maintained wells in Mohenjo-daro are as following:

• Sophisticated Urban Planning: The extensive network of 700 wells indicates advanced urban planning and an emphasis on decentralised water supply.
• A Reliable Water Supply: Ensuring access to water for all resident's highlights the Harappans' understanding of the necessity of a consistent water source for urban life.
• Well-Organised Governance: The regular maintenance of these wells over centuries suggests a stable and efficient administrative system capable of managing public utilities.
• Social Stability and Continuity: The long-term use and upkeep of the wells imply a stable society with continuous governance structures and communal efforts.
• Commitment to Public Welfare: The widespread availability of wells demonstrates a strong commitment to public health and welfare, ensuring that all citizens had access to clean water.

5. 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 Harappans had the high civic sense. We agree to the statement because of the following points-

• Meticulous Urban Planning: The wellplanned layout of Harappan cities, with wide streets and a standardised drainage system, indicates a high level of civic sense and concern for urban living conditions.
• Uniform Quality of Construction: The consistent quality in building houses, regardless of size, shows a societal commitment to equity and public welfare.
• Emphasis on Cleanliness: The extensive and efficient drainage systems reflect a strong emphasis on public health and hygiene. Comparison with Modern Indian Cities:
• Similar Challenges: Both ancient Harappan cities and modern Indian cities face challenges related to water supply, waste management, and public health.
• Varying Civic Responsibility: While some modern cities exhibit high civic responsibility but issues like pollution and inadequate waste disposal are prevalent due to a lack of public awareness and civic duty.
• Historical Benchmark: The Harappans set a historical benchmark for urban planning and civic responsibility that modern cities can aspire to, emphasising the need for community-oriented approaches and sustainable practices.

EXERCISE-01

Multiple choice questions

1. What material were the houses in the Indus Valley Civilisation made of? (1) Wood (2) Mud (3) Brick (4) Stone
2. The Great Bath was an important structure found at which of the Indus Valley site? (1) Lothal (2) Kalibangan (3) Harappa (4) Mohenjo-Daro
3. The Harappans gave much importance to (1) Water management (2) Cleanliness (3) Both (1) and (2) (4) None of these
4. Seals were generally made of - (1) Gold (2) Silver (3) Steatite (4) Copper
5. What was the reason for the decline of the civilisation - (1) Invasion (2) Climatic changes (3) Attacks by the enemy (4) Climatic and Environmental changes

True or False

1. Civilisation began at different times in different parts of the world.
2. The people of the Indus Valley civilisation did not know the art of writing.
3. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro was a tank used for religious rituals.
4. The Harappans used copper and bronze to make tools, pots, and pans.
5. Harappans used to keep army and weapons of war.

Fill in the blanks

• The Indus Valley civilisation is also known as the _______ civilisation.
• Harappan civilisation is one of the _________ civilisation in the world.
• Lothal, a small settlement in __________ .
• Harappans were also the first in Eurasia to grow ________ .
• ________ and ________ were the first two cities of the Indus valley civilisation.

Match the columns

ANSWER KEY

Multiple choice questions

True or False

• True
• False
• True
• True
• False

Fill in the blanks

• Harappan
• oldest
• Gujarat
• cotton
• Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa

Match the columns

• (A) $\to$ (iv) ; (B) $\to$ (iii) ; (C) $\to$ (v) ; (D) $\to$ (i) ; (E) $\to$ (ii)

EXERCISE-02

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is a civilisation?
2. Which major river flowed through Haryana and Punjab?
3. Did, the Harappans have advanced water management system?

Short Answer Type Questions

4. What is the Indus Valley Civilisation?
5. What caused the decline of the Harappans?
6. What did the Harappans eat?

Long Answer Type Questions

7. Describe the features of Harappan Civilisation. 8. The Harappan cities were well planned cities. Do you agree? Explain.
8. Describe the reasons why and how the Harappan Civilisation disappeared.
9. What is called as the - First Urbanisation of India?

4.0Key Features and Benefits of Class 6 Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

• Introduces the students to the concept of early human settlements and the genesis of Indian civilisation.
• Introduces critical ancient sites, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, straightforwardly.
• Covers important aspects of early life, including farming, trade, and the daily lives of these people.
• Provides exposure to how ancient civilisations can shape modern India.
• Comprehensive NCERT Solutions provide students with a step-by-step process to solve the questions and provide a revision of the chapter.