Practice Chapter 3 "Ancient Towns and Scripture" with Fill in the Blanks, True/False, and Short Answer Questions with detailed answers. Perfect for revision, homework, and exam preparation.


Fill-in-the-Blanks

  1. Harappan Civilization is also known as the __________ Civilization.
    Answer: Indus Valley
  2. The remains of Harappan Civilization were first discovered at __________.
    Answer: Harappa
  3. Harappa was discovered in the year __________.
    Answer: 1921
  4. Mohan-jo-daro is famous for its __________ bath.
    Answer: public
  5. Harappan towns were built mainly using __________.
    Answer: bricks
  6. The fort in Harappan towns was generally located on the __________ side.
    Answer: western
  7. Roads in Harappan cities intersected at __________ angles.
    Answer: right
  8. Water from houses flowed into a __________ system.
    Answer: drainage
  9. Harappa is situated on the bank of River __________.
    Answer: Ravi
  10. Lothal was an important __________ town.
    Answer: port
  11. The dockyard of Lothal was used for loading and unloading __________.
    Answer: goods
  12. Dholavira is located in the district of __________.
    Answer: Kutch
  13. The main specialty of Dholavira was its rainwater __________ system.
    Answer: harvesting
  14. Kalibangan is associated with the __________ revolution.
    Answer: agricultural
  15. The people of Harappan Civilization cultivated wheat and __________.
    Answer: barley
  16. Harappans were engaged in internal and international __________.
    Answer: trade
  17. Harappans mainly used __________ cloth.
    Answer: cotton
  18. The idol of __________ has been found in Harappan sites.
    Answer: Maatrakadevi
  19. The Harappan script has not been successfully __________ yet.
    Answer: deciphered
  20. Historians believe floods, earthquakes, and invasions may have caused the __________ of Harappan Civilization.
    Answer: decline

 

Section B: True or False

  1. Harappan Civilization is also called the Indus Valley Civilization.
    Answer: True
  2. Harappa was discovered before 1900.
    Answer: False
  3. Harappan towns had organized town planning.
    Answer: True
  4. Houses in Harappan cities were made of plastic and cement.
    Answer: False
  5. Roads in Harappan cities crossed each other at right angles.
    Answer: True
  6. Harappans had a developed drainage system.
    Answer: True
  7. Mohan-jo-daro is famous for its public bath.
    Answer: True
  8. Harappa was located on the bank of River Ganga.
    Answer: False
  9. Lothal was an important commercial port.
    Answer: True
  10. Dholavira was divided into three parts.
    Answer: True
  11. Kalibangan provides evidence of agriculture.
    Answer: True
  12. Harappans did not practice farming.
    Answer: False
  13. Harappans reared animals such as cows and buffaloes.
    Answer: True
  14. Cotton cloth was unknown to Harappans.
    Answer: False
  15. Men and women both wore ornaments.
    Answer: True
  16. Harappans made toys for children.
    Answer: True
  17. Evidence of fire worship has been found at some Harappan sites.
    Answer: True
  18. Harappan script has been fully understood.
    Answer: False
  19. Lothal is one of the Harappan sites found in Gujarat.
    Answer: True
  20. The exact reason for the end of Harappan Civilization is still debated.
    Answer: True

 

Section C: Short-Answer Questions

1. What is the Harappan Civilization?

Answer:
Harappan Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations of the world. It is also known as the Indus Valley Civilization. It flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent and was famous for its advanced town planning.

2. Why is Harappan Civilization important?

Answer:
The Harappan Civilization is important because of its well-planned cities, drainage systems, trade, and cultural development. It reflects the intelligence and engineering skills of ancient people. It remains a major source of historical knowledge.

3. What was special about Harappan town planning?

Answer:
Harappan towns were systematically planned with straight roads and organized settlements. Houses were built on raised platforms using bricks. The towns were divided into separate sections for administration and residential purposes.

4. Describe the roads of Harappan cities.

Answer:
The roads were broad, straight, and intersected at right angles. This arrangement divided the city into rectangular blocks. Such planning ensured smooth movement and proper organization within the city.

5. What was the drainage system of Harappan cities?

Answer:
Harappan cities had a highly developed drainage system. Wastewater from houses flowed into small drains connected to larger drains. This system helped maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation.

6. What is the Great Bath of Mohan-jo-daro?

Answer:
The Great Bath was a large public bathing structure found at Mohan-jo-daro. It had steps leading into the water and changing rooms around it. It was likely used during religious ceremonies and festivals.

7. What is the importance of Harappa?

Answer:
Harappa is the site where the remains of the Harappan Civilization were first discovered. It is considered one of the major urban centers of the civilization. Large granaries have also been found there.

8. Why is Lothal famous?

Answer:
Lothal is famous for its dockyard and port facilities. It was an important center of trade and commerce. Archaeological evidence suggests it played a significant role in international trade.

9. What makes Dholavira unique?

Answer:
Dholavira was divided into three sections: citadel, upper town, and lower town. It is known for its advanced rainwater harvesting system. It demonstrates the engineering excellence of the Harappans.

10. What evidence of agriculture has been found at Kalibangan?

Answer:
The remains of agricultural fields and farming tools have been discovered at Kalibangan. These findings indicate that agriculture was an important occupation. It is often linked to the agricultural development of the civilization.

11. What crops were grown by the Harappans?

Answer:
Harappans cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, sesame, and mustard. Agriculture formed the foundation of their economy. They also used ploughs to prepare the land.

12. What economic activities did the Harappans perform?

Answer:
The Harappans engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, trade, pottery, bead-making, and metalwork. These activities contributed to their economic prosperity. Both local and foreign trade were common.

13. What evidence shows Harappans traded with other countries?

Answer:
Historians believe Harappans traded with Mesopotamia and Egypt. Goods such as cotton textiles and crafted items were exchanged. Archaeological findings support the existence of international trade networks.

14. What kind of clothes did Harappans wear?

Answer:
Harappans mainly wore cotton clothes. Men and women draped garments around the waist and shoulders. Evidence also suggests they knew about stitched clothing.

15. What ornaments were used by Harappan people?

Answer:
Harappan people wore necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, earrings, anklets, and waist belts. These ornaments were made from gold, silver, and precious stones. Both men and women used jewelry.

16. What types of toys have been found in Harappan sites?

Answer:
Archaeologists have found whistles, rattles, carts, marbles, and animal-shaped toys. These toys indicate that children enjoyed recreational activities. They also reveal the artistic skills of Harappan craftsmen.

17. What do we know about Harappan religion?

Answer:
Evidence suggests that Harappans worshipped Mother Earth, trees, animals, and symbols like the Swastika. Fire worship may also have been practiced. Religious beliefs were closely connected to nature.

18. What were Harappan funeral practices?

Answer:
Harappans buried or cremated their dead. Personal belongings were often placed with the deceased. These practices indicate their belief in life after death.

19. What is known about Harappan script?

Answer:
The Harappan script has been found on seals, coins, and copper plates. Although many attempts have been made, it remains undeciphered. Therefore, much about their language is still unknown.

20. What are the possible reasons for the decline of Harappan Civilization?

Answer:
Historians believe natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, epidemics, or external invasions may have contributed to its decline. However, no single cause has been proven. The subject continues to be researched.