The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Questions and Answers 

Practice The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 questions with fill in the blanks, true/false, and short-answer questions with answers.

Fill in the Blanks

  1. The earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent is known as the __________ Civilisation.
    Answer: Harappan
  2. A civilisation should have some form of government and __________.
    Answer: administration
  3. The Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation flourished between about __________ BCE and 1900 BCE.
    Answer: 2600
  4. Harappa was first excavated in __________.
    Answer: 1920–21
  5. The development of Harappan cities is known as the First __________ of India.
    Answer: Urbanisation
  6. The Great Bath is located in __________.
    Answer: Mohenjo-daro
  7. The Harappans gave great importance to water management and __________.
    Answer: cleanliness
  8. The Harappans were the first in Eurasia to grow __________.
    Answer: cotton
  9. Carnelian was a popular semi-precious stone used for making __________.
    Answer: beads
  10. The Harappan Civilisation began to decline around __________ BCE.
    Answer: 1900

True/False Questions

  1. The Harappan Civilisation was one of the oldest civilisations in the world.
    Answer: True
  2. Writing was not considered a characteristic of civilisation.
    Answer: False
  3. The Sarasvatī River is mentioned in the Rig Veda.
    Answer: True
  4. Dholavira is located in Gujarat.
    Answer: True
  5. Harappan cities had poorly planned streets.
    Answer: False
  6. Most houses in Mohenjo-daro had individual bathrooms.
    Answer: True
  7. The Harappans ignored water conservation.
    Answer: False
  8. The Harappans traded with distant regions outside India.
    Answer: True
  9. Archaeologists have completely deciphered the Harappan script.
    Answer: False
  10. Warfare is considered the main confirmed reason for the decline of the Harappan Civilisation.
    Answer: False

Short-Answer Questions with Answers

1. What is a civilisation?

Answer:
A civilisation is an advanced stage of human society. It includes organised government, planned cities, trade, writing systems, cultural traditions, and productive agriculture. These features help support large populations and complex social life.

2. Why is the Harappan Civilisation also called the Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation?

Answer:
The civilisation developed along the Indus River and the Sarasvatī River system. Archaeologists found many settlements near both river systems. Therefore, it is also called the Indus-Sarasvatī or Sindhu-Sarasvatī Civilisation.

3. Why are the people of this civilisation called Harappans?

Answer:
The civilisation is named after Harappa, the first major site to be excavated in 1920–21. Since Harappa was the earliest discovered city of this civilisation, its inhabitants came to be known as Harappans.

4. What were the main features of Harappan town planning?

Answer:
Harappan cities had wide streets, well-planned layouts, drainage systems, and fortified settlements. Most cities were divided into upper and lower towns. Buildings were generally constructed using baked bricks.

5. What was the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro?

Answer:
The Great Bath was a large water tank built with carefully laid bricks and waterproof materials. It had steps, surrounding rooms, and a drainage system. Archaeologists believe it may have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

6. How did the Harappans manage water resources?

Answer:
The Harappans built wells, reservoirs, and underground drainage systems. Cities like Dholavira had large reservoirs connected through drains for efficient water storage and distribution. Their water management system was highly advanced.

7. What crops were grown by the Harappans?

Answer:
The Harappans cultivated wheat, barley, millets, rice, pulses, and vegetables. They were also the first people in Eurasia to grow cotton. Agriculture formed the foundation of their economy.

8. What evidence shows that the Harappans were involved in trade?

Answer:
Archaeologists have found Harappan beads, seals, ornaments, and other goods in distant regions. The dockyard at Lothal and the discovery of imported materials also show that they traded both within and outside India.

9. What were Harappan seals used for?

Answer:
Harappan seals were likely used to identify traders and goods during trade activities. They often displayed animal figures and writing symbols. Although the script remains undeciphered, the seals clearly played an important role in commerce.

10. What were the main reasons for the decline of the Harappan Civilisation?

Answer:
The decline is mainly linked to climatic changes and reduced rainfall, which affected agriculture. Another important factor was the drying up of the Sarasvatī River. These environmental changes led to the abandonment of cities and a return to rural life.