The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 Notes: CBSE Social Science (Exploring Society India and Beyond) Chapter 6

This chapter introduces the Harappan or Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Civilisations, which flourished in the Indian Subcontinent around 2600 BCE. The chapter covers the key characteristics of a Civilisation, the rise of urban centres, trade, agriculture, and the eventual decline of this Civilisation. The chapter also sheds light on how this Civilisation shaped the future of Indian society.

1. What Is a Civilisation?

A Civilisation is an advanced stage of human society, characterized by the following features:

• Government and Administration: Civilisations have systems of government to manage complex societies. Leaders, officials, and administrators help maintain order and manage societal functions.

• Urbanism: Civilisations often have planned cities with proper infrastructure like roads, drainage systems, and water management. Town planning is a hallmark of advanced Civilisations.

• Craftsmanship and Technology: Civilisations develop a variety of crafts and technologies, including metalworking, pottery, construction, and more. These are necessary for building cities and producing goods.

• Trade: Both internal and external trade are essential for exchanging goods. Civilisations engage in long-distance trade with other regions, exchanging valuable items like spices, metals, and textiles.

• Writing System: Civilisations use writing for record-keeping and communication. Writing allows for the preservation of knowledge and legal systems.

• Cultural Ideas: Civilisations express their ideas and beliefs through art, architecture, literature, and social customs.

• Agriculture: A surplus of agricultural produce is necessary to feed both rural and urban populations, supporting the growth of cities.

2. The Rise of the Harappan (Indus-Sarasvati) Civilisation

• The Harappan Civilisation arose around 3500 BCE in the northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent, particularly in present-day Punjab and Sindh.

• The Civilisation thrived along the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries, as well as the now-dry Sarasvati River.

• The Harappan Civilisation is named after its first discovered city, Harappa, excavated in 1920-21. Other major cities include Mohenjo-daro, Kalibangan, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.

• This Civilisation is also referred to as the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation or Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilisation due to its geographical spread.

3. Town Planning in the Harappan Civilisation

The Harappans were known for their excellent urban planning. Some key features of their cities include:

• Grid System: Cities were laid out in a grid pattern, with wide streets running in straight lines, often oriented to cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west).

• Fortification: Many cities were surrounded by fortifications, and there were distinct areas such as the Upper Town (where the elite lived) and the Lower Town (where commoners lived).

• Buildings and Construction: Most buildings were made of uniformly sized bricks. Large structures like warehouses stored goods for trade. Houses had uniform construction quality regardless of their size.

• Water Management and Drainage Systems: Harappan cities had advanced drainage systems. Wastewater from homes flowed into underground drains, and large reservoirs were built for water storage.

• The Great Bath: In Mohenjo-daro, the Great Bath was a significant structure, possibly used for ritual bathing or royal ceremonies. It was a waterproof tank made with bitumen to prevent leakage.

4. Water Management in Harappan Civilisation

• The Harappans prioritized cleanliness and water management. Most houses had bathrooms, connected to a drainage system that ran beneath the streets.

• Cities like Dholavira had large reservoirs for water storage, some measuring over 70 meters long. These reservoirs were used for water conservation and distribution.

• In Mohenjo-daro, hundreds of wells provided fresh water for the city’s inhabitants. The Harappans were pioneers in developing systems for water management.

5. Agriculture and Food

• Harappan agriculture was extensive, with crops like barley, wheat, millets, rice, and cotton being cultivated. Cotton grown here was used to make cloth.

• Ploughs and other agricultural tools were used, and farming was supported by irrigation from rivers. The fertile soil in the region made it ideal for agriculture.

• Domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats were raised for food. Fish were caught from rivers and the sea.

• Analysis of Harappan cooking pots revealed a varied diet that included dairy products, as well as spices like turmeric and ginger.

6. Trade and Economy

• The Harappans engaged in extensive trade, both within their Civilisation and with distant regions. They traded items such as beads, ornaments, cotton, wood, and metals.

• Their trade network extended to other ancient Civilisations like Mesopotamia. Land routes, rivers, and the sea were used to transport goods.

• The Harappans developed seals made of steatite (a soft stone), which were used to mark goods and identify traders. These seals often depicted animals and had symbols from an undeciphered writing system.

7. Decline of the Harappan Civilisation

• Around 1900 BCE, the Harappan Civilisation began to decline. Several cities were abandoned, and people returned to rural lifestyles.

• The causes of this decline are debated, but two main factors include:

• Climate Change: Around 2200 BCE, the world experienced a drier climate with reduced rainfall, affecting agriculture.

• Drying of the Sarasvati River: The Sarasvati River, which supported many cities, dried up, forcing cities to be abandoned.

• Despite the decline of cities, the technology and cultural practices of the Harappans were passed on to future generations.

5 Important Topics of Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6

Importance of Revision Notes for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6

• Vedantu’s notes provide a clear summary of the Harappan Civilisation, helping students understand the early development of complex societies in India, which is crucial for grasping later historical progress.

• The notes detail the Harappans' sophisticated city planning, including layout, drainage, and water management, allowing students to appreciate the advanced nature of early urban centres.

• Vedantu’s notes break down essential characteristics like government, trade, and writing systems, offering a clear understanding of what constitutes a Civilisation and how these elements are interconnected.

• The notes highlight significant technological achievements and cultural practices of the Harappans, providing valuable insights into their daily life and contributions to Indian heritage.

• By simplifying complex concepts and presenting important facts, Vedantu’s notes make it easier for students to review and prepare effectively for exams.

• Understanding the Harappan Civilisation through these notes helps students see how ancient innovations influenced the development of modern Indian society.

Tips for Learning the Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 - The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

• Pay attention to the essential features of a Civilisation, such as urban planning, trade, and writing systems, as outlined in Vedantu’s notes. Understanding these will help you grasp the significance of the Harappan Civilisation.

• Divide the chapter into smaller sections, such as government, agriculture, and daily life. Review each section individually using the notes to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Link the information from the notes to modern India. Understanding how ancient practices influenced contemporary society can make the material more relevant and memorable.

• Use the FAQs and practice questions provided in the notes to test your understanding. This will help reinforce key concepts and prepare you for exams.

• Regularly summarize the main points from the notes in your own words. Frequent revision of these summaries will help solidify your knowledge and improve retention.

Conclusion

The chapter "The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation" provides a detailed exploration of the Harappan or Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, showcasing its advanced urban planning, technological innovations, and rich cultural practices. Vedantu’s revision notes highlight key aspects such as government, trade, writing systems, and the significant achievements of this ancient Civilisation. By studying these notes, students gain a clear understanding of how early societies were organized and their contributions to Indian heritage. This knowledge forms a strong foundation for understanding the development of later historical periods and the continuous influence of ancient practices on modern India.

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