In the Earliest Cities

Q20. How Dholavira was different from Harappan cities?

Ans. Unlike some of the other Harappan cities, which were divided into two parts, Dholavira was divided into three parts, and each part was surrounded with massive stone walls, with entrances through gateways.

Q21. How do archaeologists know that cloth was used in Harappan civilization?

Ans. Actual pieces of cloth were found attached to the lid of a silver vase and some copper objects at Mohenjodaro. Archaeologists have also found spindle whorls, made of terracotta and faience. These were used to spin thread.

Q22. Discuss the farming methods of the Harappans.

Ans. Plough was used to dig the earth for turning the soil and planting seeds. As this region does not receive heavy rainfall, some form of irrigation may have been used. This means that water was stored and supplied to the fields when the plants were growing.

Q23. Write about crafts practiced by Harrappan.

Ans. Most of the things that have been found by archaeologists are made of stone, shell and metal, including copper, bronze, gold and silver. Copper and bronze were used to make tools, weapons, ornaments and vessels. Gold and silver were used to make ornaments and vessels.

Q24. Discuss the farming methods of the Harappans.

Ans. Plough was used to dig the earth for turning the soil and planting seeds. As this region does not receive heavy rainfall, some form of irrigation may have been used. This means that water was stored and supplied to the fields when the plants were growing.

Q25. Why archaeological evidence is the only source to study the Harappan civilization?

Ans. Harappan script is the earliest form of writing known in the subcontinent. Scholars have tried to read these signs but we still do not know exactly what they mean. Thus, archaeological evidence is the only source to study the Harappan civilization.

Q26. Write about occupations that Harappan people used to engage in.

Ans. Occupations that Harappan people used to engage in were:

                          i.        The Harappans reared cattle, sheep, goat and buffalo. Water and pastures were available around settlements.

                         ii.        However, in the dry summer months large herds of animals were probably taken to greater distances in search of grass and water.

                        iii.        They also collected fruits like ber, caught fish and hunted wild animals like the antelope.

Q27. Write short note Dholavira.

Ans. Dholavira

                          i.        The city of Dholavira was located on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch, where there was fresh water and fertile soil.

                         ii.        Dholavira was divided into three parts, and each part was surrounded with massive stone walls, with entrances through gateways.

                         iii.        There was also a large open area in the settlement, where public ceremonies could be held.

Q28. What were the three major categories of people in Harappan cities?

Ans. The different categories of people lived in Harappan cities were:

                           i.       There were people who planned the construction of special buildings in the city. These were probably the rulers.

                         ii.        There were scribes, people who knew how to write, who helped prepare the seals, and perhaps wrote on other materials that have not survived.

                        iii.        There were men and women, crafts persons, making all kinds of things— either in their own homes, or in special workshops.

Q29. What were the reasons for the end of Harappan civilization?

Ans. Following could be the reasons for the end of Harappan civilization:

                             i.        Some scholars suggest that the rivers dried up.

                            ii.        Others suggest that there was deforestation. This could have happened because fuel was required for baking bricks, and for smelting copper ores.

                          iii.        Besides, grazing by large herds of cattle, sheep and goat may have destroyed the green cover.

                          iv.        In some areas there were floods.