Podar International School
Std. VI Subject: History Topic Indus valley civilisation
Value of chapter: Society during Ancient time
Workbook Question Answers
Q1) Choose the appropriate answer.
a) Which of these is an essential characteristic of a civilized society?
iv) All of the above
b) What is the period of the River Valley Civilizations known as?
i) Bronze age
c) Which of the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization is located in present-day Pakistan?
III) Harappa
d) Which of the civilizations had trade relations with the Indus Valley people?
i) Mesopotamian
Podar International School
Std. VI Subject: History Topic Indus valley civilisation
Value of chapter: Society during Ancient time
1. State whether the following statement is true or false. Correct the false
statement and rewrite.
a) During the period of the Riverine Civilizations, cultivation of crops was not
practiced by the people. False
During the period of the Riverine Civilizations, cultivation of crops was
practiced by the people.
b) Animism involves worship of humans. False
Animism means worshipping animals, trees and stones believing that they
possess spirit or soul.
c) The Indus Valley seals have animal motifs, different signs and symbols on it.
True
d) The Harappan people paid great attention to health and cleanliness.
True
2. Give reasons
a) The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro reveals the architectural development of
the Indus Valley people.
Ans. The tank itself measured 39 feet long, 23 feet broad and about 8 feet
deep. It was constructed with bricks, coated with plaster and a layer of natural
tar that made it water-tight. There were steps at either end leading down to
the bath. Rooms were constructed on sides for changing clothes. Water was
probably drawn from a well to fi ll the bath. There were provisions made to
drain out used water. It is believed that the Great Bath was intended used for
religious ceremonies.
b) Harappan cities demonstrate a good sense of civil planning and organization.
Ans. The city was divided into two parts namely the Citadel and the Lower
Town. Each part was surrounded by walls of baked bricks. The Citadel
accommodated significant civic and religious public buildings such as Great
Bath, residences of the ruling classes, etc. The Lower Town had a larger
residential area and was meant for the common people. The
houses were arranged in a grid pattern with streets cutting across one
another almost at right angles. The city was divided into many rectangular
blocks. The main roads were very wide. The discovery of wooden fossils
indicates that probably lamp posts were installed on the roads.
3. Answer the following questions in brief:
a) Describe the economic conditions of the Indus valley people.
• The Indus people cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, legumes, rice, etc.
No ploughshare has been discovered but furrows discovered at Kalibangan
indicate that fields were ploughed.
• Buffaloes, oxen, sheep, goat, were some of the animals domesticated by the
people of Indus valley.
• The importance of trade in the life of the Indus people is supported by the
number of seals, weights, measures, granaries and uniform script found at
Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and Lothal.
The Harappans had trade relations with Afghanistan and Iran. Harappan seals
have been discovered in Mesopotamia.
• Tin, silver and gold were brought from Afghanistan.
• They did not use metal money and perhaps carried exchanges
through barter system. Tin, silver and gold were brought from
Afghanistan.
b) Why did the Indus Valley Civilization develop on the banks of river Indus?
Ans. The Ancient Civilizations grew near the river banks. River
banks were used for fishing and hunting as the wild animals used to
come to river banks to drink water. People got the opportunity to do
jobs other than farming. Rivers were used for irrigation and
Transportation became easier
c) Dholavira is an important Indus valley site in India. Justify the statement.
Ans. Dholavira was situated on Khadirbeyt, an island in the Rann of Kutch in
Gujarat, where fertile soil and fresh water was available. Unlike other cities of
Harappa which were separated into two parts, Dholavira was separated into
three parts. Massive stone walls surrounded each part, with entrances through
gateways. A large open area in the settlement indicates that public ceremonies
were held there. Large letters of the Indus script were some of the other findings.
These were carved out of white stone and probably inlaid in wood. This is a
unique discovery because usually Harappan writing has found on various small
objects such as seals.
4. Observe the picture and write one feature under each.
1. Indus Valley Pottery
Ans. They were chiefly made of wheel bright or dark red in color and well baked.
2. Ornaments worn by the Harappan people
Ans. Ornaments such as necklaces, armlets, fillets, finger-rings and bangles were worn by
both men and women; whereas nose studs, girdles, anklets and ear-rings by women alone.
3. Indus Valley seals and script
Ans. They had animal motifs, different signs and symbols on it.
