Class 12 History Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones – The Harappan Civilization

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 History Chapter 1 Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation

1. List the items of food available to people in Harappan cities. Identify the groups who would have provided these.

Answer: The people of Harappan cities had a diverse diet consisting of various food items. These included:

• Grains: Wheat, barley, rice, and pulses
• Fruits: Dates, mangoes, and melons
• Vegetables: Beans, peas, and other cultivated plants
• Animal Products: Fish, meat, milk, and eggs

The groups who would have provided these foods included farmers for grains, fishermen for fish, herders for animal products, and local artisans for fruits and vegetables. These items were sourced from the surrounding regions and cultivated in organized agricultural settlements.

2. How do archaeologists trace socio-economic differences in Harappan society? What are the differences that they notice?

Answer:

(a) Archaeologists trace socio-economic differences in Harappan society through:

• Burial Practices: Variations in the treatment of the dead, including the presence of goods like pottery, ornaments, and even copper mirrors in some graves, indicate social stratification.
• Luxury Items: The presence of luxury goods like faience, lapis lazuli, and gold suggests a disparity between the elite and common people.

(b) The differences observed in socio-economic conditions include:

• Burials: Some burials contained valuable items like jewelry and pottery, while others had only basic tools and pottery.
• Artifacts: Items like copper mirrors and jewelry were found in the graves of wealthier individuals, indicating their higher status. Conversely, more utilitarian items, like clay pottery, were found in commoner graves.

3. Would you agree that the drainage system in Harappan cities indicates town planning? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: Yes, the drainage system in Harappan cities reflects a well-thought-out town planning process. Several key features support this:

• Drainage Layout: The drains were systematically planned and constructed before houses, with streets laid out in a grid pattern. Each house had a drain for wastewater, showing a high level of sanitation planning.
• Standardized Construction: The use of standardized bricks in the construction of buildings and drains indicates deliberate planning.
• Strategic Location: Settlements were built on elevated platforms to prevent flooding, and the drainage systems were designed to channel waste away from homes and public spaces efficiently.

4. List the materials used to make beads in the Harappan Civilization. Describe the process by which any one kind of bead was made.

Answer:

Materials used to make beads in the Harappan Civilization included:

• Stones: Carnelian, jasper, quartz, and steatite
• Metals: Copper and gold
• Other Materials: Shell, faience, and terracotta

Process of Making Beads:

Carnelian Beads: To make carnelian beads, the raw material was heated to a high temperature to bring out its red color. The beads were shaped by chipping and polishing the stone. They were then drilled to create holes for stringing. The artisans at centers like Chanhudaro and Lothal specialized in drilling techniques to craft fine beads.

5. Look at figure 1.30 (See NCERT page-26) and describe what you see. How is the body placed? What are the objects placed near it? Are there any artifacts on the body? Do these indicate the sex of the skeleton?

Answer:

The body is placed in a north-south direction within a pit.

Objects near the body include pottery and ornaments, such as a jar.

Artifacts on the body include jewelry, such as bangles, indicating the person’s social status.

Based on the presence of jewelry and the overall arrangement of the grave, it is likely that this is the body of a woman. The findings suggest social distinctions, with women possibly being buried with ornaments as symbols of their status.

6. Describe some of the distinctive features of Mohenjodaro.

Answer: Mohenjodaro was a highly planned city with several key features:

• Citadel and Lower Town: The city was divided into two parts: the citadel, built on a raised platform, and the lower town, which was larger. The citadel had important public structures, including the Great Bath and granaries.
• Drainage System: The city’s streets were laid out in a grid pattern, and all buildings had access to a drainage system. This reflects advanced urban planning for hygiene and waste management.
• Standardized Bricks: The city used uniformly sized bricks in construction, which were made from baked clay and had specific dimensions.
• Public and Private Spaces: The city included large public buildings, and residential buildings were well-planned with courtyards and efficient ventilation.

7. List the raw materials required for craft production in the Harappan Civilization and discuss how these might have been obtained.

Answer:

The raw materials required for craft production included:

• Stones: Carnelian, jasper, quartz, and steatite
• Metals: Copper, bronze, and gold
• Other Materials: Shell, faience, terracotta, and burnt clay

How These Materials Were Obtained:

• Shell: Shells were collected from coastal settlements like Nageshwar and Balakot.
• Lapis Lazuli: Obtained from regions like Afghanistan (Shortughai).
• Copper: Sourced from Khetri in Rajasthan and Oman.
• Gold: Traded with regions in South India and other far-off places.

8. Discuss how archaeologists reconstruct the past.

Answer: Archaeologists reconstruct the past by examining various remains and artifacts:

• Excavation of Sites: Excavating settlements, graves, and buildings to uncover tools, pottery, seals, and other items.
• Human Remains: Analyzing bones, skulls, and other human remains to understand health, diet, and burial practices.
• Artifacts: Studying artifacts such as tools, ornaments, and pottery helps archaeologists understand daily life, craftsmanship, and social structure.
• Botanical and Zoological Evidence: Archaeologists work with botanists and zoologists to identify plant and animal remains, providing insights into agriculture, trade, and diet.
• Seals and Inscriptions: The analysis of seals and inscriptions helps reconstruct religious and cultural practices.

9. Discuss the functions that may have been performed by rulers in Harappan society.

Answer: The role of rulers in Harappan society is debated. While some believe there were no central rulers, others suggest multiple rulers. The most likely scenario is that the society had several leaders responsible for:

• Urban Planning: Ensuring the construction of roads, drainage systems, and public buildings like granaries and warehouses.
• Economy: Managing agriculture, craft production, and trade. Rulers may have incentivized farmers and craftsmen to ensure economic prosperity.
• Welfare: Providing for the people during times of calamity and managing public welfare programs.
• Trade: Overseeing internal and external trade, including the exchange of goods like metals, beads, and textiles.