Class 6 Social Science - ICSE-HISTORY-CIVICS
The Indus Valley Civilisation
This chapter explores the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world's oldest urban cultures, which flourished along the River Indus around 2500 BCE. Students learn about its remarkable town planning, multi-storied brick houses, advanced underground drainage systems, and the Great Bath of Mohenjodaro. The chapter also covers the daily life, occupations, arts and crafts, seals, and the mysterious script of the Harappans. Understanding this civilisation is crucial for ICSE History & Civics exams as it forms the foundation of ancient Indian history, frequently featuring in map-pointing and structured descriptive questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Town Planning
The cities were meticulously planned in a grid system, divided into a raised citadel for public buildings and a lower town for residential areas.
Drainage System
Houses had covered drains connected to main street drains, showing an advanced understanding of public health and sanitation.
The Great Bath
A large rectangular tank found in Mohenjodaro, likely used for ritual bathing during religious festivals or public occasions.
Seals and Trade
Steatite seals featuring animal motifs and an undeciphered pictographic script were used for trade and stamping goods.
Decline of the Civilisation
The civilisation declined around 1500 BCE due to possible reasons like floods, earthquakes, drying up of rivers, or Aryan invasions.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ICSE History & Civics Class 6 examinations, this chapter typically carries about 8 to 12 marks. Questions commonly include identifying features from pictures (like the Great Bath or seals), map-pointing of major sites like Harappa and Mohenjodaro, and short descriptive answers about town planning and drainage systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Indus Valley Civilisation also called the Harappan Civilisation?
It is called the Harappan Civilisation because Harappa was the very first site to be discovered and excavated in 1921.
Was the script of the Indus Valley people deciphered?
No, the pictographic script found on seals and pottery has not been deciphered by historians and archaeologists yet.
What were the main occupations of the people in the Indus Valley Civilisation?
The main occupations included agriculture, animal rearing, trade, pottery making, metalworking, and weaving.
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