🏙️ Planned Cities

Harappan cities were carefully planned. Many had straight roads, houses, drainage systems, wells and special areas for different activities.

1. When and where did the Harappan civilisation develop?

Solution: It developed in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent more than 4,000 years ago.

2. What were the main features of Harappan cities?

Solution: They had planned streets, houses, drainage systems, wells and carefully organised areas.

3. What were some of the occupations of Harappan people?

Solution: Farming, pottery, metalworking, bead making, trading and other crafts.

4. What do seals tell us about the Harappan civilisation?

Solution: They provide information about animals, symbols, crafts and possible trade activities.

Why is the term “Indus Valley civilisation” sometimes considered misleading?

Solution: Because Harappan settlements were spread over a much larger area than only the Indus Valley.

1. What are the main features of the Harappan civilisation that indicate that it was a well-organised society?

Solution: Planned cities, drainage, water management, specialised crafts and organised settlements show that it was well organised.

2. What are some of the crafts and occupations of the Harappans?

Solution: Pottery, bead making, metalworking, farming, trading and other crafts.

3. How did the Harappans manage water?

Solution: They used wells, reservoirs, drains and carefully planned water-storage systems.

4. What do we learn from the seals and other objects found at Harappan sites?

Solution: They help us understand Harappan art, crafts, animals, symbols and trade.

5. Why do you think the Harappans built their cities with such careful planning?

Solution: Careful planning helped people live comfortably and manage roads, houses, drainage and water.

6. What can we learn about Harappan food from archaeological remains?

Solution: Archaeological remains show that people used grains, fruits, vegetables and other foods.

7. What similarities and differences do you notice between a Harappan kitchen and a modern kitchen?

Solution: Both had places for preparing food, but the tools and cooking methods were different.

8. What questions would you like to ask about the Harappan civilisation?

Solution: I would like to know more about their language, daily life, beliefs and how their cities were governed.

• Harappan civilisation was an early urban civilisation.
• Its cities were carefully planned.
• People followed many occupations and crafts.
• Seals provide important clues about Harappan life.
• Dholavira was famous for its water-management system.
• Harappan settlements covered a large geographical area.