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CBSE Class 6 Social Science Important Questions Chapter 6 - The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

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CBSE Social Science Class 6 Chapter 6 Important Questions - FREE PDF

In Chapter 6 of the Class 6 Social Science Syllabus: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation, students will learn about how the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation started. This chapter explains how early people formed cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, using clever town planning and water management. It also looks at how farming, trade, and different crafts helped these cities grow. 


Vedantu provides the FREE PDF for Class 6 Social Science Important Questions to help with your revision and understanding of this chapter. These questions and answers are prepared by subject matter experts who hold years of experience in dealing with the CBSE curriculum. You can FREE Download the PDF today for easy access anywhere, anytime as you need and get started on your exam prep.

Access Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 - The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

1. What is a civilisation?
Ans: A civilisation is an advanced stage of human society, with features like government, cities, writing, trade, crafts, and farming.


2. What was the first city of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation to be discovered?
Ans: Harappa was the first city of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation to be discovered in 1920-21.


3. Why is the Sarasvatī River important to this civilisation?
Ans: The Sarasvatī River, now dry, once flowed through the region and supported the growth of towns and cities.


4. What is the ‘Great Bath’ in Mohenjo-daro?
Ans: The 'Great Bath' in Mohenjo-daro is a large tank that may have been used for religious ceremonies or by the rulers.


5. How did the Harappans manage water?
Ans: The Harappans had advanced systems for managing water, with wells, reservoirs, and drainage systems to keep their cities clean.


6. What are some key features of a civilisation?
Ans: A civilisation usually includes:

  • A government or administration

  • Cities with proper planning

  • Writing systems

  • Crafts and trade

  • Farming to support the population

  • Cultural expressions like art and architecture.
    These features help a society develop and grow in a structured way.


7. How were Harappan cities designed?
Ans: Harappan cities were carefully designed with wide streets, planned drainage systems, and separate areas for the elite and common people. The buildings were made of bricks, and some cities had large public structures, like warehouses and baths.


8. What role did trade play in the Harappan civilisation?
Ans: Trade was important for the Harappans. They traded with other cities and civilisations, exporting goods like cotton, beads, and ornaments. They imported materials like copper and used land and sea routes for long-distance trade.


9. Why is the term 'Indus Valley Civilisation' not used as much now?
Ans: The term 'Indus Valley Civilisation' is not used much anymore because the civilisation extended beyond the Indus Valley into areas like the Sarasvatī River region.


10. What crops did the Harappans grow?
Ans: The Harappans grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, pulses, and cotton. They also practised farming near rivers, which provided water and fertile soil.


11. How did the Harappans manage water and cleanliness in their cities?
Ans: The Harappans had excellent water management systems. They built wells in cities like Mohenjo-daro and used ponds and reservoirs in other areas. For example, Dholavira had large reservoirs to store water. The cities had drainage systems, where water from homes was carried away through underground drains. This kept their cities clean and well-organised. The advanced water management shows how important cleanliness and order were to their civilisation.


12. How did the Harappans excel in crafts and trade?
Ans: The Harappans were skilled in making beads from materials like carnelian and crafting shell bangles. They worked with copper and bronze to make tools and ornaments. They traded goods with nearby cities and distant lands, using both land routes and sea routes. Lothal, in Gujarat, had a large dockyard for trade by sea. The Harappans used seals to mark their goods, showing their organised system of trade.


13. What was the purpose of the ‘Great Bath’ at Mohenjo-daro, and what are the theories about its use?
Ans: The 'Great Bath' at Mohenjo-daro was a large tank surrounded by small rooms. It had a system to drain and refill water. Some archaeologists think it was used for religious ceremonies, while others suggest it was for the royal family only. It is no longer believed to be a public bath, as most houses had private bathrooms. The exact purpose is still debated.


14. What led to the decline of the Harappan civilisation?
Ans: The decline of the Harappan civilisation around 1900 BCE was likely caused by environmental changes. One key factor was a climate change that reduced rainfall, making farming difficult. Another factor was the drying up of the Sarasvatī River, which caused cities along its banks to be abandoned. There is no evidence of warfare or invasion, so it appears the decline was peaceful but caused by natural changes.


15. How did the Harappan civilisation influence later Indian civilisations?
Ans: Even though the Harappan cities were abandoned, many aspects of their culture, like urban planning, water management, and craft techniques, survived. These ideas were passed on to later civilisations in India. Their advancements in trade, farming, and crafting helped shape the development of future societies. The Harappans also left behind cultural symbols, such as the swastika, which are still used today.


16. Why is urban planning an important feature of a civilisation?
Ans: Urban planning is important because it ensures that cities function smoothly. It includes designing roads, drainage systems, and housing in a way that supports daily life. In the Harappan civilisation, good planning helped manage water supply and cleanliness, which made their cities organised and healthy places to live.


17. How did the geography of the Indus-Sarasvatī region help the growth of civilisation?
Ans: The fertile plains of the Indus and Sarasvatī rivers provided ideal conditions for farming, which supported the growth of villages into towns and cities. The rivers also made trade easier and provided water for drinking and farming. The geography of the region helped the Harappans create a stable and prosperous civilisation.


18. Why do archaeologists think the Harappan civilisation was peaceful?
Ans: Archaeologists believe the Harappan civilisation was peaceful because there is no evidence of large-scale warfare or the presence of weapons. The cities were well-planned for trade and daily life, not for defence. The lack of fortifications designed for war and the absence of destruction from invasion suggest that the Harappans focused on peaceful activities like farming, trade, and crafts.


19. How do animal bones and food remains help us learn about Harappan diets?
Ans: The discovery of animal bones and food remains, like traces of spices in pots, helps us understand what the Harappans ate. These remains show that they ate a variety of foods, including meat, fish, dairy products, and plants. The presence of spices like turmeric and ginger suggests that their diet was both diverse and flavourful.


20. Why did the drying up of the Sarasvatī River affect the Harappan civilisation?
Ans: The Sarasvatī River was important for farming and water supply in many Harappan cities. When the river dried up, cities like Kalibangan had to be abandoned because they could no longer get enough water for farming and daily use. The loss of such an important resource contributed to the decline of the civilisation.


21. What materials did the Harappans use to build their cities?
Ans: The Harappans used baked bricks, stones, and mud to build their cities. In cities like Dholavira, stones were used for the foundations of buildings.


22. How did the Harappans keep their cities clean?
Ans: The Harappans had underground drainage systems that carried waste water away from homes and streets, keeping their cities clean and well-organised.


23. What were Harappan seals used for?
Ans: Harappan seals, often made of steatite, were likely used to mark goods and identify traders. The seals had animal figures and writing, which suggest they were important in trade.


24. What did Harappans use to make jewellery?
Ans: Harappans made jewellery from materials like carnelian, shells, and metals like copper and bronze. They crafted beads and bangles, using advanced techniques for drilling and shaping.


25. How do we know the Harappans practised agriculture?
Ans: Archaeologists have found remains of crops like wheat, barley, and cotton, as well as farming tools like ploughs. These discoveries show that agriculture was a key part of Harappan life.


5 Important Topics of Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6 - Beginnings of Indian Civilisations

S. No

Important Topics

1

Town Planning in the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation

2

Water Management and Drainage Systems

3

Agriculture and Food Production

4

Trade and Crafts of the Harappans

5

Causes of the Decline of the Harappan Civilisation


Benefits of Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6

  • The FREE PDF includes important questions about the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation, covering topics like town planning, agriculture, and trade, giving students a clear understanding of ancient Indian society.

  • This PDF explains the early features of Indian civilisation, helping students connect the origins of India’s culture and technology with its current advancements.

  • Students can understand the significance of the Indus-Sarasvati cities, including Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, which provides context to the development of organised urban societies.

  • Vedantu’s experts ensure all questions meet CBSE standards, focusing on key details that help students prepare thoroughly for exams.

  • The PDF’s accessible format lets students study anytime, providing flexibility and ease in exam preparation without any extra costs.

  • Regular practice with these questions improves students’ ability to structure answers, building their confidence to handle related exam questions.

  • The questions highlight unique features of the Harappan civilisation, such as water management, crafts, and social organisation, giving a deeper insight into the early advancements in Indian history.


Conclusion:

This chapter, The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation, looks at how early settlements grew into one of the world's oldest civilisations. It covers important areas like town planning, agriculture, trade, and water management in the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation. Learning about these early developments helps us understand how Indian society first began to take shape. Vedantu's Important Questions for this chapter will help students revise key topics and understand them better. Download the PDF for useful questions to support your study.


Additional Study Material for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6


Chapter-wise Important Questions Links for Class 6 Social Science

S. No

Class 6 Social Science Chapter-wise Important Questions

1

Chapter 1 - Locating Places on Earth Important Questions

2

Chapter 2 - Oceans and Continents Important Questions

3

Chapter 3 - Landforms and Life Important Questions

4

Chapter 4 - Timeline and Sources of History Important Questions

5

Chapter 5 - India, That Is Bharat Important Questions

6

Chapter 7 - India's Cultural Roots Important Questions

7

Chapter 8 - Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One' Important Questions

8

Chapter 9 - Family and Community Important Questions

9

Chapter 10 - Grassroots Democracy - Part 1: Governance Important Questions

10

Chapter 11 - Grassroots Democracy - Part 2: Local Government in Rural Areas Important Questions

11

Chapter 12 - Grassroots Democracy - Part 3: Local Government in Urban Areas Important Questions

12

Chapter 13 - The Value of Work Important Questions

13

Chapter 14 - Economic Activities Around Us Important Questions


Important Study Materials for Class 6 Social Science

FAQs on CBSE Class 6 Social Science Important Questions Chapter 6 - The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

1. What is the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

The Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the world’s earliest civilisations. It flourished around 2600-1900 BCE in present-day India and Pakistan. Students can find more information and related important questions in the Class 6 Social Science Important Questions PDF for Chapter 6 on Vedantu.

2. Why is the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation called the 'First Urbanisation of India' in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

It is called the 'First Urbanisation' because it was the first known period in Indian history when large cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro developed. The Vedantu Important Questions PDF for this chapter provides more insights into the rise of cities during this time.

3. What were the key features of town planning in the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation in Chapter 6 of Class 6 Social Science?

The Harappans were known for their advanced town planning. Cities were built with wide streets, drainage systems, and buildings made of bricks. More detailed questions about these features are included in Vedantu’s important questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6.

4. How did the Harappans manage water and sanitation, as covered in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

The Harappans had well-planned drainage systems and water management techniques, including reservoirs and wells. This topic is further explored in Vedantu’s Important Questions for Chapter 6 of Class 6 Social Science.

5. What kind of agriculture was practised in the Harappan Civilisation, according to Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

The Harappans practised agriculture, growing crops like wheat, barley, and cotton. They also domesticated animals. Students can refer to the Vedantu Important Questions PDF for more details.

6. How did trade influence the Harappan Civilisation as explained in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

The Harappans engaged in trade with neighbouring regions and distant lands. They traded beads, ornaments, and other goods, which were significant for their economy. Vedantu's important questions provide more on this aspect of the civilisation.

7. What kind of crafts were made by the Harappans in Chapter 6 of Class 6 Social Science?

Harappans were skilled in crafts like bead-making, pottery, and metallurgy. Craft-related activities played a key role in their culture, and this is explained in more detail in the important questions by Vedantu.

8. What led to the decline of the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

A combination of factors, including climate change, reduced rainfall, and the drying up of the Sarasvati River, likely led to the decline of this civilisation. Vedantu’s Important Questions PDF for Chapter 6 offers more insights into this.

9. Why are Harappan cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa important in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

These cities were the first major archaeological discoveries that provided significant evidence of an advanced civilisation in ancient India. Learn more about their importance through Vedantu’s chapter-wise important questions for Class 6 Social Science.

10. What were Harappan seals, and what do they tell us about the civilisation in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

Harappan seals were small, engraved objects used for trade and identification. They often featured animals and symbols, the meanings of which are still being studied. These are covered in the Vedantu Important Questions for this chapter.

11. How was Harappan society organised in Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6?

The Harappan society was likely divided into different classes, with the elite living in upper parts of cities. Explore more about their social structure in Vedantu’s important questions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 6.