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Memorysclub / NCERT Solutions / NCERT Solutions for Class 12 / NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History / NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter Chapter 1 Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilization

NCERT Solutions ​​for Beads and Bones

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

The Harappan civilization flourished in the Indus River Valley in what is now Pakistan and northwest India from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. While we have limited knowledge of their written language, archaeological evidence suggests that the people of Harappan cities had a diverse diet. Some of the food items available to them included:

  • Wheat and barley: These grains were likely grown by farmers in the region.
  • Rice: Rice may have been imported from the East.
  • Lentils and other legumes: These were likely grown locally.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Archaeological evidence suggests that Harappan cities had a variety of fruits and vegetables available, including melons, grapes, figs, dates, onions, and radishes.
  • Meat: Archaeological evidence suggests that the people of Harappan cities consumed beef, mutton, and pork.
  • Seafood: Fish and shellfish were likely consumed by people living near the coast.
  • Dairy products: Milk, butter, and cheese were likely produced by local pastoralists.
  • Honey: Bees were likely kept for honey production.

It is difficult to identify specific groups that would have provided these food items, as different people would have been involved in different aspects of food production and distribution. However, we can make some generalizations. Farmers would have been responsible for growing grains and legumes. Pastoralists would have been responsible for producing dairy products. Fishermen would have been responsible for catching seafood. And beekeepers would have been responsible for producing honey.

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

a) Archaeologists use various methods to trace socio-economic differences in Harappan society. Some of these methods include:

  • Examination of burial practices: Archaeologists examine burial practices to determine whether there were different burial customs for different social classes. For example, elite members of society may have been buried with more elaborate grave goods or in more prominent locations within burial grounds.
  • Analysis of artefacts: Archaeologists analyze the artefacts found at Harappan sites to determine whether there were differences in the quality, style, and quantity of objects used by different social groups. For example, elite members of society may have had access to more luxurious and exotic goods, while commoners may have had more utilitarian items.
  • Examination of architecture: Archaeologists examine the architecture of buildings and public spaces to determine whether there were differences in the size, style, and complexity of structures used by different social classes. For example, elite members of society may have lived in larger, more complex buildings than commoners.
  • Analysis of food remains: Archaeologists analyze food remains to determine whether there were differences in the types and quality of food consumed by different social classes. For example, elite members of society may have had access to a wider variety of foods and more luxurious foods, while commoners may have had a more limited diet.

b) Based on these methods, archaeologists have noted several differences in Harappan society, including:

  • Differences in burial practices: Elite members of society were often buried in more elaborate graves with more extensive grave goods than commoners.
  • Differences in material culture: Elite members of society had access to more luxurious and exotic goods than commoners, as evidenced by the artefacts found at Harappan sites.
  • Differences in architecture: Elite members of society lived in larger, more complex buildings than commoners, as evidenced by the layout of Harappan cities.
  • Differences in diet: Elite members of society had access to a wider variety of foods and more luxurious foods than commoners, as evidenced by the analysis of food remains at Harappan sites.
class 12 history,brick beads and bones Screenshot 2023 04 07 155533

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

Yes, I agree with the drainage system in the Harappan cities indicates the town planning of Indus Valley civilizations. I give to write an answer to the following statement. 

With regard to the drainage system in Harappan cities, it is generally accepted by historians and archaeologists that the existence of such a system indicates a high level of town planning. The drainage system in Harappan cities was well-developed and sophisticated, consisting of covered drains, manholes, and soak pits.

 

  • The Mohenjo-Daro city is divided into two sections, one smaller but located in a higher place and the other much larger but located in a lower place. Example city – Dholavira, Lothal 
  • Moreover, the location and layout of the drains also indicate that the Harappans had a clear understanding of urban planning. The streets in the cities were laid out in a grid pattern, with the drains running parallel to the streets. This suggests that the drainage system was integrated into the overall urban design and was not an afterthought.
  • The Harappans were able to build an efficient drainage system that prevented flooding and helped maintain public health, which suggests that they had a well-organized society with specialized labour and centralized authority.

in conclusion, the drainage system in Harappan cities is a clear indicator of town planning. The sophistication and efficiency of the system suggest that the Harappans had a well-organized society with specialized labour and centralized authority. The integration of the drainage system into the overall urban design also suggests that the Harappans had a clear understanding of urban planning.

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

The Harappan civilization is known for its exquisite bead-making art, and the people of the civilization used a wide range of materials to make beads, including: 

  1. Carnelian
  2. Jasper
  3. Crystal
  4. Quartz
  5. Steatite (soapstone)
  6. Carnelian
  7. Agate
  8. Faience
  9. Gold
  10. Silver
  11. Copper
  12. Shell
  13. Terracotta
  14. Burnt clay

Techniques for making beads differed according to the material. Steatite, a very soft stone, was easily worked. Some beads were Module out of a paste made with steatite powder. Here is a description of the process by which steatite beads were made: 

  1. Selection of Raw Material: The first step was to select the raw material, which was usually a block of steatite. The block was chosen based on its Color, texture, and quality.
  2. Shaping and Drilling: This permitted making a variety of shapes, unlike the geometrical forms made out of harder stones.
  3. Smoothening and Polishing: Once the rough shape was achieved, the bead was then smoothened using sandstone, and polishing was done using fine-grit sandpaper or a leather pad.
  4. Engraving and Decoration: Some steatite beads were also engraved with designs or motifs using sharp stone tools, and some were decorated with a black pigment made from manganese or charcoal.
  5. Final Inspection: The final step was to inspect the bead for any defects or flaws and discard any imperfect ones.

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 artefacts on the body? Do these indicate the sex of the skeleton?

The following observations can be obtained after looking at the figure: 

  1. The body has been placed from the North to south direction. 
  2. There are several objects placed near the body, including a pot, a small bowl, pottery and ornaments which include a jar.
  3. Yes, she wears a bangle in her hand.
  4. Yes, it is  indicates the the body of a woman.

6. Describe some of the distinctive features of Mohenjo-Daro. 

Mohenjo-Daro, which means “Mound of the Dead,” is an ancient city that was part of the Indus Valley Civilization. The city is located in present-day Pakistan and was one of the largest and most advanced cities of its time. Some of the distinctive features of Mohenjo-Daro are:

  1. Planned City: The settlement is divided into two sections, one smaller but higher and the other much larger but lower. The Citadel owes its height to the fact that buildings were constructed on mud-brick platforms. It was called, which meant that it was physically separated from the Lower Town.
  2. Advanced Drainage System: The drainage system of Mohenjo-Daro was advanced for its time, with covered drains that were connected to public soak pits. The drainage system prevented flooding and helped maintain public health.
  3. Advanced Drainage System: The drainage system of Mohenjo-Daro was advanced for its time, with covered drains that were connected to public soak pits. The drainage system prevented flooding and helped maintain public health.
  4. Advanced Technology: Mohenjo-Daro was known for its advanced technology, including the use of kiln-fired bricks, which were used to construct buildings and drainage systems. The city also had a system of weights and measures, and evidence suggests that they had a written language.
  5. Art and Craftsmanship: The people of Mohenjo-Daro were skilled artisans, as evidenced by the intricate designs on pottery, figurines, and Jewellery found at the site. They used a variety of materials, including steatite, agate, and carnelian, to create beads and other decorative items.

Overall, Mohenjo-Daro was an advanced and sophisticated city, with a well-planned layout, advanced technology, and skilled artisans. The city’s advanced drainage system, large public buildings, and evidence of a written language indicate a highly organized and centralized society. 

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

The Harappan Civilization was known for its highly skilled craft production, which included pottery, bead-making, metalworking, and weaving. The raw materials required for these crafts were obtained through a variety of means. Here is a list of raw materials required for craft production in the Harappan Civilization and how they might have been obtained: 

a) required for craft production in the Harappan Civilization

  1. Stones like carnelian, jasper, crystal, quartz and steatite
  2. Metals like copper, bronze and gold.
  3. Shell, faience and terracotta, or burnt clay.

b) they established settlements such as Nageshwar and Balakot in areas where the shell was available. Other such sites were Shortughai, in far-off Afghanistan, near the best source of lapis lazuli, a blue stone. 

  1. Another way for procuring raw materials may have been to send expeditions to areas such as the Khetri region of Rajasthan (for copper) and south India (for gold).
  2. There is evidence in the Khetri area of what archaeologists call the Ganeshwar-Jodhpura culture, with its distinctive non-Harappan pottery and an unusual wealth of copper objects.

8. Discuss, how archaeologists reconstruct the past. 

Archaeologists use a combination of scientific methods and tools to reconstruct the past. Here are some of the techniques and approaches commonly used by archaeologists:

  1. Excavation: Archaeologists excavate sites to uncover artefacts, structures, and other evidence of past human activity. This involves carefully removing layers of soil and sediment to reveal the different layers of history. The excavation also allows archaeologists to collect samples for analysis, such as soil samples for pollen analysis or bone samples for radiocarbon dating.
  2. Analysis of artefacts: Once artefacts are recovered, archaeologists analyze them to learn more about the people who made and used them. This includes studying the materials used, such as the type of stone or metal, the manufacturing techniques used, and the styles and designs of the objects.
  3. Radiocarbon dating: This is a technique used to determine the age of organic materials, such as bone or wood. The method is based on the fact that carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, decays over time at a predictable rate. By measuring the amount of carbon-14 left in a sample, archaeologists can determine how long ago the organism died.
  4. Radiocarbon dating: This is a technique used to determine the age of organic materials, such as bone or wood. The method is based on the fact that carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, decays over time at a predictable rate. By measuring the amount of carbon-14 left in a sample, archaeologists can determine how long ago the organism died.
  5. Analysis of animal bones: Archaeologists often study animal bones found at a site to learn more about the diet and lifestyle of the people who lived there. By examining the bones, they can determine what types of animals were hunted or domesticated, and what the people ate.
  6. Analysis of animal bones: Archaeologists often study animal bones found at a site to learn more about the diet and lifestyle of the people who lived there. By examining the bones, they can determine what types of animals were hunted or domesticated, and what the people ate.
Overall, archaeologists use a variety of techniques and methods to reconstruct the past, and their work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists from other fields, such as geology, chemistry, and biology.

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

The Harappan civilization, which flourished from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE, was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time. Although much remains unknown about Harappan society, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a sophisticated urban civilization with a complex social hierarchy. Here are some of the functions that rulers in Harappan society may have performed: 

  1. Political leadership: Rulers in Harappan society were likely responsible for overseeing the political administration of the city-state. This may have included making decisions about trade, diplomacy, and warfare.
  2. Economic management: The rulers may have played an important role in managing the economy of the city-state. This could have included overseeing the production and distribution of goods, as well as managing the trade networks that connected Harappan cities with other parts of the world.
  3. Religious authority: Religion was an important part of Harappan society, and rulers may have played a role in overseeing the religious rituals and ceremonies of the city-state. This could have included performing religious duties themselves or appointing religious officials to carry out these duties.
  4. Legal authority: The rulers may have been responsible for enforcing the law and settling disputes within the city-state. This could have included acting as judges or appointing officials to serve as judges.
  5. Military leadership: In times of war, rulers may have led the armies of the city-state into battle. They may have also been responsible for overseeing the training and organization of the military.
  6. Public works: The rulers may have been responsible for overseeing the construction and maintenance of public works, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.

Overall, rulers in Harappan society likely performed a wide range of functions, and their role in society would have been complex and multifaceted. As with many ancient civilizations, much of our understanding of the role of rulers in Harappan society is based on archaeological evidence, and there is still much that remains unknown about this fascinating civilization.

12th Class History MCQ Questions

Q1.From where did Harappans get gold? 

(a) South India
(b) Central India
(c) Himalayan Region
(d) Chotta Nagpur region

Q2. Consider the following statement:

1. After independence, most of the Harappan civilization centres went over to Pakistan.
2. The Harappan script has been deciphered.
3. Rulers had an important role in Harappan civilization.
4. Dead were buried in Harappa.
Which of the above is correct statement?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

3. Identify the sculpture and choose the correct answer

Priest King of Harappans Civilizations

(a) Priest King
(b) Mother Goddess
(c) God Shiva
(d) Others

Q4. Which of these was the source of copper for Harappans?

(a) Karnataka
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Gujarat

Q5. Who was the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India

(a) Alexander Cunningham
(b) John Marshall
(c) George Everest
(d) James Princep
Answer (a) Alexander Cunningham

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More – NCERT Solution for Class 12th  Chapter 2