1. The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world.
  2. It is also referred to as the Harappan Civilization, named after the site Harappa.
  3. Harappa was the first site of the Indus Valley Civilization, discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni.
  4. Mohenjo-Daro was discovered a year later, in 1922, by R.D. Banerjee.
  5. Both cities are located in present-day Pakistan – Harappa in Punjab and Mohenjo-Daro in Sindh.
  6. The two cities are examples of planned urban settlements with exceptional town planning.
  7. The layout of both cities followed a grid pattern, with streets crossing each other at right angles.
  8. Mohenjo-Daro means "Mound of the Dead" in Sindhi.
  9. The cities were divided into two parts: the Citadel (upper part) and the Lower Town (residential area).
  10. The Citadel housed important structures like the Great Bath and Granaries.
  11. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is a large, rectangular water structure likely used for ritual bathing.
  12. The Great Granary at Harappa was used for storing food grains.
  13. Both cities had an advanced drainage system with covered drains and connected sewerage lines.
  14. Houses were constructed using baked bricks of standardized sizes.
  15. Each house had bathrooms and wells for water supply, showing the importance of sanitation.
  16. The Harappans were skilled in metallurgy, using copper, bronze, gold, and silver.
  17. Evidence of crafts such as pottery, bead-making, and seal production has been found.
  18. The famous "Dancing Girl" statue, a bronze figurine, was discovered at Mohenjo-Daro.
  19. The "Priest-King" statue, made of steatite, represents the artistic excellence of the Harappans.
  20. Harappan seals, often made of steatite, depict animals, such as the unicorn, bull, and tiger.
  21. The script used by the Harappans remains undeciphered and consists of pictographic symbols.
  22. Evidence of cotton cultivation at Harappa makes the Harappans the earliest users of cotton.
  23. The economy of the Harappan Civilization relied on agriculture and trade.
  24. Main crops included wheat, barley, sesame, and peas.
  25. Both cities engaged in long-distance trade with regions like Mesopotamia, Persia, and Oman.
  26. The dockyard at Lothal in Gujarat highlights the importance of maritime trade.
  27. The Harappans worshipped a Mother Goddess, representing fertility and nature.
  28. Seals depicting Pashupati (proto-Shiva) suggest an early form of Shaivism.
  29. Burial practices in both cities indicate a belief in life after death, with grave goods buried alongside bodies.
  30. The fire altars discovered at Kalibangan suggest the performance of ritualistic ceremonies.
  31. Both Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa lacked evidence of temples or palaces, indicating an egalitarian society.
  32. Artifacts like toys, terracotta figurines, and utensils indicate a rich cultural life.
  33. Weights and measures used in trade were standardized, showing organized commerce.
  34. The cities were built near rivers – Harappa on the Ravi River and Mohenjo-Daro on the Indus River.
  35. Harappan pottery includes red and black ware with geometric designs.
  36. The cities lacked evidence of large-scale warfare, suggesting a peaceful society.
  37. Many scholars believe that flooding, climate change, deforestation, and Aryan invasion led to the decline of these cities.
  38. Rakhigarhi is now considered one of the largest Harappan sites, surpassing Mohenjo-Daro.
  39. The Harappans used bullock carts and boats for transportation.
  40. Domestic animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes were reared for food and agriculture.
  41. Excavations at Harappa revealed granaries suggesting surplus food production.
  42. The Harappans had knowledge of weights, measures, geometry, and engineering.
  43. The cities were abandoned around 1900 BCE, marking the end of the urban Harappan phase.
  44. Both Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa remain key sites for understanding urban planning and early civilization.
  45. The Indus Valley Civilization's achievements in architecture, trade, art, and urbanization greatly influenced later cultures.

Category

Questions

  1. Which city is known as the "Mound of the Dead"?
  2. Who discovered the city of Harappa in 1921?
  3. On which riverbank is Harappa located?
  4. Which river is associated with Mohenjo-Daro?
  5. In which year was Mohenjo-Daro discovered?
  6. The Great Bath was found in which Harappan city?
  7. Which material was mainly used in Harappan city construction?
  8. Which structure in Mohenjo-Daro is believed to be used for ritual bathing?
  9. What is the meaning of Mohenjo-Daro?
  10. What is the key feature of Harappan cities' layout?
  11. Which Harappan site had a dockyard?
  12. Which famous statue was found in Mohenjo-Daro?
  13. The Priest-King statue is made of which material?
  14. Harappan seals were made mostly of?
  15. What type of civilization was Harappan?
  16. Which script did the Harappans use?
  17. The Harappans worshipped which deity?
  18. Which animal frequently appears on Harappan seals?
  19. The Harappan civilization belongs to which age?
  20. Which site has evidence of fire altars?
  21. Which tool was primarily used for measuring weights and trade?
  22. What is the significance of the Great Granary?
  23. The famous "Dancing Girl" is made of which material?
  24. The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is attributed to?
  25. What kind of drainage system existed in Harappan cities?
  26. Which site is the largest Harappan city discovered so far?
  27. Which structure proves Harappan maritime trade?
  28. Which crop was primarily cultivated by the Harappans?
  29. The Harappans domesticated which of the following animals?
  30. The Harappans were experts in?
  31. Which city provided evidence of multiple reservoirs?
  32. Which Harappan city is known for its bead-making industry?
  33. Where was the evidence of the ploughed field found?
  34. Which metal was NOT known to the Harappans?
  35. What does the presence of granaries suggest about the Harappans?
  36. The famous Bull Seal belongs to which civilization?
  37. Which archaeological site provides evidence of a well-planned cemetery?
  38. Harappan terracotta figurines were mainly used as?
  39. The Harappan civilization extended to which modern-day country?
  40. Harappan weights and measures were based on?
  41. Which material was commonly used for Harappan pottery?
  42. Harappan seals served what primary purpose?
  43. Which site is famous for its evidence of urban water reservoirs?
  44. Harappan houses had what distinguishing feature?