E. Answer the following questions in short.

1. When and where was Harappa excavated?

Ans.- Harappa was excavated between 1920 and 1934 in the Punjab region of present-
day Pakistan.

2. What gave strength to the walls of Harappan cities?

Ans.- The walls of Harappan cities were reinforced with a combination of baked bricks
and mud mortar, providing strength and durability to the structures.

3. What was grown at Mehrgarh about 7000 years ago?

Ans. - About 7000 years ago, at Mehrgarh, crops such as wheat, barley, and
domesticated livestock were grown.

4. For what purpose spindle work were used?

Ans. – Spindle work in Harappa was primarily used for spinning and weaving textiles,
indicating the importance of textile production in the ancient civilization.

5. What is Faience?

Ans.- Faience is a type of ceramic material made from a mixture of crushed quartz or
sand, powdered glass, and various metallic oxides.

6. Name the stone used to make stone weights.

Ans.- The stone commonly used to make stone weights in Harappa was steatite, also
known as soapstone.

F. Answer the following questions in detail.

1. Describe the special features of Harappan cities.

Ans.- Harappan cities, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, possessed several distinct
features.

* Firstly, they were well-planned and organized, with a grid-like street system and
uniform brick architecture.

*Secondly, they showcased advanced urban infrastructure, including an elaborate

drainage system with covered drains and public baths.

*Thirdly, the cities had defensive fortifications in the form of fortified walls and
gateways.

*Fourth , they featured large granaries, public buildings, and multi-roomed houses.

* Lastly, Harappan cities exhibited a high level of craftsmanship, as seen in their

intricate pottery, seals, jewelry, and sculptures.
2. How did the Harappan people led their life?

Ans.- The Harappan people led a settled and organized life. They were engaged in
agriculture and animal husbandry, cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and rice.
They had well-planned cities with sophisticated infrastructure, including brick houses
with multiple rooms, public buildings, and granaries. The cities had a system of
sanitation with covered drains and public baths. The Harappans were skilled craftsmen,
producing intricate pottery, jewelry, and seals. They engaged in long-distance trade,
evidenced by the presence of trade networks and standardized weights. The society is
believed to have had a centralized authority, indicated by the presence of fortified
walls and public structures.

3. Describe the art and craft of Harappan civilization.

Ans.- The art and craft of the Harappan civilization showcased remarkable skill and
craftsmanship. They excelled in various artistic forms, including pottery, sculpture,
jewelry, and seals. Harappan pottery featured intricate designs and patterns, often
depicting animals, plants, and geometric motifs. Sculptures, primarily made of stone
and terracotta, portrayed human and animal figures with great attention to detail. The
famous "Dancing Girl" bronze statue is a notable example. The Harappans were skilled
in jewelry making, creating pieces adorned with beads, pendants, and intricate designs.
They also produced seals made of steatite or faience, engraved with symbols and
animal motifs, possibly used for administrative purposes.

4. What information about the Harappan civilization do we get from their seals?

Ans.- The seals of the Harappan civilization provide insights into their culture and
society. They feature the Indus script, an undeciphered writing system. The symbols
and motifs suggest administrative or commercial use. Depictions of animals and
human figures reveal religious and cultural beliefs. The presence of seals in different
locations indicates a widespread trade network. Overall, the seals offer valuable clues
about language, governance, religion, and trade in the Harappan civilization.

5. What reasons have been given by the historians for decline of Harappan civilization?

Ans.- Historians have proposed several theories for the decline of the Harappan
civilization. These include environmental factors such as climate change, including
drought and shifting river courses. Other factors may include natural disasters,
economic decline, and ecological degradation. Additionally, invasion or conflict with
outside groups has been suggested as a potential cause. The exact reason for the
decline remains uncertain, and it is likely that a combination of multiple factors
contributed to the eventual collapse of the Harappan civilization.