Context
- The new NCERT Class 6 Social Science textbook has incorporated numerous new elements.
About
- In the new edition, the Harappan civilisation is referred to as the ‘Indus-Sarasvati’ or ‘Sindhu-Sarasvati’ civilisation.
- It states that the Sarasvati basin included major cities of the civilisation, such as Rakhigarhi and Ganweriwala, along with smaller cities and towns.
- The river, now known as Ghaggar in India and Hakra in Pakistan, is described as seasonal.
- It attributes the decline of the Harappan civilisation to climate change, leading to reduced rainfall and the drying up of the Sarasvati River in its central basin.
- It states that India had its prime meridian, the “Madhya rekha,” passing through Ujjain. This “Ujjayini meridian” served as a reference for calculations in Indian astronomical texts long before the establishment of the Greenwich Meridian.
- Varāhamihira, a famous astronomer, lived and worked there some 1,500 years ago.
- Also references to the Iron pillar at the Qutub Minar site, which dates back to the Gupta dynasty era, along with mentions of the Sanchi Stupa, the monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram and the paintings in the Ajanta caves have been dropped.
Harappan Civilization
– The Harappan civilization is believed to be one of the oldest world civilizations together with Egypt and Mesopotamia.
– It was developed along the river Indus and for that reason it is also known as the Indus Valley Civilization.
– The Harappan civilization is identified as a Bronze-age civilization because many objects have been found that are made up of copper based alloys.
Major Features of Civilization
– Urban Planning: Their towns were well planned and they had brick houses which were situated along the roads.
a. Every house was equipped with a staircase, a kitchen and several rooms.
b. Their courtyards had wells, bathrooms and they had proper drainage systems.
– Ornaments: The Harappans wore ornaments made of gold, silver, ivory,shell, clay, semi-precious stones and others.
– Trade and Commerce: The civilization had extensive trade networks, reaching as far as Mesopotamia, Afghanistan, and the Arabian Peninsula.
– Religion and Iconography: Harappan artifacts depict various symbols and motifs believed to be related to religious beliefs.
a. These include figures such as the “Priest King” and images of animals like bulls, suggesting possible reverence for certain animals.
– Craftsmanship and Artistry: The Harappans produced intricate pottery, including the famous red pottery with black painted motifs.
a. They also created jewelry, sculptures, and seals made of steatite, terracotta, and other materials.
– Agriculture: They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, and cotton.
– Social Organization: The society was likely stratified, with evidence suggesting a hierarchical structure. This is indicated by variations in housing sizes and the presence of public buildings.
– Decline and Disappearance: The reasons for the decline of the Harappan Civilization are still debated among historians and archaeologists.
a. Possible factors include ecological changes, such as shifts in river courses, as well as invasions and internal conflicts.