Class 6: Indian Beginnings Civilization or Unity in Diversity Revision

Indian Beginnings Civilization or Unity in Diversity explains how India’s people, despite differences in culture, language, and religion, live together in harmony. This class 6 chapter also discusses the rise of the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1900 BCE), known for its planned cities, advanced drainage, and strong trade systems. It shows India’s unity, progress, and cultural strength from ancient to modern times.

What is “University in Diversity”?

“Unity in Diversity” means that people of different cultures, religions, social and economic backgrounds, and languages can live together peacefully and help each other. It teaches us that we are stronger and happier when we work together, despite our differences.

People love and respect each other, despite following different traditions and ways of life. University in Diversity creates harmony and friendship among people of India and reminds them to value and celebrate our uniqueness.

Different Aspects of “Unity in Diversity”

There are many different aspects of “Unity in Diversity” that show how different people can stay united and strong together. Some of these aspects are as follows:

• Cultural Unity: People from different cultures live together and respect each other's traditions and festivals.
• Religious Unity: People follow different religions but live in peace and harmony.
• Language Unity: Many languages are spoken, but people find ways to communicate and understand each other.
• Geographical Unity: People from different regions with different habits live together as one country.
• Emotional Unity: Despite differences, people share feelings of love, respect, and brotherhood.
• Political Unity: People work together to run the country fairly, respecting each other's views and opinions.

What is a “Civilization”?

A civilization is a group of people living together in a society that is advanced and well-organized. It shows how humans have developed over time from simple living to more complex and organized ways of life.

In civilization, people live in cities and villages, have different jobs, and follow rules made by a government. They create buildings, arts, writings, and work together to grow food and trade goods.

Oldest Civilization of Indian Subcontinent

Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, is known as the oldest and earliest civilization of the Indian subcontinent. It existed around 3300 BCE to 1900 BCE in the areas of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India.

This civilization had well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, with advanced drainage systems, roads, and buildings. The people were skilled in farming, trading, making pottery, and using metals like copper and bronze.

Major Achievements of Indus Valley Civilization

Some major achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization are given below:

• Well-planned cities with streets laid out in a grid pattern and strong houses made of bricks.
• Efficient sewer and drainage systems that kept the cities clean.
• Impressive buildings like the Great Bath and granaries for storing food.
• A strong trade network with other regions, exchanging beads, metals, and pottery.
• People were skilled to make pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals.
• Standardized weights were used by people for fair trading.
• People made tools and ornaments from metals like copper and bronze.