CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 In the Earliest Cities
Ananya Gupta16 Sept, 2024
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CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3: In Chapter 3 of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History In the Earliest Cities students learn about the first cities that developed in the Indus Valley over 4,000 years ago. These cities, like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, were well-planned with advanced drainage systems, streets and houses made of bricks.
People in these cities were skilled in crafts, pottery and metalwork. They also engaged in trade with other regions. The cities had granaries for storing food, and the Great Bath in Mohenjo-Daro shows the importance of cleanliness and public spaces. However, these cities eventually declined, possibly due to natural disasters like floods or changes in the course of rivers.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 2024-25 Overview
These notes for CBSE Class 6 Social Science History notes Chapter 3 In the Earliest Cities have been prepared by subject experts of Physics Wallah to provide a clear and concise understanding of the chapter. They highlight the key points, such as the development of the Indus Valley cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, known for their advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and brick houses. These well-structured notes make it easier for students to grasp the chapter's concepts, aiding in better revision and exam preparation.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 PDF Download
You can access the detailed notes for CBSE Class 6 Social Science History notes Chapter 3 In the Earliest Cities in PDF format. This PDF provides a detailed overview of the ancient Indus Valley cities, including their well-planned architecture, advanced drainage systems and the daily life of the people. It is a helpful resource for students to revise important topics and understand key concepts easily. The PDF is well-structured and prepared by subject experts making it an important resource for exam preparation. You can download the PDF from the link provided below.CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 In the Earliest Cities PDF
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 In the Earliest Cities
Below we have provided CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 In the Earliest Cities-What was Special About Harappan Cities?
Harappan cities had a unique and well-planned structure. These cities were typically divided into two or more parts:- Citadel: This was the western part of the city, which was smaller but located at a higher elevation. It served as a fortified area, possibly for important structures or people.
- Lower Town: The eastern part of the city was larger but situated at a lower elevation, likely where most people lived and worked.
Life in the City
Harappan cities were bustling centers of activity. The rulers played a important role in planning and constructing special buildings, and they organized trade expeditions to acquire metals, precious stones and other valuable materials from distant lands. Scribes were skilled individuals who could write and were responsible for creating seals and possibly recording information on other materials, although many of these records have not survived. Craftspeople, both men and women were busy making a wide variety of items. Their work reflects the city's vibrant economic and cultural life. Many terracotta toys have been discovered in Harappan cities, indicating that children had their own playthings and enjoyed a lively childhood.In Search of Raw Materials
Raw materials are basic substances either found naturally or produced by farmers and herders, which are then processed to create finished goods. In Harappan cities, many raw materials were sourced locally, but essential items like copper, tin, gold, silver and precious stones were imported from distant regions. The Harappans likely obtained copper from present-day Rajasthan and Oman in West Asia. Tin, which was combined with copper to make bronze, came from present-day Afghanistan and Iran. Gold was sourced from Karnataka, while precious stones were imported from regions including Gujarat, Iran, and Afghanistan. This trade network highlights the Harappans' extensive connections and their ability to access a variety of valuable resources.Food for People in the Cities
In Harappan cities, food was sourced from both agriculture and animal husbandry. People living in the countryside grew various crops, including wheat, barley, pulses, peas, rice, sesame, linseed, and mustard. They used ploughs to prepare the soil for planting seeds and stored water to irrigate their fields during the growing season. Animal rearing was also essential; Harappans kept cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo. During the dry summer months, herds were likely moved to find grass and water. People foraged for fruits like ber, fished, and hunted wild animals such as antelope.A Closer Look – Harappan Towns in Gujarat
The city of Dholavira, located on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch, was notable for its freshwater resources and fertile soil. It was divided into three sections, each encircled by massive stone walls with gateways for access. The city featured a large open area used for public ceremonies. Large Harappan script letters were carved from white stone and set in wood. Another significant city was Lothal, situated beside a tributary of the Sabarmati in Gujarat, near the Gulf of Khambat. Lothal had easy access to semi-precious stones and contained a storehouse. It also had a workshop dedicated to bead-making, where archaeologists found raw materials, tools, and finished beads, reflecting the city’s specialization in this craft.The Mystery of the End
Around 3,900 years ago, a major transformation began in Harappan cities. Many of these cities were abandoned, and practices such as writing, using seals, and standard weights ceased. Trade and the supply of raw materials from distant regions dwindled. In Mohenjo-Daro, signs of decline were apparent: streets filled with garbage, the drainage system fell into disrepair, and new, less impressive houses were built, even over existing streets. The reasons behind this decline remain unclear. Some scholars believe that drying rivers might have led to water shortages, while others suggest deforestation or flooding could have played a role. However, none of these theories fully explain the widespread end of Harappan cities. It seems that the rulers lost their control, leading to the abandonment of sites in Sind and West Punjab (present-day Pakistan), and the migration of people to newer, smaller settlements in the east and south.Important Questions for Class 6 Social Science Our Past Chapter 3 In The Earliest Cities
Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 3 for Class 6 students:Q.1. Why were the wheel, metals, and plough important to the Harappans?
Ans. The wheel, metals, and plough were important to the Harappans for several reasons. Metals were used to create tools and weapons, as well as everyday items like utensils, decorations, and seals. Writing materials helped them keep records of trade and other important information. The wheel was essential both as a potter’s tool and in transportation it was used in carts to move goods and people. The plough was vital for agriculture, allowing the Harappans to prepare the land efficiently for growing crops.
Q.2. How was the life of Harappan farmers and herders different from hunter-gatherers?
Ans. Harappan farmers and herders lived quite differently from hunter-gatherers. Farmers and herders had a more organized lifestyle, focusing on agriculture and animal husbandry. They used tools like the plough and employed irrigation techniques to cultivate crops, and they stored their food in granaries. In contrast, hunter-gatherers had a more nomadic and disorganized lifestyle, relying on bone tools and gathering food from their environment without farming. Their food production was limited to their immediate needs, and they did not have the infrastructure for storing or managing large quantities of food.
Q.3. Describe the buildings in your area. What locations are they built on? What activities take place in these buildings?
Ans. In our area, there is an old school with two brick buildings situated near a large playground. Each building has two floors and serves as a primary school for students in grades 1 through 5. Adjacent to the school is an old library with a thatched roof, which is older than the school and houses a well-organized collection of books. People often visit the library to read newspapers. Nearby, there is a historic post office where residents can send letters, and it now also functions as a bank for deposits and withdrawals. All these buildings are located in the heart of our village, serving important educational, cultural, and administrative functions.
Q. 4. Is there any old building in the place you reside? How old is it? Describe something about it.
Ans. Yes, the oldest building in our village is the post office, which was established in 1956, as indicated by a plaque on its wall. Originally, it served as a mail facility for sending and receiving letters and parcels. Over time, it has also become a banking center where villagers can manage their finances. The postmaster, who oversees its operations, ensures the building is maintained with government funds. This post office has been particularly valuable for residents in remote areas, offering essential postal and banking services.
Q.5. How did archaeologists find out that cloth was first used in Harappa?
Ans. Archaeologists discovered evidence of early cloth use in Harappa through several finds. They found pieces of fabric attached to silver vases and textiles on copper artifacts during excavations in Mohenjo-Daro. Spindle whorls, which were used for spinning thread, were unearthed. These findings indicate that the Harappans not only made cloth but were also skilled in its production and use.
Benefits of CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3
- Comprehensive Understanding : The notes provide a detailed overview of early Harappan cities, helping students grasp the complexity and advancements of ancient urban life.
- Historical Context : By covering topics like city planning, social structure and daily life in Harappan cities, the notes provide valuable insights into how these early societies functioned and evolved.
- Engaging Content : The notes include interesting facts about Harappan achievements, such as their advanced drainage systems and trade networks, which make learning about history engaging and memorable.
- Study Aid : These notes are an excellent study aid, summarizing important points and concepts in a clear and organized manner, which can help students prepare for exams and improve their understanding of the subject.
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 FAQs
What were the key features of Harappan cities?
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What role did the plough play in Harappan agriculture?
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