Indus River Valley

Why did the Harappan Civilization build along the Indus and Ghaggar Hakra Rivers?

• They loved to swim, and wanted to be able to swim daily

• The river banks had fertile soil that allowed them to grow a surplus of food.

• The river made sure they had enough water to drink and wouldn't be thirsty.

Which of the following is true about the Harrapans

• They prioritized building public works like sewage systems and baths 

• They did not trade, and instead distributed packets of food and necessities to each home

What type of government did the Harappan's probably have?

• a theocracy

• a democracy

• a monarchy

• a council or federation

Which of the following is true about the Harrapans

• They prioritized building public works like sewage systems and baths 

• They did not trade, and instead distributed packets of food and necessities to each home

Which is NOT an example of how the Harappans used water in their cities?

• toilets in every home

• elaborate pump systems

• bathing rooms in each home

What was the Great Bath likely used for?

• hosting massive social events

• storing water for drought

• ritual bathing of some religious significance 

What was NOT a part of the city plans?

• military defensive fortresses

• organized streets on a NS and EW grid

• walls to keep floodwater out of the city, and wells to provide clean drinking water

What is the biggest challenge to understanding more about the Harappans?

• They did not have a written script

• We don't have a way to translate their written script, and there are only limited samples available

All are true about Harappan trade EXCEPT:

• they were good sailors that traveled to Mesopotamia and brought live animals

• they generally kept to themselves and only traded with visiting peoples

• there is more evidence of their exports than imports

How did environmental factors likely harm the Harappan Civilization?

• climate change led the floods to become more severe

• the river they probably depended on for growing food dried up