Harappan Civilization: Key Concepts

The Harappan civilization thrived for about 1,000 years before disappearing mysteriously. Known for its wealth from trade, the civilization had skilled artisans and traded with regions like Mesopotamia. While the exact form of government is unknown, the well-planned cities suggest organized governance. The social structure remains unclear, but there might have been classes. Harappans worshipped animal and human-like gods, and their technology was advanced, with bronze tools and sanitation systems. They had a writing system with picture-like symbols, but it remains undeciphered. The language spoken is also unknown.

What is one of the mysteries surrounding the Harappan Civilization?

• Its exact location

• The reason for its disappearance

• The language they spoke

• The type of food they ate

How did Harappan cities primarily gain wealth?

• Through agriculture

• By conquering neighboring lands

• Through mining

• Via trade with other regions

Which of the following items was NOT produced by Harappan artisans?

• Gold jewelry

• Bronze sculptures

• Clay dishes

• Cotton clothing

What does the presence of well-planned cities in Harappan Civilization suggest?

• An organized government

• A strong military presence

• A focus on religious activities

• A lack of social structure

What is known about the social structure of the Harappan Civilization?

• It was a democracy

• Archaeological evidence suggests possible classes

• There were no social classes

• It was a caste-based system

What form did Harappan gods often take?

• Natural elements

• Animal or human forms

• Celestial bodies

• Abstract symbols

Which technological advancement is attributed to the Harappan Civilization?

• The development of bronze tools

• The invention of the wheel

• The use of iron weapons

• The creation of paper

What was a notable feature of Harappan houses?

• They were made of wood

• They had multiple stories

• They were built underground

• They had thatched roofs

What is a challenge historians face with Harappan writing?

• It is too complex to understand

• It has not been found

• It cannot be read

• It is written in multiple languages

What is known about the language spoken in Harappan Villages?

• It was derived from Mesopotamian language

• Most villages spoke the same language

• It was a mix of several languages

• It was similar to Sanskrit