NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 06 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation

Question 1. What is a civilisation?
Answer: A civilisation represents an advanced level of human society. It features several key elements. Some form of government and administration helps manage complex society activities. Urbanism - which includes town planning, city growth, and their management - is present. A variety of crafts and management of raw materials and finished goods production exist. Internal and external trade takes place to exchange goods. Some form of writing for record-keeping and communication is used. Cultural ideas are shown through art, architecture, literature, oral traditions, and social customs. A productive agriculture that feeds both villages and cities is fundamental.
In simple words: A civilisation is a complex society with cities, government, trade, writing, and farming.

Exam Tip: List all seven characteristics clearly - examiners expect specific features like "writing," "towns," and "trade" to be mentioned explicitly.

Question 2. What was the earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent?
Answer: The earliest civilisation of the Indian Subcontinent is known as the Harappan, Indus, or Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation. It emerged around 2600 BCE and was centred in the northwest region of the subcontinent, covering areas in what is now India and Pakistan.
In simple words: The Harappan or Indus civilisation was the oldest civilisation in India. It started around 2600 BCE in the northwest.

Exam Tip: Remember all three names - Harappan, Indus, and Indus-Sarasvatī - as they all refer to the same civilisation and may appear in different question phrasings.

Question 3. What were its major achievements?
Answer: The major achievements of the Harappan civilisation include:
Urban planning with well-organised cities, wide streets, and fortifications.
Advanced water management and drainage systems.
Construction of large buildings for collective purposes, like warehouses and the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro.
Development of a variety of crafts, including bead-making and metallurgy.
Active trade, both within their civilisation and with other regions, including maritime trade.
Productive agriculture that included growing cereals, pulses, and cotton, alongside the use of advanced farming tools.
Cultural and symbolic achievements, such as the creation of seals, figurines, and various objects of daily use and art.
In simple words: The Harappans built planned cities, traded widely, farmed well, made beautiful crafts, and had organised systems for water and drainage.

Exam Tip: Cover all major areas - urban planning, water management, trade, craftsmanship, and agriculture - rather than focusing on just one or two achievements.

Question 4. Which of the above characteristics do you think is the most fundamental - that is, a characteristic essential to the development of all others?
Answer: While each characteristic plays an important role in its own way, productive agriculture can be considered the most fundamental. A stable and reliable food supply is essential for the survival and growth of a population. Once basic needs are met, a society can develop other aspects such as government, urbanism, crafts, trade, writing, and cultural ideas. Without productive agriculture, it would be difficult to support the large populations necessary for complex societal development.
In simple words: Farming is the most important because people need food first. Once food is secure, they can build cities and do other things.

Exam Tip: Justify your choice with logical reasoning - explain why your chosen characteristic enables all the others to develop.

Question 5. For each characteristic in the list above, can you make a list of professions or occupations that might exist in such a society?
Answer: The list of professions or occupations for each characteristic of a civilisation mentioned would include:

Government and Administration: Ruler/King/Queen, Governors, Tax Collectors, Judges, Scribes, Military Leaders, Advisers and Bureaucrats.

Urbanism (Town-Planning, Growth of Cities, Water Management, Drainage System): Architects, City Planners, Engineers, Builders/Construction Workers, Water Management Specialists, Sanitation Workers, Surveyors and Brick makers.

Variety of Crafts (Management of Raw Materials, Production of Finished Goods): Blacksmiths, Potters, Weavers, Carpenters, Jewellers, Stone Masons, Metalworkers and Leatherworkers.

Trade (Internal and External): Merchants, Traders, Shipbuilders, Caravaneers, Market Vendors, Moneylenders, Warehouse Managers and Sailors.

Writing (Record-Keeping, Communication): Scribes, Record Keepers, Librarians, Teachers, Calligraphers, Clerks, Historians and Archivists.

Cultural Ideas (Art, Architecture, Literature, Oral Traditions, Social Customs): Artists, Architects, Sculptors, Poets, Musicians, Storytellers, Priests/Religious Leaders and Actors.

Productive Agriculture: Farmers, Herders, Fishermen, Irrigation Specialists, Seed Collectors, Agricultural Tool Makers, Animal Breeders and Market Gardeners.

These professions would all contribute to the complex and multifaceted nature of a civilisation, supporting its development and sustainability.
In simple words: A civilisation needs many different workers - farmers grow food, builders make cities, traders buy and sell, and artists make things beautiful.

Exam Tip: Provide at least 2-3 professions for each characteristic to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how each feature requires skilled workers.

Question 6. Some of the important cities of this civilisation are marked in the map (Fig. 6.3). As a class activity, can you try to match these cities with the modern states or regions in the table on the next page?
Answer:

Exam Tip: Memorise which cities belong to which modern state - these matching questions frequently appear in exams.

Question 7. Which of the above characteristics do you think is the most fundamental - that is, a characteristic essential to the development of all others? (Page 86 - Think About It)
Answer: Each characteristic holds importance in its own way, but arguably productive agriculture stands as the most fundamental. This is because a stable and reliable food supply is essential for the survival and growth of a population. Once basic needs are met, a society can develop other aspects such as government, urbanism, crafts, trade, writing, and cultural ideas. Without productive agriculture, it would be difficult to support the large populations necessary for complex societal development.
In simple words: Farming is the most important because people need food first. Once food is secure, they can build cities and do other things.

Exam Tip: Support your answer with clear reasoning - explain the chain of how agriculture enables other developments.

Question 8. Some of the important cities of this civilisation are marked in the map (Fig. 6.3). As a class activity, can you try to match these cities with the modern states or regions in the table on the next page? (Page 89 - Let's Explore)
Answer:

Exam Tip: Learn the city locations well - maps and matching questions about Harappan cities appear frequently in exams.

Question 9. Have a debate in class about the last two interpretations. Can you think of any others? Remember that in this case, we do not have any other source of history - no inscription, no text, no traveller's account. (Page 93 - Let's Explore)
Answer:
Debate on the Interpretations of the Great Bath's Purpose

Interpretation 1: Bath for the Royal Family Only
Pros: The elaborate nature and construction of the Great Bath suggest it could have been reserved for a specific, privileged group. Its central location within the city hints at its significance. The presence of adjacent rooms could indicate private use.
Cons: There is no direct evidence of social stratification to such an extent in Harappan society. The existence of bathrooms in most houses suggests personal hygiene was managed at a household level, not centrally for the elite.

Interpretation 2: Used for Religious Rituals
Pros: The design and waterproofing of the tank could indicate its use in religious purification rituals. Similar structures in other ancient civilisations were often used for religious purposes. The Great Bath's central location supports the idea of it being a communal, spiritual site.
Cons: There is no direct evidence like inscriptions or artifacts indicating religious activities in the Great Bath. The lack of comparable structures with clear religious connections makes this interpretation speculative.

Possible New Interpretations:
Interpretation 1: A Public Bathing Facility for Health and Hygiene
Pros: This interpretation aligns with the advanced drainage and water management systems of the Harappan civilisation. Public baths are known from other ancient civilisations as places for communal hygiene. The Great Bath's size and design would accommodate multiple users at once.

Interpretation 2: A Venue for Social Gatherings and Civic Activities
Pros: The Great Bath could have been a central place for social interaction, much like modern public swimming pools. It might have hosted civic or community meetings, blending practical use with social functions. This interpretation fits with the Harappan society's apparent emphasis on community and mutual accommodation.
Cons: There is no direct evidence such as seating arrangements to support this theory.

Interpretation 3: A Water Storage or Reservoir
Pros: Given the importance of water management in Harappan cities, the Great Bath could have functioned as a large reservoir. The elaborate construction and waterproofing techniques used would explain the building's design and construction standards.
Cons: The design does not seem optimised for water storage, especially given the presence of a drain for emptying the tank.

While the exact purpose of the Great Bath remains uncertain, each interpretation offers insights based on the available archaeological evidence. The most plausible interpretations often draw on comparisons with similar structures in other ancient civilisations and the known priorities of the Harappan society, such as hygiene, community, and water management. Without additional historical sources, these interpretations remain speculative but help us understand the complexity and advancement of the Harappan civilisation.
In simple words: The Great Bath might have been for bathing, religious ceremonies, storing water, or gathering. We are not sure because no ancient writing tells us what it was for.

Exam Tip: When debating, present evidence for and against each interpretation - examiners value balanced thinking and acknowledgement of uncertainty in archaeology.

Question 10. As a class activity, measure the length of your classroom, a school corridor or a playground with the help of any measuring tape. Compare these lengths with the length of the largest reservoir in Dholavira. (Page 95 - Let's Explore)
Answer:
Measuring Our Class Room
I have measured the length of our classroom and found it is 10 meters.

Length of the Largest Reservoir in Dholavira
The largest reservoir in Dholavira is 73 meters long.

Comparison:
Our classroom is 10 meters long. The Dholavira reservoir is 73 meters long. So, the Dholavira reservoir is 7.3 times longer than our classroom.
In simple words: The big reservoir in Dholavira is much longer than a classroom - about 7 times longer than our room.

Exam Tip: When comparing measurements, show your working clearly - state both lengths and then calculate the ratio or difference for full marks.

Question 11. Imagine the large number of workers required to build such a network of reservoirs. Who do you think organised their work and gave them precise instructions? How do you think they were paid for their labour? (Hint: there was no money at that time in the way we have today.) Since the reservoirs needed to be cleaned from time to time, was there some local authority to manage their maintenance? What clues do we get from all this about this city's ruler and municipal administration? (Page 96 - Think About It)
Answer: The construction and maintenance of Dholavira's reservoirs likely involved organised efforts led by rulers and skilled engineers. These leaders provided clear instructions, while supervisors managed the workforce. Workers were probably compensated through a barter system, receiving food, clothing, and other essentials, or by fulfilling communal obligations. A local authority or municipal body was likely responsible for the reservoirs' upkeep, ensuring regular cleaning and maintenance. This suggests an advanced level of administrative organisation and community cooperation, reflecting a well-structured society with effective governance and resource management.
In simple words: Rulers and leaders organised many workers. They probably gave food and clothes as payment instead of money. A local authority took care of keeping the reservoirs clean and working.

Exam Tip: Address each part of the question - organisation, payment, maintenance authority, and what this reveals about governance - to earn full marks.

Question 12. Imagine you cooked a meal in a Harappan house. What dish or dishes would you prepare, based on the data given above? (Page 97 - Let's Explore)
Answer: If I were cooking in a Harappan house, I might make:

Barley and Wheat Bread: Mix barley and wheat flour with water and a little salt. Shape into flatbreads and cook on a hot stone.

Lentil Stew: Boil lentils with water. Add turmeric and ginger for flavour. Include any vegetables you have, like onions or garlic, and cook until soft.

Vegetable Curry: Cook a mix of vegetables with turmeric and ginger, creating a simple curry.

This meal uses common Harappan ingredients like barley, wheat, lentils, and spices.
In simple words: I would make bread from barley and wheat, a lentil stew with spices, and a vegetable curry using things the Harappans grew.

Exam Tip: Base your answer on the ingredients mentioned in the chapter - barley, wheat, lentils, cotton, and spices - and explain how they would be prepared.

Question 13. Looking at the three Harappan seals with some writing signs, what goes through your mind? Would you like to suggest any interpretations? Let your imagination run! (Page 99 - Let's Explore)
Answer: Looking at the three Harappan seals, several ideas come to mind:

Unicorn Seal: This might symbolise a clan or deity, representing purity or power in Harappan society.

Bull Seal: Likely important for agriculture, this seal could mark goods or property, indicating strength or fertility.

Horned Tiger Seal: Suggests protection or martial prowess, possibly used by warriors or in rituals for strength.

Imaginative Interpretations:
Communication Tools: Early forms of ID cards or business logos.
Religious Symbols: Representing gods or spirits for rituals.
Trade Marks: Used to certify the origin and quality of goods in trade.

The writing signs accompanying these animal figures might represent the owner's name, the object's purpose, or the transaction taking place. This combination of visual and written symbols suggests a sophisticated system for record-keeping and communication in Harappan society.
In simple words: The seals might be like stamps that showed who owned something or what it was used for. The pictures and signs together told a story.

Exam Tip: Provide multiple interpretations and base them on logical reasoning - seals were used in trade and administration, so think about what information they would need to convey.

Question 14. Looking at the objects on pages 100 and 101 - or any other pictured in this chapter - can you make out what activities or aspects of life were important for the Harappans? (Page 102 - Think About It)
Answer: Based on the objects pictured in this chapter, several important activities and aspects of life in Harappan society can be discerned:

Daily Use and Craftsmanship
Objects: Bronze mirror, terracotta pots, stone weights, bronze chisel.
Aspects: Advanced craftsmanship and daily grooming, indicating a focus on personal care and trade.

Games and Recreation
Objects: Games board, terracotta whistle.
Aspects: Leisure and recreation were valued, suggesting a society that appreciated play and relaxation.

Cultural and Religious Practices
Objects: Priest King statuette, seals with animal figures, Dancing Girl figurine, seal depicting a three-faced deity.
Aspects: Religion, art, and symbolism played significant roles, with likely rituals and societal hierarchies.

Trade and Economy
Objects: Beads of carnelian, shell bangles, dockyard at Lothal.
Aspects: Extensive trade networks, both local and distant, with advanced techniques in bead-making and metallurgy.

Agriculture and Food
Objects: Plough model, cooking pots.
Aspects: Agriculture was fundamental, with tools and utensils indicating a rich and diverse diet.

These objects illustrate a complex, organized, and culturally rich society - one where daily life, craftsmanship, recreation, and spiritual beliefs were all equally important.
In simple words: The objects tell us Harappans cared about crafts, games, religion, trade, and farming. They had a full and balanced life.

Exam Tip: Group objects by theme (daily life, trade, religion, recreation) - this shows a structured understanding of Harappan society and its priorities.

Question 15. Complete the story found on the Lothal pot. How was such a story remembered for more than 4,000 years, in your opinion? (Page 102 - Let's Explore)
Answer:
Completing the Story on the Lothal Pot
Story: A thirsty crow finds a pot with a little water at the bottom. Unable to reach the water, the clever crow drops pebbles into the pot. As the water level rises, the crow drinks to fill itself.

Such stories were likely remembered for more than 4,000 years through several means:
Oral traditions, storytelling, and perhaps even inscriptions or symbolic representations on everyday objects like pottery. The simplicity and moral of the story made it memorable, ensuring its survival and transmission. It was probably passed down through generations via oral traditions, storytelling, and perhaps through inscriptions or symbolic representations on everyday objects like pottery.
In simple words: The story about the clever crow was remembered because it was short and had a good lesson - never give up. Parents told it to children again and again.

Exam Tip: Explain both how the story might have been preserved (oral tradition, written records) and why (memorable moral lesson).

Question 16. The 'Dancing Girl' figurine. What do you make of the attitude the figurine expresses? Observe her bangles covering an entire arm, a practice still visible in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Where else in this chapter can you spot bangles worn in this manner? What conclusion should we draw from this? (Page 102 - Let's Explore)
Answer:
Attitude Expressed by the 'Dancing Girl' Figurine
The Dancing Girl figurine exudes confidence, grace, and a sense of liveliness. Her posture, with one hand on her hip and the other hanging loosely, suggests a carefree, assertive, and possibly celebratory attitude. The detailed craftsmanship reflects the importance of dance and artistic expression in Harappan society.

Bangles in the Chapter
Bangles similar to those worn by the Dancing Girl can be observed in other figurines and cultural depictions throughout the chapter. Such figures and cultural illustrations within the chapter show comparable bangles and other artifacts.

Conclusion from Bangle Observations
Bangles similar to those worn by the Dancing Girl can be observed in other figurines and cultural depictions throughout the chapter. The widespread depiction of bangles covering an entire arm suggests this practice was common and significant in Harappan society. It indicates a cultural continuity in ornamental and personal adornment that has persisted for thousands of years, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of jewellery and personal grooming in the region. This practice, still visible in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan today, underscores the enduring influence of ancient Harappan customs on modern Indian culture.
In simple words: The Dancing Girl looks happy, lively, and sure of herself. The bangles she wears were popular in ancient Harappa and are still worn the same way today in some places - showing how old customs last a very long time.

Exam Tip: Comment on the artistic and cultural significance of the figurine, the practice of wearing bangles, and the continuity of this tradition - demonstrate knowledge of both ancient and modern cultural practices.

Question 17. Why does the civilisation studied in this chapter have several names? Discuss their significance. (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: The civilisation is known by several names - Harappan, Indus, Indus-Sarasvatī, and Sindhu-Sarasvatī - each reflecting different aspects of this ancient culture:

Harappan: Named after Harappa, the first site excavated, this name highlights the significance of that particular city and its role in discovery.

Indus: Refers to the geographical area along the Indus River, emphasizing the civilisation's location and the river's importance as a natural boundary and resource.

Indus-Sarasvatī: Highlights the importance of both the Indus and the now-dry Sarasvatī rivers, indicating the civilisation extended across lands watered by both river systems.

Sindhu-Sarasvatī: Similar to Indus-Sarasvatī, using the ancient name "Sindhu" for the Indus River, this name underscores the cultural and geographical roots of the civilisation.

These names collectively signify the civilisation's extensive geographical spread and its reliance on river systems. They also reflect different scholarly perspectives and the evolving understanding of the civilisation. The various names serve as reminders of the civilisation's significant geographical footprint and its dependence on river systems for agriculture, transport, and survival.
In simple words: Different names tell us about different rivers and cities that were important to the Harappans. Each name shows how the civilisation stretched across a wide area.

Exam Tip: Explain what each name means and why it was chosen - this shows understanding of geography, history, and the civilisation's reliance on river systems.

Question 18. Write a brief report (150 to 200 words) summing up some of the achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation. (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: Achievements of the Indus-Sarasvatī Civilisation

The Indus-Sarasvatī civilisation, one of the world's oldest, showcased remarkable urban planning, with cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro featuring well-laid streets and advanced drainage systems. They possessed sophisticated water management, including wells and reservoirs, and impressive public structures like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro. Their craftsmanship was advanced, producing intricate jewellery, pottery, and tools. Trade was extensive, both locally and with other regions, facilitated by a standardised system of weights and measures. The Harappans also practised productive agriculture, growing cereals and cotton, which supported urban centres. Their use of seals for trade and administration suggests a complex economic system and an early form of writing. Cultural and symbolic achievements, such as the creation of seals, figurines, and various objects of daily use and art, reveal the importance of religion and artistic expression. These achievements collectively demonstrate a complex economic system and an early form of writing.
In simple words: The Harappans built planned cities, traded widely, farmed well, made beautiful crafts, and had good systems for water. They were a well-organised and advanced civilisation.

Exam Tip: Cover all major achievement areas (urban planning, water management, trade, agriculture, craftsmanship, writing) within the word limit, and provide specific examples for each.

Question 19. Imagine you have to travel from the city of Harappa to Kalibangan. What are your different options? Can you make a rough estimation of the amount of time each option might take? (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: To travel from Harappa to Kalibangan, the options include:

By River: Using boats along the Indus River and its tributaries. This could take several days, depending on the river's current and boat speed.

By Land: Walking or using animal-drawn carts along established trade routes. This journey might take a few weeks, considering the distance and terrain.

Combination of Both: Using boats for part of the journey and travelling by land for the rest could optimise time and effort.

The exact time would depend on various factors such as the river's water level, the availability of established routes, and the mode of transport. River travel would be faster but more dependent on seasonal factors, while land travel would be more predictable but slower. A combined approach might offer the best balance between speed and reliability.
In simple words: You could travel by river on boats - it would take several days. Or walk and use carts on land - it would take a few weeks. You could also use both methods together.

Exam Tip: Provide realistic time estimates and explain the factors that would affect travel duration - season, weather, terrain, and mode of transport.

Question 20. Let us imagine a Harappan man or woman being transported to an average kitchen in today's India. What are the four or five biggest surprises awaiting them? (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: Surprises for a Harappan in Today's Indian Kitchen:

Modern Appliances: Seeing electric stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators would be astonishing.

Variety of Spices and Ingredients: The wide range of spices and processed foods might be overwhelming.

Running Water: Continuous access to clean water through taps would be a significant surprise.

Pre-packaged and Ready-to-Eat Food: Pre-packaged and ready-to-eat meals would be unfamiliar.

Modern Cooking Utensils: Modern cookware like non-stick pans and stainless steel utensils would be new.

These contrasts highlight the extraordinary progress in food preparation and kitchen technology over the past 4,000 years.
In simple words: A Harappan would be shocked by electric stoves, fridges, running water from taps, packaged food, and modern pans and pots.

Exam Tip: Focus on practical, observable differences (appliances, water access, food preservation) rather than abstract concepts - help the examiner visualise the contrasts clearly.

Question 21. Looking at all the pictures in this chapter, make a list of the ornaments / gestures / objects that still feel familiar in our 21st century. (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: Familiar Ornaments / Gestures / Objects:

Bangles: Worn extensively by the Dancing Girl figure, bangles are still a popular ornament in many parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Terracotta Pots: Similar to those used in rural areas for storage and cooking.

Beads and Necklaces: Resembling modern designs, indicating continuity in jewellery traditions.

Games Board: Similar to board games still played today.

Seals: Used for stamps and authentication, akin to modern seals.

These objects and ornaments illustrate the deep cultural continuity between ancient Harappan society and modern Indian life, showing how traditions of jewellery, games, and craftsmanship have persisted for thousands of years, highlighting the enduring influence of ancient customs on contemporary Indian culture.
In simple words: Bangles, pots, beads, games, and seals from ancient Harappa are still used and worn today - showing how old traditions continue in modern India.

Exam Tip: List specific objects and explain why they are still relevant or similar today - this demonstrates understanding of cultural continuity across millennia.

Question 22. What mind-set does the system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflect? (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: The system of reservoirs at Dholavira reflects a mind-set focused on advanced engineering, sustainable water management, and long-term planning. It shows a deep understanding of the environment and a commitment to community welfare, ensuring a stable water supply in an arid region. This indicates a civilisation that valued collective well-being and environmental management, with the ability to undertake massive construction projects through organised labour and administrative coordination. The sophisticated approach to water storage and conservation demonstrates practical wisdom and foresight in addressing the challenges of living in a dry region, revealing a society that prioritised resource management and community sustainability.
In simple words: The reservoirs show that Harappans were smart and planned ahead. They understood that water is precious and built big systems to store it for dry times. This was about helping the whole community, not just a few people.

Exam Tip: Discuss not just the engineering feat, but what values and priorities the reservoirs reveal about Harappan society - community focus, sustainability, long-term planning, and resource management.

Question 23. In Mohenjo-Daro, about 700 wells built with bricks have been counted. They seem to have been regularly maintained and used for several centuries. Discuss the implications. (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: The presence of around 700 wells in Mohenjo-Daro implies a highly organised and resourceful society. Regular maintenance over centuries suggests a strong civic administration, emphasizing the importance of water accessibility and hygiene. This also indicates advanced knowledge in civil engineering and public health. The large number of wells points to a community-oriented mind-set, where municipal bodies were responsible for the wells' upkeep, ensuring regular cleaning and maintenance. This suggests an advanced level of administrative organisation and community cooperation, reflecting a well-structured society with effective governance and resource management.
In simple words: So many wells and keeping them clean for hundreds of years shows the Harappans had good leaders and took care of their people. It proves they had strong systems for managing water and public health.

Exam Tip: Highlight the implications for civic administration, public health, engineering knowledge, and community cooperation - show how material evidence reveals social structures.

Question 24. It is often said that the Harappans had a high civic sense. Discuss the significance of this statement. Do you agree with it? Compare with citizens in a large city of India today. (Page 85 - The Big Questions)
Answer: The statement that the Harappans had a high civic sense is evident from their urban planning, public sanitation systems, and standardised construction techniques. This reflects a community-oriented mind-set prioritising collective well-being and environmental sustainability. Comparing with modern Indian cities, while some areas exhibit high civic sense, challenges like pollution and urban sprawl indicate a need to revive and enhance civic consciousness, drawing inspiration from the Harappan legacy.
In simple words: The Harappans cared about clean streets, good drainage, and helping the whole community - that is civic sense. Modern Indian cities have some areas that are clean and organised, but other parts are dirty with pollution and poor planning. We should learn from the Harappans about caring for our cities.

Exam Tip: Provide specific evidence of Harappan civic sense (drainage systems, street planning, cleanliness), then compare fairly with modern cities - acknowledge both strengths and weaknesses in contemporary civic management.