Bricks, Beads, and Bones
Class 12
History Notes
Chapter 1: The Harappan Civilisation
Introduction
The Harappan Civilisation (Indus Valley Civilisation) flourished between 2600 BCE
– 1900 BCE.
It was one of the earliest urban civilisations, along with Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Named after Harappa, the first site discovered in present-day Pakistan.
1. Discovery of the Civilisation
First discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni at Harappa.
Later, R.D. Banerjee discovered Mohenjodaro in 1922.
John Marshall played a key role in identifying it as an ancient civilization.
It was spread across Pakistan, India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, UP,
etc.).
2. Key Features of the Civilisation
(A) Town Planning and Architecture
Well-planned cities with a grid system.
Drainage System: Covered drains with soak pits, houses connected to the main
drainage system.
Great Bath (Mohenjodaro): A large public water tank, possibly for religious
purposes.
Citadel and Lower Town:
o Citadel: Elevated part had large structures like granaries, administrative
buildings.
o Lower Town: Residential area, houses made of burnt bricks.
(B) Agriculture and Economy
Agriculture:
o Main crops: Wheat, barley, peas, mustard, sesame, cotton (first to grow
cotton).
o Use of plows (evidence from Kalibangan).
o Irrigation depended on the Indus River.
Domestication of Animals:
o Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and camels.
o Elephants and horses were rare.
Class 12
History Notes
Chapter 1: The Harappan Civilisation
Introduction
The Harappan Civilisation (Indus Valley Civilisation) flourished between 2600 BCE
– 1900 BCE.
It was one of the earliest urban civilisations, along with Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Named after Harappa, the first site discovered in present-day Pakistan.
1. Discovery of the Civilisation
First discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni at Harappa.
Later, R.D. Banerjee discovered Mohenjodaro in 1922.
John Marshall played a key role in identifying it as an ancient civilization.
It was spread across Pakistan, India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, UP,
etc.).
2. Key Features of the Civilisation
(A) Town Planning and Architecture
Well-planned cities with a grid system.
Drainage System: Covered drains with soak pits, houses connected to the main
drainage system.
Great Bath (Mohenjodaro): A large public water tank, possibly for religious
purposes.
Citadel and Lower Town:
o Citadel: Elevated part had large structures like granaries, administrative
buildings.
o Lower Town: Residential area, houses made of burnt bricks.
(B) Agriculture and Economy
Agriculture:
o Main crops: Wheat, barley, peas, mustard, sesame, cotton (first to grow
cotton).
o Use of plows (evidence from Kalibangan).
o Irrigation depended on the Indus River.
Domestication of Animals:
o Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and camels.
o Elephants and horses were rare.
