Class 12 History - Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones – The Harappan Civilisation

Explore the Harappan Civilisation in Class 12 History Chapter 1. Learn about town planning, trade, art, and archaeological discoveries in one of the world’s oldest urban cultures.

Overview

This chapter explores the Harappan Civilisation, one of the earliest urban societies in the world. It highlights town planning, architecture, trade, art, craft production, and burial practices based on archaeological evidence.

Why This Chapter Matters

Understanding the Harappan Civilisation provides insight into early urban culture in South Asia and how archaeology helps reconstruct the past.

Real-Life Applications

  • Analyzing archaeological sources to understand ancient urban life.
  • Interpreting evidence related to trade, craft, and daily life in Harappan cities.
  • Exploring debates on the decline of the civilisation and historical interpretations.

Skills You Will Learn

  • Understanding archaeological methodology and interpretation.
  • Comparing Harappan urban planning with modern cities.
  • Critically analyzing how historians reconstruct the past from material remains.

Explore and Test Your Knowledge

Video Lesson

Watch the video for a comprehensive explanation.

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Practice Test

Test your knowledge with our practice test.

Scheduled Talent Test

Participate in the weekly talent test for this chapter.

Flashcards

Q: What were the main features of Harappan town planning?
A: Grid-based streets, drainage systems, citadel and lower town layout, and baked brick houses.
Q: How do archaeologists know about trade in the Harappan Civilisation?
A: Through seals, weights, beads, foreign artifacts, and dockyard remains at sites like Lothal.
Q: What challenges do historians face in interpreting the Harappan script?
A: The script remains undeciphered, making it difficult to access written records or direct meanings.

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