In the Earliest Cities from the NCERT series "Our Pasts 1" for History Class 6

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of the earliest cities! In this article, we will delve into the pages of the NCERT series "Our Pasts 1" for History Class 6 and explore the topic of "In the Earliest Cities." The Indus Valley civilization, which emerged around 2500 BCE, witnessed the birth of remarkable urban settlements that left an indelible mark on ancient history. From the significance of agriculture to the well-planned layouts and advanced systems of drainage and water supply, we will uncover the secrets of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the two prominent cities of this ancient civilization. We will also discuss the social divisions based on occupation and wealth, the enigmatic Indus script, and the invaluable insights gained from archaeological excavations. So, let's embark on this captivating journey back in time and discover the wonders of the earliest cities!

Early Cities: Seeds of Civilization

The emergence of cities marked a significant milestone in human history. The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest urban civilizations, witnessed the rise of early cities around 2500 BCE. These cities were the result of a gradual transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled communities. The availability of fertile land along the banks of the Indus River facilitated agricultural activities and contributed to the growth and prosperity of these cities.

Agriculture: The Backbone of Urban Development

Agriculture played a crucial role in the development of the earliest cities. The fertile alluvial soil of the Indus Valley provided an ideal environment for cultivating crops. The ancient people of this civilization were adept at harnessing the power of the river through an elaborate system of canals and irrigation. Wheat, barley, peas, sesame, and cotton were among the crops cultivated by the inhabitants of these cities. The surplus food production allowed for specialization in other areas, leading to the growth of trade, craftsmanship, and social complexity.

Harappa: A Marvel of Urban Planning

Harappa, one of the prominent cities of the Indus Valley civilization, stood as a testament to the advanced urban planning of that time. The city was divided into well-organized sectors and blocks, each with its own specific function. The buildings were made of baked bricks, showcasing the architectural skills of the inhabitants. Intricate drainage systems, with covered drains running beneath the streets, ensured proper sanitation. The layout of Harappa indicates a sophisticated understanding of town planning and an emphasis on maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

Mohenjo-Daro: A City Frozen in Time

Mohenjo-Daro, another remarkable city of the Indus Valley civilization, provides us with a window into the past. The ruins of this ancient city have revealed a meticulously planned urban center with multi-story buildings, public baths, and an impressive granary. The Great Bath, a massive water tank, serves as a testament to the advanced water management systems of the time. The city's streets were laid out in a grid-like pattern, and houses had their own private wells and bathrooms, showcasing a level of sophistication rarely seen in contemporaneous civilizations.

Social Divisions in the Earliest Cities

Just like modern cities, social divisions based on occupation and wealth were present in the earliest cities of the Indus Valley civilization. Society was stratified, with a small elite class holding power and wealth. The ruling class, likely comprising priests and administrators, enjoyed a higher social status. Artisans, merchants, farmers, and laborers constituted the middle and lower classes. These divisions were likely reinforced through the ownership of land and specialized skills. The presence of well-defined social classes is indicative of the complexity and organization of these ancient urban societies.

The Enigma of the Indus Script

One of the greatest mysteries surrounding the Indus Valley civilization is the undeciphered Indus script. The ancient people of this civilization left behind a significant number of inscriptions, but to this day, scholars have been unable to fully understand their written records. The script consists of a series of pictorial signs, but the lack of a bilingual inscription has hindered its decipherment. The inability to decipher the Indus script limits our understanding of the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the earliest cities.

Archaeological Excavations: Unveiling the Past

Archaeological excavations have played a pivotal role in unraveling the secrets of the earliest cities. The systematic study of the ruins of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, as well as other sites, has provided valuable insights into the lives of the people who inhabited these ancient cities. The discovery of well-preserved artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, figurines, and tools has shed light on their craftsmanship, trade networks, and daily lives. Through careful excavation and analysis, archaeologists have reconstructed aspects of the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the Indus Valley civilization.

FAQs about "In the Earliest Cities" from the NCERT series "Our Pasts 1" for History Class 6

1. Q: What is the significance of the Indus Valley civilization?

   • The Indus Valley civilization holds immense historical significance as one of the world's oldest urban civilizations. It laid the foundation for future urban developments and showcased remarkable advancements in town planning, agriculture, and craftsmanship.

2. Q: How did agriculture contribute to the development of the earliest cities?

   • Agriculture played a crucial role in the development of these cities by providing a stable food supply and surplus production. This surplus enabled specialization in various occupations, leading to the growth of trade and urbanization.

3. Q: What are some key features of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro?

   • Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were characterized by well-planned layouts, advanced systems of drainage and water supply, and impressive architecture. The presence of public baths, granaries, and multi-story buildings reflects their advanced urban infrastructure.

4. Q: Were there social divisions in the earliest cities?

   • Yes, social divisions based on occupation and wealth were present in the earliest cities. The ruling elite enjoyed a higher social status, while artisans, merchants, farmers, and laborers constituted the middle and lower classes.

5. Q: Why is the Indus script still undeciphered?

   • The Indus script remains undeciphered due to the lack of a bilingual inscription. Scholars have not yet been able to fully understand the symbols and signs used in the script, limiting our understanding of the written records of the Indus Valley civilization.

6. Q: How have archaeological excavations contributed to our knowledge of the earliest cities?

   • Archaeological excavations have provided valuable insights into the lives of people in the earliest cities. Through the discovery and analysis of artifacts, structures, and city layouts, archaeologists have reconstructed various aspects of their society, economy, and culture.

Conclusion

The earliest cities of the Indus Valley civilization stand as a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of ancient societies. The well-planned layouts, advanced systems of drainage and water supply, and social divisions based on occupation and wealth provide a glimpse into the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago. The enigmatic Indus script continues to intrigue scholars, while archaeological excavations have unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts that deepen our understanding of the past. As we explore "In the Earliest Cities" from the NCERT series "Our Pasts 1" for History Class 6, we uncover the mysteries and marvels of these ancient urban centers, piecing together the fragments of a bygone era.