The River Valley Civilisation: Indus Valley Civilisation — Important Questions

Citadel

Step 1: Harappan cities were divided into two parts. Step 2: The upper part, built on a raised platform, was called the 'Citadel' or 'Acropolis'. Step 3: The Citadel had high walls to protect against floods and housed public buildings like granaries. Step 4: The Lower Town was where common people lived and worked. Step 5: Granary and Assembly Hall were buildings found inside the Citadel, not the name for the raised area itself.

Religious bathing

Step 1: The Great Bath was a rectangular pool found at Mohenjodaro. Step 2: It had six entrances, a central pool, galleries, and dressing rooms. Step 3: Historians believe it was used for religious bathing or ritual purification. Step 4: It was not a public swimming pool for competitions, nor was it used for washing clothes. Step 5: Water storage was done through wells, not the Great Bath. So religious bathing is the correct answer.

Burnt bricks

Step 1: The question asks about the building material used in Harappan cities. Step 2: Archaeological excavations show that houses, drains, and public buildings were all made of burnt bricks. Step 3: Burnt bricks are stronger and more durable than sun-dried mud bricks. Step 4: Wood and stone were not the primary building materials used for construction. Step 5: The use of burnt bricks shows how advanced the engineering skills of Harappan people were.

Cotton

Step 1: The question asks about a special crop grown by the Harappan people. Step 2: The Harappans grew wheat, barley, rice, mustard, and sesame. Step 3: However, the most special fact is that they were the earliest known people to grow COTTON. Step 4: Cotton was used to make clothes, which shows their advanced farming knowledge. Step 5: Sugarcane and Maize are not associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation.