Class 6 Social Science (CTET Paper 2)Critical (2–3 MCQs guaranteed)9 min read
Chapter 3: In the Earliest Cities (Harappan Civilization)
आरंभिक नगर (हड़प्पा सभ्यता, मोहनजोदड़ो का महान स्नानागार एवं लोथल)
CTET Theme: History, Urban Civilization & Archaeology
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OVERVIEW1 of 11
Introduction: In the Earliest Cities (Harappan Civilization)
Welcome to Mentora CTET Audio Masterclass for Class 6 Social Science (CTET Paper 2), Chapter 3: In the Earliest Cities (Harappan Civilization). Here are the high-yield facts tested in CBSE examinations.
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High-Weightage NCERT Facts & Key Terms (द्विभाषी)
7 Core Points- Two-part city division: Western part was smaller but higher (Citadel / Durg); Eastern part was larger but lower (Lower Town).
- Baked brick masonry: Walls laid in interlocking patterns with baked bricks so strong they endured for over 4,000 years.
- The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro: A special tank lined with bricks, coated with plaster, and made water-tight with a layer of natural tar (bitumen). Water brought in from a well and drained after use.
- Fire Altars: Excavated at Kalibangan (Rajasthan) and Lothal (Gujarat), where sacrifices were performed.
- Lothal Dockyard: Located in Gujarat beside a tributary of Sabarmati; a huge brick tank that served as a dock where boats and ships arrived from the sea.
- Faience: An artificially produced material made by grinding sand or quartz and gum, glazed into a shiny glass-like surface, used for beads and bangles.
- Raw Material Sources: Copper from Rajasthan and Oman; Tin (mixed with copper to make bronze) from Afghanistan and Iran; Gold from Karnataka; Precious stones from Gujarat, Iran, and Afghanistan.
CBSE Distractor Traps (Avoid Negative Marking)
- Trap: CBSE locates the Great Bath in Harappa or Lothal. Correct: The Great Bath is located in MOHENJODARO.
- Trap: CBSE pairs Lothal with fire altars only. Correct: Lothal had fire altars AND the famous tidal DOCKYARD on the Sabarmati tributary.
- Trap: CBSE states bronze was made from iron and copper. Correct: Bronze is an alloy of COPPER and TIN.
NCERT Core Facts: Harappan Urban Planning, Metallurgy & Trade Networks
In CTET Paper 2 Social Studies, Harappan architecture, artifacts, and trade routes are standard questions.
1. City Layout & Urban Architecture
| Architectural Feature | City / Location | NCERT Archaeological Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Citadel (Durg) | Western part of Harappan cities | Raised ground housing monumental public buildings, storehouses, and elite quarters. |
| Lower Town | Eastern part of Harappan cities | Residential quarters with standardized brick houses built around courtyards. |
| Great Bath | Mohenjodaro | Public ritual bathing tank lined with baked bricks, waterproofed with natural tar (bitumen), with steps leading down from north and south. |
| Dockyard | Lothal (Gujarat) | Enormous tidal basin on the Bhogava river (Sabarmati tributary) for maritime trade and boat anchoring. |
| Fire Altars | Kalibangan & Lothal | Brick hearths containing ash and charcoal used for religious fire rituals. |
2. Raw Material Trade Routes in Harappan Times
- Copper: Sourced from Khetri mines in Rajasthan and overseas from Oman (Arabian Peninsula).
- Tin (for Bronze): Imported from present-day Afghanistan and Iran.
- Gold: Transported from present-day Karnataka (Kolar region).
- Precious Stones: Obtained from Gujarat, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Official CTET Benchmark Test
Test Your Mastery: In the Earliest Cities (Harappan Civilization)
Authentic CBSE exam questions tested directly from this NCERT chapter.
Question 1 of 2(CTET Paper 2 Dec 2021 / Jan 2022 / Jan 2024)
In the Harappan civilization, the famous 'Great Bath' was discovered at which site?
हड़प्पा सभ्यता में प्रसिद्ध 'महान स्नानागार' किस स्थल पर खोजा गया था?
Question 2 of 2(CTET Paper 2 Dec 2019 / July 2019)
In which of the following Harappan sites have fire altars been found by archaeologists?
पुरातत्वविदों को निम्नलिखित में से किस हड़प्पा स्थल पर अग्निकुंड (यज्ञ वेदियाँ) मिले हैं?
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Where is the Great Bath located in Harappan civilization?
In Mohenjodaro (now in Sindh, Pakistan).
What material was used to make the Great Bath waterproof?
A layer of natural tar (bitumen) applied over the mortar and brick plaster.
Where was the tidal dockyard of the Harappans excavated?
At Lothal in Gujarat, located along a tributary of the Sabarmati river.