Chapter 3 – In the Earliest Cities

These NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 3 notes explain the rise of the Harappan civilisation and the development of the earliest cities. This chapter focuses on town planning, drainage system, important Harappan sites, and daily life in early urban centres, making it very important for school exams and BPSC foundation.

1. Discovery of the earliest cities

• About 150 years ago, railway lines were being laid in Punjab.
• Engineers found old bricks near a mound during construction work.
• This place was later identified as Harappa.
• Harappa is located in present-day Pakistan.
• Since Harappa was the first city discovered, all similar cities are called Harappan cities.

2. Time period of Harappan cities

• The Harappan cities developed around 4700 years ago.
• They flourished during a long period of growth and stability.
• The main phase lasted from c. 2700 BCE to 1900 BCE.
• This period is known as the peak of the Harappan civilisation.

3. Important Harappan cities

• Major cities included Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
• Other important cities were Dholavira, Kalibangan, and Lothal.
• These cities were spread over a very large area.
• They are found in present-day India and Pakistan.

4. Town planning in Harappan cities

• Harappan cities were carefully planned.
• Each city was divided into two main parts.
• The citadel was on the western side and was smaller but higher.
• Important buildings were located in the citadel.
• The lower town was larger and housed common people.

5. Special buildings

• One of the most important buildings was the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro.
• It was located in the citadel area.
• The structure was made of baked bricks.
• It was made waterproof using natural tar.
• It was probably used for religious or social ceremonies.

6. Drainage system (very important)

• The drainage system was one of the best features of Harappan cities.
• Every house had drains connected to street drains.
• Drains were made of bricks.
• Most drains were covered properly.
• This shows a high level of cleanliness and civic sense.

7. Houses in Harappan cities

• Houses were made mainly of baked bricks.
• Rooms were usually built around a courtyard.
• Many houses had wells inside them.
• Houses were either one storey or two storeys.
• The design shows planned residential architecture.

8. Occupations of the People

• Many people worked as craftspersons.
• They made pots, ornaments, and seals.
• Materials used included stone, shell, bronze, copper, and gold.
• Trade was carried out within cities and with distant places.
• Traders exchanged beads, pottery, and metal objects.

9. Seals and their importance

• Seals were usually made of stone.
• They were used for trade and identification.
• Seals had pictures of animals.
• They also had short inscriptions.
• The Harappan script has not yet been deciphered.

10. Food habits

• People ate wheat and barley as staple food.
• Rice was eaten in some regions.
• They also consumed pulses.
• Fish was an important part of the diet.
• Meat was also eaten by the people.

11. End of Harappan cities

• The Harappan civilisation declined around 1900 BCE.
• Many cities were gradually abandoned.
• Possible reasons include floods and climate change.
• Decline in trade may have affected city life.
• The exact reason for decline is still debated.

12. Important Keywords

• Harappan civilisation refers to the earliest urban civilisation in the region.
• Citadel was the elevated western part of the city.
• Lower town was the residential area for common people.
• Great Bath was a special structure at Mohenjodaro.
• Drainage system shows advanced town planning.

13. Why this chapter is important

• This chapter shows advanced urban planning in ancient times.
• It proves that early people lived in planned cities.
• It shows existence of an organised society.
• It helps us understand the beginning of urban civilisation.
• It forms the base for studying later cities and civilisations.

This chapter highlights the advanced urban planning of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, and other cities, showing how early Indians lived in well-organised towns. Understanding these features helps in studying later urban developments in India.

Continue reading Class 6 History Chapter 4 – What Books and Burials Tell Us to learn how historians use written records and burial sites to understand the past.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main theme of Class 6 History Chapter 3?
It explains the development of the Harappan civilisation and features of the earliest cities.

Q2. Why is Chapter 3 important for exams?
It covers town planning, drainage, and Harappan sites, which are frequently asked in school and competitive exams.