Discovering Our Past: Ancient Civilizations

Chapter 4: Early India

Student Web Activity

“Early India”

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about India's early civilization. Harappa, or the Indus civilization, began in the Indus River Valley. The civilization was named after one of its major cities-Harappa. As you know, the Harappa left no written records. What we know about this early civilization come from the study of ruins left behind. Harappa was first excavated by British explorers and archaeologists in the 19th century. In this activity, you will learn more about the Harappan civilization by visiting the Web site featuring the discoveries of leading Indus scholars. The work of the Harappa Archaeological Research Project has brought new insight to India's early civilization. Visit Harappa.com to review the findings of these archaeologists and gain a better appreciation for the civilization that sprang to life on the banks of the Indus River.

Destination Title: Harappa.com

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
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Directions
Begin at Harappa.com and select "Indus Valley."

  • Next, click on I: Introduction. Select “Watch the slide show.”
  • View the slide show, taking notes as you go.
  • After you've read through the slides, browse some other features on the Web site, including the 3-D tour of Harappa.



After you have read these pages, answer the following questions.

1
What types of natural resources are extracted from the nearby Himalaya?
2
Why do some scientists believe that the city of Harappa had a large granary? What missing evidence prevents us from knowing whether the large structure was actually a granary?
3
Archaeologists have discovered objects made of faience. What were these objects?
4
What material was widely used in crafts and figurines?
5
Imagine you are a college student interested in working on the Harappa Archaeological Research Project. In order to be awarded an internship, you must compose a brief essay, detailing an interesting discovery of the site. Your essay should be brief, but it should include a detailed account of the item and your interpretation of its use and significance.
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