NCERT Class 12 History Themes in Indian History-I: Chapter 1 — Bricks, Beads and Bones
This chapter, "Bricks, Beads and Bones," introduces the Harappan Civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation. It highlights the Harappan seal as a distinctive artefact and explains that knowledge of this civilization comes from archaeological evidence like houses, pots, ornaments, tools, and seals. The chapter outlines the time span of the civilization, dividing it into Early Harappan (6000-2600 BCE), Mature Harappan (2600-1900 BCE), and Late Harappan (1900-1300 BCE) phases. It details the geographical spread of Harappan sites across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and various Indian states. The text also touches upon subsistence strategies, mentioning the wide range of plant and animal products consumed by the Harappans, studied by archaeo-botanists. This chapter serves as a foundational exploration of one of India's earliest urban civilizations, crucial for understanding ancient Indian history within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in Indian History-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — Bricks, Beads and Bones |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 648 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the Harappan Civilisation and its alternative name, the Indus Valley Civilisation.
- Understand the chronological phases of the Harappan Civilisation (Early, Mature, Late).
- Recognize the geographical extent of the Harappan Civilisation.
- Appreciate the role of archaeological evidence in understanding ancient civilizations.
- Learn about the subsistence strategies of the Harappan people.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Steatite | A soft stone used for making seals. |
| Archaeological evidence | Information gathered from the study of past human activity through excavation and analysis of artifacts. |
| Undeciphered | Not successfully translated or interpreted. |
| BCE | Before Common Era (equivalent to BC). |
| CE | Common Era (equivalent to AD). |
| Circa | Approximately (often abbreviated as c.). |
| Archaeo-botanists | Specialists who study ancient plant remains. |
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Practice questions
- What is another name for the Harappan Civilisation? Answer: Indus Valley Civilisation.
- Name the stone from which Harappan seals were often made. Answer: Steatite.
- What are the three phases of the Harappan Civilisation mentioned in the text? Answer: Early Harappan, Mature Harappan, and Late Harappan.
- Which script found on Harappan seals remains undeciphered? Answer: The Harappan script.
- Who studies ancient plant remains to understand dietary practices? Answer: Archaeo-botanists.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The Harappan seal is typically made of which stone?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Harappan seals were often made of a stone called steatite.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a phase of the Harappan Civilisation mentioned?
Explanation: The chapter divides the civilization into Early, Mature, and Late phases, not Middle Harappan.
Q3. The most prosperous phase of the Harappan Civilisation is termed as:
Explanation: The text defines the Mature Harappan phase (2600 BCE-1900 BCE) as the most prosperous phase of the civilization.
Q4. What does 'BCE' stand for?
Explanation: BCE is an abbreviation used for 'Before Common Era', which is equivalent to BC.
Q5. Which of these is NOT listed as a major Harappan city?
Explanation: While Lothal is an important Harappan site (a port), the text specifically lists Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Ganweriwala as the five major cities.
Q6. Who are specialists in ancient plant remains?
Explanation: The chapter defines archaeo-botanists as specialists who study ancient plant remains to reconstruct dietary practices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Harappan Civilisation also known as?
The Harappan Civilisation is also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation.
What time span does the Harappan Civilisation cover?
The Harappan Civilisation spans from approximately 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE.
What are the three main phases of the Harappan Civilisation?
The three main phases are Early Harappan (6000-2600 BCE), Mature Harappan (2600-1900 BCE), and Late Harappan (1900-1300 BCE).
Where have Harappan artifacts been found?
Harappan artifacts have been found in regions including Afghanistan, Pakistan (Baluchistan, Sind, Punjab), and Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
What is the significance of the Harappan seal?
The Harappan seal is considered a distinctive artifact of the civilization, often featuring animal motifs and an undeciphered script.
How do archaeologists learn about the Harappan Civilisation?
Archaeologists learn about the Harappan Civilisation from the material remains they left behind, such as houses, pottery, tools, ornaments, and seals.
What does 'circa' mean in relation to dates?
'Circa' (c.) is a Latin word meaning 'approximate,' used when dates are not exact.
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NCERT Class 12 History — Themes in Indian History-I — Chapter 1 — Bricks, Beads and Bones. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.