Lesson 6: Unearthing the Secrets of the Indus Valley Civilization

Unearthing the Secrets of the Indus Valley Civilization

Learning Objective

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the significance of the Indus Valley Civilization, including its cities, trade networks, and advanced urban planning.

What do you already know about the Indus Valley Civilization?

Slide 1: Introduction

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, thrived in the Indian subcontinent around 2600 to 1900 BCE.

Slide 2: Cities of the Indus Valley

The civilization had well-planned cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, with advanced drainage systems and grid-like street layouts.

Slide 3: Trade Networks

The Indus Valley Civilization had extensive trade networks with regions as far as Mesopotamia, Oman, and Egypt.

Slide 4: Indus Script

The Indus Valley Civilization had a script that is yet to be deciphered, which limits our understanding of their written records.

Slide 5: Agriculture and Economy

Agriculture, including the cultivation of wheat, barley, and cotton, was the backbone of the Indus Valley Civilization's economy.

Slide 6: Art and Craftsmanship

The Indus Valley Civilization was known for its skilled craftsmanship in pottery, jewelry, and figurines.

Slide 7: Decline and Disappearance

The reasons for the decline and disappearance of the Indus Valley Civilization remain uncertain, with theories ranging from climate change to invasions.

Slide 8: Question 1

What are the two well-known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Slide 9: Answer 1

The two well-known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization are Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

Slide 10: Question 2

Which regions were part of the trade networks of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Slide 11: Answer 2

The trade networks of the Indus Valley Civilization extended to regions like Mesopotamia, Oman, and Egypt.

Slide 12: Question 3

What is a major challenge in understanding the Indus Valley Civilization?

Slide 13: Answer 3

The major challenge in understanding the Indus Valley Civilization is the undeciphered Indus script.

Slide 14: Question 4

What was the backbone of the Indus Valley Civilization's economy?

Slide 15: Answer 4

Agriculture, including the cultivation of wheat, barley, and cotton, was the backbone of the Indus Valley Civilization's economy.

Slide 16: Question 5

What were some areas of skilled craftsmanship in the Indus Valley Civilization?

Slide 17: Answer 5

Some areas of skilled craftsmanship in the Indus Valley Civilization include pottery, jewelry, and figurines.

Slide 18: Question 6

What are some theories about the decline and disappearance of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Slide 19: Answer 6

Some theories about the decline and disappearance of the Indus Valley Civilization include climate change and invasions.

Slide 20: Conclusion

The Indus Valley Civilization, with its advanced cities, trade networks, and urban planning, contributes to our understanding of ancient civilizations and their achievements.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.