Society

Question 1

Evidence of social hierarchy

Answer 1

There is enough evidence of social hierarchy, but it happens to be much flatter than in other
ancient civilizations. (relatively egalitarian society)

Question 2

Rich poor gap

Answer 2

Social differences marked by settlement
hierarchy.

o Based on house size and location or grave
goods reveal information about
food/jewellery/social distinction etc.

Question 3

Various professional group

Answer 3

specialization of architects, peasants, traders, transporters, sanitary workers etc. We don’t know what their inter-relationship was.

Question 4

Sati and slavery

Answer 4

We don’t know

Question 5

Yet, it must have been a well-organized society.

Question 6

More orderly and secured lives

Answer 6

However, on the whole, it was a good life in the Harappan cities. It has been estimated that
1/6th of the Harappans lived past the age of 55. The people probably lived a more orderly and
secure life than in any other prehistoric civilization

Question 7

Intangibles of life, tavern, games and pet dogs

Answer 7

We know nothing about the intangibles of life. One thing that is certain is that male-female
enjoyed life. Even the scanty evidence we have indicates
that there was music, drums and dance in the cities, and
also wine and revelry in the taverns. Indus people also
amused themselves with games like dice, chess and
marbles. They had pet dogs/cats whose terracotta cages
have been found. There were terracotta toys for
children. Hunting must have been a common sport.
Perhaps people gambled also.

Question 8

Clothes

Answer 8

Little is known about the
clothes of the people, but
they seem to have
dressed differently
according to their social
status.
• Most people went
virtually naked.
• Elites, if we are to go
by sculptural
evidence, wore
embroidered robes.

Question 9

Ornaments

Answer 9

They were loaded with
ornaments for both
men and women.
• Bangles
• Necklace, Choker
necklace
• Anklet, nose-
studs, earrings
• Girdle/kamarband

Question 10

Beautification

Answer 10

• Large number of oval/circular
copper mirrors
• Ivory combs
• Antimony rod (Lothal)
• Terracotta figures – sindoor like
parting?

Both men and women wore their hair
long. The high fashion among the men
was like in the bearded man stone
sculpture. Many razors of different
shapes have been found.