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Revision Notes for Class 12 History Chapter 1 Cbse Class 12 History Notes Chapter 1 FREE PDF Download

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Stepwise CBSE Class 12 History Chapter 1 Notes in Hindi and English for Exam Preparation

CBSE Class 12 History Chapter 1 notes give a clear summary of how early societies developed, looking closely at the growth of farming and herding communities. The chapter explains important changes like the shift to agriculture, the start of settlements near rivers, and how tools and food production improved. Key topics include the life of early humans, the making of communities, and how these changes shaped human history.


These notes are organized for quick revision, making it easier to remember dates, facts, and main ideas for exams. With all important points gathered in one place and clear explanations, they help you save time and understand the chapter better. You can download the FREE PDF for CBSE Class 12 History Chapter 1 Notes and use it as a handy tool for your daily studies or before tests.


Revision Notes of Chapter 1 History Class 12 with Exercise-wise Answers

The Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation stands as one of the earliest urban civilisations in the world, flourishing between roughly 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE (Mature Harappan phase). Located mainly in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, its cities like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Lothal were remarkable for their advanced urban planning, architecture, and material culture, all extensively studied through archaeological discoveries rather than written records, since the Harappan script remains undeciphered.


Terminology, Geography and Timeline

The civilisation is often called the Harappan because it was first unearthed at the archaeological site of Harappa. Spanning regions of present-day Pakistan (Sind, Punjab, Baluchistan) and western India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab), the civilisation thrived in three main phases: Early Harappan (c. 6000–2600 BCE), Mature Harappan (c. 2600–1900 BCE), and Late Harappan (c. 1900–1300 BCE). Characteristic finds include uniform baked bricks, weights, seals, pottery, bronze and copper tools, and intricate beadwork.


Development: From Early Settlements to Urban Centres

Prior to the Mature Harappan era, small rural settlements existed with their own unique pottery and beginnings of farming and animal husbandry. Gradual transformation in practices and expansion over centuries led to the establishment of large, well-planned urban centres known for their standardized layouts, specialized crafts, and complex infrastructures.


Subsistence and Economy

Harappans enjoyed a varied diet composed of wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas, sesame, and, in some regions, millets and rice. Animal bones from archaeological sites suggest the domestication of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pig, with wild animal hunting and fishing supplementing their food. Agricultural techniques included ploughing, as evidenced by terracotta plough models and furrow marks at Kalibangan, supplemented by irrigation from wells and, possibly, canals. Storage facilities such as granaries highlight the importance of surplus production.


Urban Planning: Mohenjodaro as a Case Study

Mohenjodaro exemplifies Harappan urbanism. The city was organised into the Citadel (higher, possibly reserved for public structures) and Lower Town (residential). Streets followed a grid pattern, with brick houses built alongside extensive covered drainage systems. Houses featured private wells and bathrooms, enclosed courtyards, and were mostly two-storeyed. Public buildings included the Great Bath, used possibly for ritual purposes, and large warehouses for storage.


Social Organisation and Differences

Social stratification in Harappan society is inferred from burial practices and the distribution of luxury objects. Most burials were simple pits, sometimes lined with bricks, containing pottery and ornaments regardless of gender, suggesting limited stratification. Luxury artefacts like faience, rare stones, and metals were concentrated in major cities and not common in smaller settlements, hinting at status distinctions.


Craft Production and Trade

Specialised crafts were an important element of the economy. Sites like Chanhudaro were famous for bead-making, shell cutting, and metal-working. Artefact identification relies on the discovery of raw materials, unfinished objects and manufacturing waste by archaeologists. To sustain craft industries, the Harappans sourced raw materials locally and through long-distance trade. Materials such as stones, shells, copper, tin, and timber were procured from the Indian subcontinent and beyond, including regions like present-day Rajasthan, Gujarat, Afghanistan, and Oman.


Seals, Script and System of Weights

Harappan seals, often carved from steatite and decorated with animal motifs, were used for authenticating goods and long-distance communication, as proven by the discovery of seals and Harappan artefacts in West Asia. Their script, found inscribed mostly on seals, remains undeciphered to this day, although it was probably written from right to left. Standardised cubical weights made from chert regulated trade and exchanges within and between Harappan settlements.


Political Organisation and Authority

Despite uniformity in settlement planning, artefacts, and crafts, the nature of Harappan governance is still debated. Unlike Mesopotamian or Egyptian civilisations, evidence for palaces or kings is missing. Some scholars suggest a decentralized system, while others argue for one or more cities (like Mohenjodaro and Harappa) being political centres. The scale of urban layouts, uniform brick ratios, and large public works indicate some form of organised authority or administrative control.


Decline of the Harappan Civilisation

By around 1900 BCE, the core Harappan urban centres began declining and were eventually abandoned. This is evident in the disappearance of key features like standardized weights, seals, and script. Scholars associate this decline with multiple factors: environmental changes, river shifts, recurring floods or droughts, resource depletion, or societal changes. There is little firm evidence of large-scale invasions. Later cultures in the region, while influenced by Harappan traditions, lacked urban features.


Discovery and Archaeological Studies

The Harappan civilisation was first identified in the 1920s following the discoveries by Daya Ram Sahni (Harappa) and R.D. Banerjee (Mohenjodaro). Earlier, Alexander Cunningham, misled by the presence of unfamiliar artefacts, disregarded their importance. Later, improved excavation methods and interdisciplinary analyses deepened understanding of the Indus Valley’s urban legacy. Today, modern scientific techniques such as archaeo-botany, zoo-archaeology, and environmental science contribute further to reconstructing Harappan life.


Classifying and Interpreting Finds

Artefacts uncovered during excavations are classified based on the material and function, including tools, household objects, ornaments, and ritual paraphernalia. Interpretation is often challenging, especially in identifying religious practices—figurines once interpreted as deities may have served other roles. Material remains thus provide vital, though sometimes inconclusive, insights into daily life, social order, economy, and belief systems of the Harappans.


Timeline

  • c. 7000 BCE: Early agricultural communities emerge in Mehrgarh.
  • c. 6000–2600 BCE: Early Harappan (Pre-urban) phase.
  • c. 2600–1900 BCE: Mature Harappan (Urban) phase.
  • c. 1900–1300 BCE: Late Harappan (Post-urban) phase.
  • 1921–1922 CE: Major sites (Harappa, Mohenjodaro) excavated.

Important Harappan Sites

  • Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan, Ganweriwala, Rakhigarhi, Chanhudaro, Banawali

Key Revision Points

  • Harappan civilisation was highly urbanised with planned cities and public works.
  • Advanced craft specialisation, trade networks, and technological innovations characterised the economy.
  • Social differences are observed through burial customs and distribution of luxury objects.
  • Absence of deciphered texts makes archaeological evidence the chief source.
  • The reasons for decline remain contested, but rapid abandonment is clear in the archaeological record.

Sample Important Questions

  • List the main food resources and supplying communities in Harappan society.
  • Describe town planning features in Mohenjodaro and explain the significance of its drainage system.
  • Discuss how archaeologists reconstruct social hierarchy in Harappan towns.
  • Explain the methods of craft production and procurement of raw materials.

For Additional Study

  • Raymond and Bridget Allchin: Origins of a Civilization
  • G.L. Possehl: The Indus Civilization
  • Shereen Ratnagar: Understanding Harappa

Class 12 History Chapter 1 Notes – Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation Key Points

Class 12 History Chapter 1 covers the origin, development, and decline of the Harappan civilisation, focusing on its unique urban planning, trade networks, and social organisation. These notes provide a comprehensive overview for exam preparation and quick revision.


The chapter explains the sources of Harappan history, mainly material remains such as seals, pottery, and urban ruins. It emphasizes the challenges of interpretation, highlighting how historians reconstruct ancient societies without a deciphered script.


Important topics include settlement layout, burial customs, economic activities, craft production, and theories surrounding the end of the Indus Valley Civilisation. These notes serve as a clear summary for students aiming to master History Class 12 Chapter 1.


FAQs on Revision Notes for Class 12 History Chapter 1 Cbse Class 12 History Notes Chapter 1 FREE PDF Download

1. Are NCERT Solutions enough for Class 12 History exams?

NCERT Solutions are essential for CBSE Class 12 History as most exam questions are based directly on the textbook. However, using revision notes alongside these solutions helps you quickly recall key points and improve answer structure for scoring full marks.

2. How can I use revision notes for last-minute exam preparation?

Use concise revision notes to review important definitions, key events, and diagrams. Focus on summary points and practice answering short and long questions to improve recall and speed during the exam.

3. What is the best way to structure long answers in Class 12 History?

Start with a brief introduction, organize your answer in clear points or paragraphs, and include examples or key facts. Use subheadings if needed and end with a conclusion to match CBSE's stepwise marking scheme.

4. Are diagrams or maps required in History answers?

Diagrams and maps are not always mandatory, but including neat, correctly labelled maps when asked can earn extra marks. Practice from your revision notes so you can draw and label quickly in the exam.

5. Where can I download free PDF revision notes for Chapter 1?

You can download free PDF revision notes for Chapter 1 from trusted academic platforms like Vedantu. These PDFs are formatted for quick reference and offline study to make your revision efficient.

6. Which topics from Chapter 1 are most important for CBSE exams?

Pay special attention to key themes, important events, and major personalities highlighted in the chapter. Revision notes usually list these topics for quick reference, ensuring you cover high-weightage areas for the exam.