Kalibangan Civilization

Kalibangan Civilization, situated in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, represents a crucial chapter in the ancient history of the Indian subcontinent. The name "Kalibangan" originates from the Sindhi language, translating to "black bangles." This civilization flourished on the banks of the ancient Saraswati River, now in the Hanumangarh district.

Discovered in 1952 by archaeologist Amlanand Ghosh, Kalibangan gained prominence as one of the key sites of the Bronze Age in the Indian subcontinent. The excavation, conducted between 1961 and 1969, was led by renowned archaeologists V.K. Thapar and V.V. Lal. This excavation revealed a well-structured urban settlement, complete with fortified walls, residential areas, and a sophisticated drainage system.

Kalibangan is considered contemporaneous with the famous Indus Valley Civilization, indicating its significant role in the ancient socio-cultural landscape of the region. Professor Dashrath Sharma even dubbed Kalibangan as the third capital of the Indus Valley Civilization, highlighting its importance in ancient urban planning and governance.

The civilization at Kalibangan is classified as belonging to the Para Harappan period or the North Harappan period, signifying its cultural and chronological connection with the broader Harappan civilization. Its strategic location along the Saraswati River facilitated trade and agricultural activities, contributing to its prosperity.

The artifacts unearthed from Kalibangan provide valuable insights into ancient urban life, including evidence of advanced urban planning, craft specialization, and trade networks. These discoveries include pottery, seals, tools, and jewelry, shedding light on the economic, social, and religious practices of its inhabitants.

Overall, Kalibangan Civilization stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations in the Indian subcontinent, enriching our understanding of human history and civilization.

Kalibanga Information

Kalibanga, meaning "black bangles" in Sindhi, was discovered by Amlanand Ghosh in 1952.
It is situated on the banks of the ancient Saraswati River in Hanumangarh district.
Extensive excavation from 1961 to 1969 was led by V.K. Thapar and V.V. Lal.
Kalibanga Civilization is contemporary with the Indus Valley Civilization.
Professor Dashrath Sharma identified it as the third capital of the Indus Valley Civilization.
It belongs to the Para Harappan period/North Harappan period civilization.
Another significant site of the Copper Age civilization exists near the Kantli River in Sikar.
Discovered by RC Aggarwal in 1972, this excavation unearthed the oldest remnants of the Copper Age civilization.
The Ganeshwar civilization is revered as the progenitor of Copper Age civilizations.

Kalibangan Civilization - MCQs

What is the approximate timeframe of the Kalibangan Civilization?
a) 3500-2500 BCE
b) 2000-1000 BCE
c) 500-300 BCE
d) 1000-500 CE
Answer: a) 3500-2500 BCE
Where is the archaeological site of Kalibangan located?
a) Egypt
b) Mesopotamia
c) Harappa
d) Rajasthan, India
Answer: d) Rajasthan, India
Which river was the Kalibangan Civilization situated along?
a) Ganges
b) Nile
c) Indus
d) Tigris
Answer: c) Indus
What was the primary occupation of the people of Kalibangan?
a) Agriculture
b) Fishing
c) Trading
d) Herding
Answer: a) Agriculture
Which type of pottery is characteristic of the Kalibangan Civilization?
a) Black Polished Ware (BPW)
b) Red Ware
c) Grey Ware
d) Black Ware
Answer: c) Grey Ware
What type of script is associated with the Kalibangan Civilization?
a) Hieroglyphic
b) Cuneiform
c) Indus Script
d) Sanskrit
Answer: c) Indus Script
Which archaeological feature was found in abundance at Kalibangan?
a) Temples
b) Granaries
c) Palaces
d) Pyramids
Answer: b) Granaries
What is the significance of the "fire altars" found at Kalibangan?
a) Religious rituals
b) Cooking purposes
c) Heating during winters
d) Metalworking
Answer: a) Religious rituals
What evidence suggests urban planning in Kalibangan?
a) Grid-like street layout
b) Random arrangement of houses
c) Lack of drainage systems
d) Absence of public buildings
Answer: a) Grid-like street layout
Which other ancient civilization is contemporaneous with the Kalibangan Civilization?
a) Ancient Greece
b) Mesopotamia
c) Ancient China
d) Roman Empire
Answer: b) Mesopotamia

Kalibangan Civilization - Questions with Answers:

What are the key archaeological features that distinguish the Kalibangan Civilization?
Answer: The key archaeological features of the Kalibangan Civilization include grid-like street layouts, fire altars for religious rituals, extensive granaries, grey ware pottery, and the presence of the Indus Script.
How did the people of Kalibangan primarily sustain themselves economically?
Answer: The people of Kalibangan primarily sustained themselves through agriculture, as evidenced by the presence of granaries and the fertile floodplains of the Indus River.
What role did urban planning play in the development of Kalibangan?
Answer: Urban planning played a significant role in the development of Kalibangan, as indicated by its grid-like street layout, which suggests organized town planning and administration.
What significance do the fire altars hold in the context of the Kalibangan Civilization?
Answer: The fire altars found at Kalibangan are believed to have been used for religious rituals, indicating the presence of a well-developed religious and cultural system within the civilization.
How does the Kalibangan Civilization contribute to our understanding of ancient Indian history?
Answer: The Kalibangan Civilization provides valuable insights into the urbanization, economic practices, cultural rituals, and societal structures of ancient India, contributing significantly to our understanding of its history and development.