With reference to the Harappan Civilisation, answer the following questions:

1. Why is the Harappan Civilisation known by two different names?
2. Which features of Harappan town-planning impress you the most? Give reasons.
3. Write a note on the Harappan script.

1. The Harappan Civilisation is also known as Indus Valley Civilisation. It is known as Indus Valley Civilisation because most of the sites in the initial phase of excavation were situated near the valley of the river Indus and its tributaries. Historians also refer to it as the Harappan Civilisation, since Harappa was the first city to be unearthed.

2. Some of the most impressive features of Harappan town-planning were:

   1. Well-planned Drainage System — Every house was connected to the main drainage line. Drains were covered and cleaned regularly. This shows a high level of civic sense and concern for hygiene.
   2. Grid-pattern Layout — There were well-developed roads. The main roads ran parallel to each other. Smaller streets intersected the main roads at right angles. The entire city was divided into rectangular blocks or grids. The corners of the roads were rounded off for easy movement of carts. This shows advanced knowledge of urban planning and civil engineering.

3. The Harappan script is believed to be of pictographic writing. The script seems to have 250 to 400 pictographs. Writing was from right to left. The Harappan writing can be seen in inscriptions found on seals, copper tablets, bronze implements, and small objects made of terracota and stone.