Indus Valley Civilisation
General Overview
- One of the four earliest civilisations along with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China.
- Part of the proto-history of India.
- Belongs to the Bronze age.
- Mature phase lasted between 2600-1900 BC.
Chronological Phases
- Early Phase: 3500-2600 BC
- Middle (Mature) Phase: 2600-1900 BC
- Later Phase: 1900-1400 BC
Key Discoveries
- Harappa discovered by Dayaram Sahni in 1921.
- Mohenjodaro discovered by RD Banerjee in 1922.
Nomenclature
- Coined "Indus Valley Civilisation" by John Marshall.
- Also known as "Harappan Civilisation" after the first discovered site, Harappa.
- Alternatively called "Saraswati-Sindhu Civilisation".
Geographical Spread
- Covered areas in Sind, Baluchistan, Afghanistan, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Maharashtra.
Sites in Afghanistan
- Mundigak
- Shortughai
Westernmost and Easternmost Sites
- Westernmost site: Sutkagendor on Makran coast
- Easternmost site: Alamgirpur in Uttar Pradesh
Northernmost and Southernmost Sites
- Northernmost site: Manda in Jammu (River Chenab)
- Southernmost site: Daimabad in Maharashtra (River Pravara)
New Discoveries in Indus Valley Civilisation
- Ganverivala in Pakistan
- Discovered by: Rafeeq Mugal
- Bhirrana
- Oldest Harappan site
- Located at: Bhirrana village on the banks of Ghaggar river
- Rakhigarhi in Haryana
- Discovered by: Amarendra Nath
Indus Cities
- Harappa
- City: Harappa
- Province: Pakistani Punjab
- River Bank: Ravi
- Year of Discovery: 1921
- Archaeologist(s): Daya Ram
Sahni
- Mohenjodaro
- City: Mohenjodaro
- Province: Sind
- River Bank: Indus
- Year of Discovery: 1922
- Archaeologist(s): RD Banerjee
- Sutkagendor
- City: Sutkagendor
- Province: Baluchistan
- River Bank: Dasht
- Year of Discovery: 1931
- Archaeologist(s): Aurel Stein
- Chanhudaro
- City: Chanhudaro
- Province: Sind
- River Bank: Indus
- Year of Discovery: 1931
- Archaeologist(s): MG
Majumdar
- Ropar
- City: Ropar
- Province: Indian Punjab
- River Bank: Sutlej
- Year of Discovery: 1953
- Archaeologist(s): YD Sharma
- Lothal
- City: Lothal
- Province: Gujarat
- River Bank: Bhogava,
Sabarmati
- Year of Discovery: 1953
- Archaeologist(s): SR Rao
- Kalibangan
- City: Kalibangan
- Province: Rajasthan
- River Bank: Ghaggar
- Year of Discovery: 1951
- Archaeologist(s): A Ghosh
- Alamgirpur
- City: Alamgirpur
- Province: Uttar Pradesh
- River Bank: Hindon
- Year of Discovery: 1974
- Archaeologist(s): YD
Sharma
- Banawali
- City: Banawali
- Province: Haryana
- River Bank: Ghaggar
- Year of Discovery: 1973
- Archaeologist(s): RS Bisht
- Dholavira
- City: Dholavira
- Province: Gujarat
- River Bank: Luni
- Year of Discovery: 1967-68
- Archaeologist(s): JP Joshi
- Rakhigarhi
- City: Rakhigarhi
- Province: Haryana
- River Bank: Ghaggar
- Year of Discovery: 1997
- Archaeologist(s): Amarendra Nath
Town Planning
- A unique feature was the grid system
- Streets cutting across one another at
right angles
- Dividing the town into large rectangular blocks
- Towns were divided into two parts
- Upper part or citadel
- Lower part
- The fortified citadel on the Western side
- Housed public buildings
- Members of ruling class
- Below the citadel on the Eastern side
- Lay the lower town
- Inhabited by common people
- Underground Drainage System
- Connected all houses to street drains made of mortar, lime, and gypsum
- Covered with either brick or stone slabs
- Equipped with 'Manhole'
- The Great Bath (Mohenjodaro)
- Used for religious bathing
- Steps at either end lead to the surface
- Changing rooms alongside
- The Granaries (Harappa)
- Six granaries in a row were found in the citadel at Harappa
- Houses
- Made up of burnt bricks
- Often two or more storeyed, with a square courtyard
- Had tiled bathrooms
- Lamp-posts
- Erected at regular intervals
- Indicates the existence of street lighting
Agriculture
- Backbone of the civilization
- Soil was fertile
- Due to inundation in the River Indus and
flooding
- Used wooden ploughshare
- World’s first ploughed field at Kalibangan
- Stone sickles used for harvesting
- Iron was not known to them
- Gabarbands or nalas
- Enclosed by dams for storing water
- Canal irrigation was absent
- Crops
- Produced wheat, barley, dates, peas, sesamum, mustard, millet, ragi, bajra, and jowar
- Rice husks found at Lothal and Rangpur
- Sugarcane was not known to Indus people
- First to Produce Cotton
- Greek called it Sindon
- Fragment of woven cotton cloth found at Mohenjodaro
Domestication of Animals
- Domesticated buffaloes, oxens, sheep, asses, goats, pigs, elephants, dogs, cats, etc.
- Remains of Horse found at Surkotada
- Remains of rhinoceros found at Amri
- Lion was not known to Indus people
- Cow was known but not much important
Trade
- Agriculture, industry, and forest produce provided basis for trade
- Trade was based on barter system
- Coins were not evident
- Bullock carts and boats used for
transportation.
- Weights and measures
- Made of limestone, steatite, etc.
- Generally in cubical shape
- In multiple of sixteen
- Decimal system known.
- Linear system of measurement
- Sticks inscribed with measure marks discovered.
- Foreign trade
- Flourished with Mesopotamia or Sumeria, Central Asia, Persia, Afghanistan, and Bahrain
- Sumerian text refers to trade with Meluha
- Intermediate stations: Dilmun and Makan
- Harappan seals found in Mesopotamian sites
- Susa and Ur
- Coastal towns of the civilization
- Lothal, Surkotada, Sutkagendor, Allahoino, Balakot, Dholavira, Daimabad
Towns and Industries
- Daimabad: Bronze industry
- Lothal: Factory for stone tools and metallic finished goods
- Balakot: Pearl finished goods, bangle, and shell
industry
- Chanhudaro: Beads and bangles factory, only city
without a citadel
Trade
Major Exports
- Agricultural products
- Cotton goods
- Terracotta figurines
- Pottery
- Steatite beads (from Chanhudaro)
- Conch-shell (from Lothal)
- Ivory products
- Copper
Major Imports
- Gold: Kolar (Karnataka), Afghanistan, Persia (Iran)
- Silver: Afghanistan, Persia (Iran), South India
- Copper: Khetri (Rajasthan), Baluchistan
- Tin: Afghanistan, Central Asia
- Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire: Badak-Shan (Afghanistan)
- Jade: Central Asia
- Steatite: Shaher-i-Sokhta, Kirthar hills
- Turquoise: Iran
- Amethyst: Maharashtra
Art and Craft
- Tools made of stone and bronze
- Bronze made by mixing copper (from Khetri) with tin
- Beads and jewelry of gold, silver, and precious stones
- Cotton fabrics for summer and woolen for winter
- Pottery both plain (red) and painted (red and black)
- Seals made of steatite with various animal pictures
Important Seals
- Pashupati seal from Mohenjodaro
- Unicorn seal
Images
- Bronze image of dancing girl (identified as devadasi)
- Stone steatite image of a bearded man (both from Mohenjodaro)
Terracotta Figurines
- Fire-baked clay used for toys, objects of worship, and animals
Religious Practices
- Chief Female Deity represented by a
terracotta figure
- Chief Male Deity - Pashupati Mahadeva
(Proto-Shiva)
- Lingam and yoni worship
- Trees and animals also worshipped
- No temples but idolatry was practiced
- Belief in ghosts and evil forces, use of
amulets
- Fire altars in Lothal and Kalibangan
- Evidence of snake worship
- Origin of Swastika symbol
Burial Practices
- General practice of North-South direction
for dead body
Specific Sites
- Mohenjodaro: Complete, Fractional, and Post Cremation
burial
- Kalibangan: Circular and Rectangular Grave
- Surkotada: Pot burial
- Dholavira: Megalithic burial
- Lothal: Double burial
- Harappa: East-West axis; R-37 and H cemetery
Script
- Pictographic in nature
- Fish symbol most represented
- Written from right to left and then left
to right (Boustrophedon style)
Decline of the
Civilisation
- Time Period: Flourished till about 1900 BC
- Lack of Unanimity: No agreement among historians regarding
the reason for decline
Decline of Indus Civilization
(Different Views)
- External Aggression: Wheeler, Piggot, and Gordon Childe
- Inundation: MR Sahani
- Epidemic: KVR Kennedy
- Tectonic Disturbances: Marshall and Raikes
- Climatic Change: Aurel Stein and AN Ghosh
- Deforestation, Scarcity of Resources,
Ecological Imbalances:
Fairservis
- Flood: Marshall, SR Rao, Maickey
- Destruction due to change in course of
River Ghaggar: GF Hales
Important
Harappan Sites
Harappa (Gateway City)
- Archaeological Finds:
- Two rows of six granaries with brick
platform
- Workmen's quarter
- Stone symbol of lingam and yoni
- Virgin-Goddess
- Clay figures of Mother Goddess
- Wheat and barley in wooden mortar
- Copper scale and mirror
- Vanity box
- Dice
- Sculpture:
- Dog chasing a deer (bronze)
- Nude male and nude dancing female
(stone)
- Red sandstone male torso
Mohenjodaro (Mound of the Dead)
- Archaeological Finds:
- The great bath
- The great granary (largest building)
- Multi-pillared assembly hall
- Proto-Shiva seal
- Clay figures of Mother Goddess
- Dice
- Mesopotamian seals
- Sculpture:
- Bronze dancing girl
- Steatite image of bearded man
Kalibangan (Black Bangle)
- Archaeological Finds:
- Ploughed field
- Decorated bricks
- Bangle factory
- Wheels of a toy cart
- Wells in every house
- Bones of camel
- 70 fire altars
Chanhudaro (Lancashire of India)
- Archaeological Finds:
- Inkpot
- Lipstick
- Bronze
- Toy cart
- Imprint of dog's paw on a brick
- Only city without citadel
- Terracotta bullock cart
Daimabad
- Archaeological Finds:
- Bronze images of charioteer with chariot
- Ox
- Elephant
- Rhinoceros
Amri
- Archaeological Finds:
- Actual remains of rhinoceros
Alamgirpur
- Archaeological Finds:
- Impression of cloth on a trough
Lothal (Manchester of Indus Valley
Civilization)
- Archaeological Finds:
- Rice husk
- Dockyard
- Fire altars
- Grinding machine
- Tusks of elephant
- Terracotta figure of horse
- Dying vat
- Painted jar (bird and fox)
- Terracotta ship
- Impressions of cloth on some seals
- Modern-day chess
- Instrument for measuring angles
Ropar
- Archaeological Finds:
- Buildings made of stone and soil
- Dog buried with humans
- Oval pit burials
Banawali
- Archaeological Finds:
- Oval-shaped settlement
- Only city with radial streets
- Lack of systematic drainage pattern
- Toy plough
- Largest number of barley grains
Surkotada
- Archaeological Finds:
- Both citadel and lower town fortified
with stone wall
- Remains of horse bones
- Pot burials
Dholavira
- Archaeological Finds:
- Only site to be divided into three parts
- Giant water reservoir
- Unique water harnessing system
- Dams and embankments
- A stadium
- Rock-cut architecture
Rakhigarhi
- Archaeological Finds:
- Largest Indus valley site
Rangpur
- Archaeological Finds:
- Rice was cultivated here
MCQs on Indus Valley Civilisation
General
Overview
1.
Which of the
following is NOT among the four earliest civilisations?
·
a) Mesopotamia
·
b) Egypt
·
c) Greece
·
d) China
·
Correct Answer:
c) Greece
·
Explanation: The
four earliest civilisations are Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Indus Valley
Civilisation. Greece is not among them.
2.
What age does the
Indus Valley Civilisation belong to?
·
a) Iron Age
·
b) Neolithic Age
·
c) Bronze Age
·
d) Stone Age
·
Correct Answer:
c) Bronze Age
·
Explanation: The
Indus Valley Civilisation belongs to the Bronze Age.
3.
When did the
mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilisation last?
·
a) 3500-2600 BC
·
b) 2600-1900 BC
·
c) 1900-1400 BC
·
d) 2000-1000 BC
·
Correct Answer:
b) 2600-1900 BC
·
Explanation: The
mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilisation lasted from 2600-1900 BC.
Chronological
Phases
4.
What is the time
period for the Early Phase of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
·
a) 3500-2600 BC
·
b) 2600-1900 BC
·
c) 1900-1400 BC
·
d) 2000-1500 BC
·
Correct Answer:
a) 3500-2600 BC
·
Explanation: The
Early Phase lasted from 3500-2600 BC.
5.
What is the time
period for the Later Phase of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
·
a) 1900-1400 BC
·
b) 2600-1900 BC
·
c) 3500-2600 BC
·
d) 2000-1500 BC
·
Correct Answer:
a) 1900-1400 BC
·
Explanation: The
Later Phase lasted from 1900-1400 BC.
Key
Discoveries
6.
Who discovered
Harappa?
·
a) RD Banerjee
·
b) John Marshall
·
c) Dayaram Sahni
·
d) Mortimer Wheeler
·
Correct Answer:
c) Dayaram Sahni
·
Explanation:
Harappa was discovered by Dayaram Sahni in 1921.
7.
When was
Mohenjodaro discovered?
·
a) 1911
·
b) 1922
·
c) 1930
·
d) 1947
·
Correct Answer:
b) 1922
·
Explanation:
Mohenjodaro was discovered by RD Banerjee in 1922.
Nomenclature
8.
Who coined the
term "Indus Valley Civilisation"?
·
a) Dayaram Sahni
·
b) RD Banerjee
·
c) John Marshall
·
d) Mortimer
Wheeler
·
Correct Answer:
c) John Marshall
·
Explanation: The
term "Indus Valley Civilisation" was coined by John Marshall.
9.
What is another
name for the Indus Valley Civilisation based on the first discovered site?
·
a) Mohenjodaro
Civilisation
·
b) Harappan
Civilisation
·
c)
Saraswati-Sindhu Civilisation
·
d) Mundigak
Civilisation
·
Correct Answer:
b) Harappan Civilisation
·
Explanation: It
is also called the Harappan Civilisation, named after the first discovered
site, Harappa.
10. What name is given to the Indus Valley
Civilisation based on the rivers along which most of the sites have been found?
·
a)
Saraswati-Sindhu Civilisation
·
b) Indus-Pravara
Civilisation
·
c)
Chenab-Mohenjodaro Civilisation
·
d) Harappa-Chenab
Civilisation
·
Correct Answer:
a) Saraswati-Sindhu Civilisation
·
Explanation: The
name Saraswati-Sindhu Civilisation is given based on the rivers along which
most of the sites are found.
Geographical
Spread
11. Which of the following areas was NOT part of
the Indus Valley Civilisation?
·
a) Sind
·
b) Baluchistan
·
c) Tamil Nadu
·
d) Punjab
·
Correct Answer:
c) Tamil Nadu
·
Explanation:
Tamil Nadu was not part of the geographical spread of the Indus Valley
Civilisation.
12. Which site is the westernmost site of the
Indus Valley Civilisation?
·
a) Sutkagendor
·
b) Harappa
·
c) Mohenjodaro
·
d) Mundigak
·
Correct Answer:
a) Sutkagendor
·
Explanation:
Sutkagendor on the Makran coast is the westernmost site.
13. What river is associated with the northernmost
site of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
·
a) River Indus
·
b) River
Saraswati
·
c) River Chenab
·
d) River Pravara
·
Correct Answer:
c) River Chenab
·
Explanation:
Manda, the northernmost site, is located near River Chenab in Jammu.
14. Which of these is a site of the Indus Valley
Civilisation located in Afghanistan?
·
a) Alamgirpur
·
b) Mundigak
·
c) Harappa
·
d) Sutkagendor
·
Correct Answer:
b) Mundigak
·
Explanation:
Mundigak is a site of the Indus Valley Civilisation located in Afghanistan.
15. What is the easternmost site of the Indus
Valley Civilisation?
·
a) Mohenjodaro
·
b) Harappa
·
c) Alamgirpur
·
d) Sutkagendor
·
Correct Answer:
c) Alamgirpur
·
Explanation:
Alamgirpur in Uttar Pradesh is the easternmost site.
16. What is the southernmost site of the Indus
Valley Civilisation?
·
a) Daimabad
·
b) Mohenjodaro
·
c) Harappa
·
d) Mundigak
·
Correct Answer:
a) Daimabad
·
Explanation:
Daimabad in Maharashtra is the southernmost site.
17. Which river is associated with the
southernmost site of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
·
a) River Indus
·
b) River
Saraswati
·
c) River Chenab
·
d) River Pravara
·
Correct Answer:
d) River Pravara
·
Explanation:
Daimabad, the southernmost site, is located near River Pravara in Maharashtra.
New
Discoveries in Indus Valley Civilisation
18. Question: Where is Ganverivala located?
·
A) India
·
B) Pakistan
·
C) Afghanistan
·
D) Bangladesh
·
Correct
Answer: B) Pakistan
·
Explanation: Ganverivala is located in Pakistan.
19. Question: Who discovered Ganverivala?
·
A) Amarendra Nath
·
B) RD Banerjee
·
C) Rafeeq Mugal
·
D) Daya Ram Sahni
·
Correct
Answer: C) Rafeeq Mugal
·
Explanation: Ganverivala was discovered by Rafeeq Mugal.
20. Question: What is the significance of
Bhirrana?
·
A) Newest
Harappan site
·
B) Oldest
Harappan site
·
C) Least
excavated Harappan site
·
D) Largest
Harappan site
·
Correct
Answer: B) Oldest Harappan site
·
Explanation: Bhirrana is considered the oldest Harappan
site.
21. Question: Where is Bhirrana located?
·
A) Next to the
Indus river
·
B) Bhirrana
village on the banks of the Ghaggar river
·
C) Pakistani
Punjab
·
D) Gujarat
·
Correct
Answer: B) Bhirrana village on the banks of
the Ghaggar river
·
Explanation: Bhirrana is located in Bhirrana village on
the banks of the Ghaggar river.
22. Question: Who discovered Rakhigarhi?
·
A) RD Banerjee
·
B) Rafeeq Mugal
·
C) Amarendra Nath
·
D) Daya Ram Sahni
·
Correct
Answer: C) Amarendra Nath
·
Explanation: Rakhigarhi was discovered by Amarendra Nath.
23. Question: Where is Rakhigarhi located?
·
A) Gujarat
·
B) Pakistani
Punjab
·
C) Haryana
·
D) Rajasthan
·
Correct
Answer: C) Haryana
·
Explanation: Rakhigarhi is located in Haryana.
·
Question: In which
province is Harappa located?
·
Options:
1. a) Sind
2. b) Pakistani Punjab
3. c) Baluchistan
4. d) Gujarat
·
Correct
Answer: b) Pakistani Punjab
·
Explanation: Harappa is
located in Pakistani Punjab.
25. Mohenjodaro
·
Question:
Mohenjodaro is located on the banks of which river?
·
Options:
1. a) Indus
2. b) Ravi
3. c) Ghaggar
4. d) Luni
·
Correct
Answer: a) Indus
·
Explanation:
Mohenjodaro is located on the banks of the Indus river.
26. Sutkagendor
·
Question: Which
province is Sutkagendor located in?
·
Options:
1. a) Baluchistan
2. b) Sind
3. c) Rajasthan
4. d) Pakistani Punjab
·
Correct
Answer: a) Baluchistan
·
Explanation:
Sutkagendor is located in Baluchistan.
27. Chanhudaro
·
Question: Who was
the archaeologist responsible for discovering Chanhudaro?
·
Options:
1. a) YD Sharma
2. b) MG Majumdar
3. c) JP Joshi
4. d) RD Banerjee
·
Correct
Answer: b) MG Majumdar
·
Explanation: Chanhudaro
was discovered by MG Majumdar.
28. Ropar
·
Question: Ropar is
located on the banks of which river?
·
Options:
1. a) Sutlej
2. b) Hindon
3. c) Ghaggar
4. d) Sabarmati
·
Correct
Answer: a) Sutlej
·
Explanation: Ropar is
located on the banks of the Sutlej river.
29. Lothal
·
Question: Which
province is Lothal located in?
·
Options:
1. a) Gujarat
2. b) Rajasthan
3. c) Uttar Pradesh
4. d) Haryana
·
Correct
Answer: a) Gujarat
·
Explanation: Lothal is
located in Gujarat.
30. Kalibangan
·
Question: Kalibangan
is located on the banks of which river?
·
Options:
1. a) Ghaggar
2. b) Indus
3. c) Ravi
4. d) Luni
·
Correct
Answer: a) Ghaggar
·
Explanation: Kalibangan
is located on the banks of the Ghaggar river.
31. Alamgirpur
·
Question: Which
province is Alamgirpur located in?
·
Options:
1. a) Rajasthan
2. b) Gujarat
3. c) Haryana
4. d) Uttar Pradesh
·
Correct
Answer: d) Uttar Pradesh
·
Explanation: Alamgirpur
is located in Uttar Pradesh.
32. Banawali
·
Question: Who was
the archaeologist responsible for discovering Banawali?
·
Options:
1. a) RS Bisht
2. b) A Ghosh
3. c) SR Rao
4. d) YD Sharma
·
Correct
Answer: a) RS Bisht
·
Explanation: Banawali
was discovered by RS Bisht.
33. Dholavira
·
Question: Dholavira
is located on the banks of which river?
·
Options:
1. a) Ravi
2. b) Luni
3. c) Sutlej
4. d) Ghaggar
·
Correct
Answer: b) Luni
·
Explanation: Dholavira
is located on the banks of the Luni river.
34. Rakhigarhi
·
Question: Who was
the archaeologist responsible for discovering Rakhigarhi?
·
Options:
1. a) JP Joshi
2. b) Amarendra Nath
3. c) SR Rao
4. d) RS Bisht
·
Correct
Answer: b) Amarendra Nath
·
Explanation: Rakhigarhi
was discovered by Amarendra Nath.
Town
Planning
Unique
Feature of Grid System
35. Question:
What is the unique feature of the town planning in the Indus Valley
Civilization?
·
a) Spirals
·
b) Grid System
·
c) Random layout
·
d) Circular
blocks
·
Correct
Answer: b) Grid System
·
Explanation: The unique feature of the Indus Valley
Civilization was the grid system, where streets cut across one another at right
angles, dividing the town into large rectangular blocks.
Citadel
and Lower Town
36. Question:
What were the two main parts the towns were divided into?
·
a) Citadel and
Lower Town
·
b) Market and
Residential Area
·
c) North and
South Blocks
·
d) East and West
Blocks
·
Correct
Answer: a) Citadel and Lower Town
·
Explanation: Towns in the Indus Valley Civilization were
divided into two main parts: the upper part or citadel, and the lower part.
Underground
Drainage System
Material
Used for Drainage System
37. Question:
What materials were used for the underground drainage system in the Indus
Valley Civilization?
·
a) Mortar, lime,
and gypsum
·
b) Metal and
glass
·
c) Bamboo and
wood
·
d) Concrete and
asphalt
·
Correct
Answer: a) Mortar, lime, and gypsum
·
Explanation: The underground drainage system in the Indus
Valley Civilization was made of mortar, lime, and gypsum.
Cover
for Drains
38. Question:
What covered the street drains in the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Sand
·
b) Mud
·
c) Brick or stone
slabs
·
d) Leaves
·
Correct
Answer: c) Brick or stone slabs
·
Explanation: The street drains were covered with either
brick or stone slabs.
Special
Features in Towns
The
Great Bath
39. Question:
What was the primary use of the Great Bath in Mohenjodaro?
·
a) Swimming
·
b) Religious
Bathing
·
c) Laundry
·
d) Drinking water
storage
·
Correct
Answer: b) Religious Bathing
·
Explanation: The Great Bath in Mohenjodaro was primarily
used for religious bathing.
The
Granaries
40. Question:
Where were six granaries in a row found in the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Lothal
·
b) Harappa
·
c) Dholavira
·
d) Rakhigarhi
·
Correct
Answer: b) Harappa
·
Explanation: Six granaries in a row were found in the
citadel at Harappa.
Agriculture
Backbone
of the Civilization
41. Question:
What was considered the backbone of the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Trade
·
b) Agriculture
·
c) Animal
Husbandry
·
d) Fishing
·
Correct Answer: b) Agriculture
·
Explanation: Agriculture was considered the backbone of
the Indus Valley Civilization.
World's
First Ploughed Field
42. Question:
Where was the world's first ploughed field discovered in the Indus Valley
Civilization?
·
a) Harappa
·
b) Mohenjodaro
·
c) Lothal
·
d) Kalibangan
·
Correct
Answer: d) Kalibangan
·
Explanation: The world's first ploughed field was
discovered at Kalibangan.
Agricultural
Techniques
Water
Storage in Baluchistan
43. Question:
What type of water storage feature was present in parts of Baluchistan?
·
a) Ponds
·
b) Wells
·
c) Gabarbands or
nalas
·
d) Reservoirs
·
Correct
Answer: c) Gabarbands or nalas
·
Explanation: Gabarbands or nalas enclosed by dams were a
feature for storing water in parts of Baluchistan.
Crop
Types
44. Question:
Which of the following crops were NOT known to the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Wheat
·
b) Barley
·
c) Rice
·
d) Sugarcane
·
Correct
Answer: d) Sugarcane
·
Explanation: Sugarcane was not known to the Indus Valley
Civilization.
Domestication
of Animals
Types
of Domesticated Animals
45. Question:
Which of the following animals were NOT domesticated by the Indus Valley
people?
·
a) Buffaloes
·
b) Sheep
·
c) Lions
·
d) Goats
·
Correct
Answer: c) Lions
·
Explanation: Lions were not known to the Indus Valley
people, and hence were not domesticated.
Importance
of Cow
46. Question:
How important was the cow in the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Very Important
·
b) Moderately
Important
·
c) Not Important
·
d) Sacred
·
Correct Answer: c) Not Important
·
Explanation: The cow was known to the Indus Valley people
but was not considered very important.
Remains
of Horse
47. Question:
Where were the remains of a horse found in the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Rakhigarhi
·
b) Surkotada
·
c) Lothal
·
d) Harappa
·
Correct
Answer: b) Surkotada
·
Explanation: The remains of a horse were found at
Surkotada.
Animal
Not Known
48. Question:
Which of the following animals was NOT known to the people of the Indus Valley
Civilization?
·
a) Horse
·
b) Elephant
·
c) Lion
·
d) Rhinoceros
·
Correct
Answer: c) Lion
·
Explanation: Lion was not known to the Indus Valley
people.
Trade
Basis
for Trade
49. Question:
What provided the basis for internal and external trade in the Indus Valley
Civilization?
·
a) Agriculture,
industry, and forest produce
·
b) Precious
Metals
·
c) Spices
·
d) Textiles
·
Correct
Answer: a) Agriculture, industry, and forest
produce
·
Explanation: The basis for both internal and external
trade in the Indus Valley Civilization was agriculture, industry, and forest
produce.
Trading
System
50. Question:
What system was used for trade in the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Coin-based
·
b) Credit system
·
c) Barter system
·
d) Online
transaction
·
Correct
Answer: c) Barter system
·
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization used a barter
system for trade, as coins were not evident.
Weights
and Measures
51. Question:
What shapes were the weights and measures generally made of?
·
a) Spherical
·
b) Rectangular
·
c) Cubical
·
d) Conical
·
Correct
Answer: c) Cubical
·
Explanation: Weights and measures were generally in
cubical shape.
Decimal
System
52. Question:
Was the decimal system known to the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Yes
·
b) No
·
c) Partially
·
d) Uncertain
·
Correct
Answer: a) Yes
·
Explanation: The decimal system was known to the people of
the Indus Valley Civilization.
Foreign
Trade Partners
53. Question:
Which of these regions did the Indus Valley Civilization NOT trade with?
·
a) Mesopotamia
·
b) Central Asia
·
c) Africa
·
d) Persia
·
Correct Answer: c) Africa
·
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization did not have
trade relations with Africa. It traded with Mesopotamia, Central Asia, Persia,
Afghanistan, and Bahrain.
Coastal
Towns
54. Question:
Which of these is NOT a coastal town of the Indus Valley Civilization?
·
a) Lothal
·
b) Daimabad
·
c) Surkotada
·
d) Rome
·
Correct
Answer: d) Rome
·
Explanation: Rome is not a coastal town of the Indus
Valley Civilization. The coastal towns included Lothal, Surkotada, Sutkagendor,
Allahoino, Balakot, Dholavira, and Daimabad.
Intermediate
Stations for Trade
55. Question:
What were the two intermediate stations for Indus Valley trade with
Mesopotamia?
·
a) Dilmun and
Makan
·
b) Rome and
Athens
·
c) Cairo and
Jerusalem
·
d) Alexandria and
Byzantium
·
Correct
Answer: a) Dilmun and Makan
·
Explanation: Dilmun (Bahrain) and Makan (Makran coast)
were the two intermediate stations for trade with Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamian
Sites
56. Question:
Which of these Mesopotamian sites did NOT have Harappan seals found?
·
a) Susa
·
b) Ur
·
c) Babylon
·
d) None of the
above
·
Correct
Answer: c) Babylon
·
Explanation: Harappan seals were found at Susa and Ur but
not at Babylon.
Part
2
Towns
and Industries
Question
1: Which town was associated with the Bronze industry?
·
a) Lothal
·
b) Daimabad
·
c) Balakot
·
d) Chanhudaro
Correct
Answer: b) Daimabad
Explanation: Daimabad was known for its Bronze industry.
Question
2: What was Lothal known for?
·
a) Beads and bangles
factory
·
b) Factory for
stone tools and metallic finished goods
·
c) Pearl finished
goods
·
d) Bronze
industry
Correct
Answer: b) Factory for stone tools and
metallic finished goods
Explanation: Lothal was known for its factory for stone tools and metallic
finished goods.
Trade
Question
3: What agricultural product was a major export?
·
a) Rice
·
b) Wheat
·
c) Agricultural
products
·
d) Corn
Correct
Answer: c) Agricultural products
Explanation: The slide mentions that "Agricultural products"
were a major export, without specifying which ones.
Question
4: Where did major imports of gold come from?
·
a) Kolar
(Karnataka), Afghanistan, Persia (Iran)
·
b) Afghanistan,
Persia (Iran), South India
·
c) Khetri
(Rajasthan), Baluchistan
·
d) Afghanistan, Central
Asia
Correct
Answer: a) Kolar (Karnataka), Afghanistan,
Persia (Iran)
Explanation: Gold was majorly imported from Kolar (Karnataka),
Afghanistan, and Persia (Iran).
Question
11: Where did major imports of copper come from?
·
a) Afghanistan,
Central Asia
·
b) Khetri
(Rajasthan), Baluchistan
·
c) Kolar
(Karnataka), Afghanistan, Persia (Iran)
·
d) Afghanistan,
Persia (Iran), South India
Correct
Answer: b) Khetri (Rajasthan), Baluchistan
Explanation: Copper was majorly imported from Khetri (Rajasthan) and
Baluchistan.
Art
and Craft
Question
5: What was bronze made of?
·
a) Iron and
copper
·
b) Copper and tin
·
c) Copper and
zinc
·
d) Iron and zinc
Correct
Answer: b) Copper and tin
Explanation: Bronze was made by mixing copper with tin.
Question
6: Which type of fabric was used in summer?
·
a) Woolen
·
b) Synthetic
·
c) Cotton
·
d) Silk
Correct
Answer: c) Cotton
Explanation: Cotton fabrics were used in summer.
Question
12: What is represented on the Pashupati seal from Mohenjodaro?
·
a) A dancing girl
·
b) A bearded man
·
c) Pashupati
Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva)
·
d) Unicorn
Correct
Answer: c) Pashupati Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva)
Explanation: The Pashupati seal from Mohenjodaro represents Pashupati
Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva).
Religious
Practices
Question
7: Who is the Chief Male Deity?
·
a) Vishnu
·
b) Buddha
·
c) Pashupati
Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva)
·
d) Zeus
Correct
Answer: c) Pashupati Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva)
Explanation: The Chief Male Deity is Pashupati Mahadeva (Proto-Shiva).
Question
8: What type of worship was prevalent?
·
a) Monotheism
·
b) Lingam and
yoni worship
·
c) Animal worship
·
d) Sun worship
Correct
Answer: b) Lingam and yoni worship
Explanation: Lingam and yoni worship was prevalent.
Question
13: What kind of altars were found in Lothal and Kalibangan?
·
a) Water altars
·
b) Fire altars
·
c) Air altars
·
d) Earth altars
Correct
Answer: b) Fire altars
Explanation: Fire altars were found in Lothal and Kalibangan.
Q14:
What do the Indus Valley people use for protection against evil forces?
·
a) Seals
·
b) Swords
·
c) Amulets
·
d) Pottery
Correct
Answer: c) Amulets
Explanation: The people used amulets for protection against ghosts and
evil forces.
Q15:
Where are fire altars found?
·
a)
Mohenjodaro
·
b) Lothal
and Kalibangan
·
c) Harappa
·
d) Daimabad
Correct
Answer: b) Lothal and Kalibangan
Explanation: Fire altars are found in Lothal and Kalibangan.
Q16:
What animal's worship is evidenced?
·
a) Dog
·
b) Snake
·
c) Tiger
·
d) Elephant
Correct
Answer: b) Snake
Explanation: There is evidence of snake worship in the Indus Valley
Civilization.
Q17:
Where did the Swastika symbol originate?
·
a)
Mesopotamia
·
b) Egypt
·
c) Indus
Valley
·
d) China
Correct
Answer: c) Indus Valley
Explanation: The Swastika symbol originated in the Indus Valley
Civilization.
Burial
Practices
Question
18: What was the burial practice at Dholavira?
·
a) Complete
burial
·
b) Circular Grave
·
c) Pot burial
·
d) Megalithic
burial
Correct
Answer: d) Megalithic burial
Explanation: The burial practice at Dholavira was Megalithic burial.
Q19:
What is the general direction for placing the dead body in the Indus Valley
Civilization?
·
a) East-West
·
b)
North-South
·
c) Circular
·
d) Pyramid
Correct
Answer: b) North-South
Explanation: The general practice was placing the dead body in the
North-South direction.
Q20:
What types of burials are found at Mohenjodaro?
·
a) Complete,
Fractional, and Post Cremation
·
b) Circular
and Rectangular
·
c) Pot
burial
·
d)
Megalithic burial
Correct
Answer: a) Complete, Fractional, and Post
Cremation
Explanation: At Mohenjodaro, three types of burials were found:
Complete, Fractional, and Post Cremation.
Script
Question
21: In which style was the script written?
·
a) Left to right
only
·
b) Right to left
only
·
c) Boustrophedon
style
·
d) Top to bottom
Correct
Answer: c) Boustrophedon style
Explanation: The script was written in Boustrophedon style, alternating
between right to left and left to right.
Question
22: Which symbol is most represented in the script?
·
a) Fish
·
b) Bird
·
c) Sun
·
d) Tree
Correct
Answer: a) Fish
Explanation: The fish symbol is most represented in the script.
Q23:
What is the nature of the Indus Valley script?
·
a)
Alphabetic
·
b) Syllabic
·
c)
Pictographic
·
d) Numerical
Correct
Answer: c) Pictographic
Explanation: The script was pictographic in nature.
Q24:
Which symbol is most represented in the Indus Valley script?
·
a) Bull
·
b) Fish
·
c) Tree
·
d) Bird
Correct
Answer: b) Fish
Explanation: The fish symbol is most represented in the Indus Valley
script.
Q25:
How is the Indus Valley script written?
·
a) Right to
left only
·
b) Left to
right only
·
c) Right to
left and then left to right (Boustrophedon)
·
d) Random
Correct
Answer: c) Right to left and then left to
right (Boustrophedon)
Explanation: The script was written in a Boustrophedon style.
Part
– 3
Decline
of the Civilisation
Time
Period
Question
1: What was the approximate time period
when the Harappan culture flourished?
a)
Around 500 BC b) Around 2000 BC c) Around 100 AD d) Around 3000 BC
Correct
Answer: b) Around 2000 BC
Explanation: The Harappan culture flourished until about
1900 BC.
Lack
of Unanimity
Question
2: Why is there no consensus among
historians regarding the decline of the Indus civilization?
a)
Lack of archaeological evidence b) Many different theories c) All historians
agree on a single cause d) Decline was too gradual to study
Correct
Answer: b) Many different theories
Explanation: Historians have proposed various theories to
explain the decline, leading to a lack of consensus.
Decline
of Indus Civilization (Different Views)
External
Aggression
Question
3: Which theory attributes the decline
of the Indus civilization to external aggression?
a)
Inundation theory b) Epidemic theory c) External Aggression theory d) Climatic
Change theory
Correct
Answer: c) External Aggression theory
Explanation: Wheeler, Piggot, and Gordon Childe proposed
that external aggression led to the decline.
Inundation
Theory
Question
4: According to the Inundation theory,
what caused the decline of the Indus civilization?
a)
Invasion by foreign powers b) Epidemic diseases c) Massive flooding d) Internal
conflicts
Correct
Answer: c) Massive flooding
Explanation: MR Sahani suggested that inundation, or
massive flooding, contributed to the decline.
Tectonic
Disturbances
Question
5: Which theory suggests tectonic
disturbances as a factor in the decline of the Indus civilization?
a)
Wheeler, Piggot, and Gordon Childe b) Marshall and Raikes c) Aurel Stein and AN
Ghosh d) Fairservis
Correct
Answer: b) Marshall and Raikes
Explanation: Marshall and Raikes proposed tectonic
disturbances as a reason for the decline of Dholavira.
Climatic
Change
Question
6: According to Aurel Stein and AN
Ghosh, what environmental factor contributed to the decline?
a)
Epidemic b) Tectonic disturbances c) Climatic change d) Change in the course of
River Ghaggar
Correct
Answer: c) Climatic change
Explanation: Aurel Stein and AN Ghosh suggested climatic
change as a factor in the decline.
Ecological
Imbalances
Question
7: According to Fairservis, what
ecological factors might have contributed to the decline of the Indus
Civilization?
a)
Climatic change b) Flood c) Deforestation and scarcity of resources d)
Inundation
Correct
Answer: c) Deforestation and scarcity of
resources
Explanation: Fairservis suggested that deforestation,
scarcity of resources, and ecological imbalances could have contributed to the
decline.
Change
in River Course
Question
8: What environmental factor is
suggested by GF Hales as a reason for the destruction of Mohenjodaro?
a)
Epidemic b) Tectonic disturbances c) Climatic change d) Change in the course of
River Ghaggar
Correct
Answer: d) Change in the course of River
Ghaggar
Explanation: GF Hales proposed that the change in the
course of River Ghaggar could have led to the destruction of Mohenjodaro.
Question
9: According to which theory did Aurel
Stein and AN Ghosh suggest that climatic change might have contributed to the
decline of the Indus Civilization?
a)
External Aggression theory b) Epidemic theory c) Climatic Change theory d)
Tectonic Disturbances theory
Correct
Answer: c) Climatic Change theory
Explanation: Aurel Stein and AN Ghosh proposed that
climatic change could have played a role in the decline of the Indus
Civilization.
Important
Harappan Sites
Harappa
- Gateway City
Question
9: What is the archaeological
significance of Harappa?
a)
Bronze images of charioteers b) Ploughed field c) Great bath d) Dockyard
Correct
Answer: c) Great bath
Explanation: Harappa is known for its great bath, a
significant archaeological discovery.
Mohenjodaro
- Mound of the Dead
Question
10: What is a notable feature found at
Mohenjodaro?
a)
Ploughed field b) Giant water reservoir c) The great bath d) Circular graves
Correct
Answer: c) The great bath
Explanation: Mohenjodaro is famous for its great bath, a
notable archaeological discovery.
Important
Harappan Sites (Continued)
Kalibangan
- Black Bangle
Question
11: What unique feature is found at
Kalibangan among the Harappan sites?
a)
Ploughed field b) Rice cultivation c) Modern-day chess d) Decorated bricks
Correct
Answer: a) Ploughed field
Explanation: Kalibangan is known for its ploughed field, a
unique feature among Harappan sites.
Lothal
- Manchester of Indus Valley Civilization
Question
12: Why is Lothal referred to as the
"Manchester of Indus Valley Civilization"?
a)
Evidence of rice cultivation b) Dockyard c) Rice husk d) Modern-day chess
Correct
Answer: b) Dockyard
Explanation: Lothal is called the "Manchester of
Indus Valley Civilization" due to its dockyard.
Important
Harappan Sites (Continued)
Ropar
Question
13: What type of buildings were made at
Ropar according to archaeological finds?
a)
Buildings made of stone and soil b) Circular graves c) Giant water reservoir d)
Dockyards
Correct
Answer: a) Buildings made of stone and soil
Explanation: Archaeological finds at Ropar include
buildings made of stone and soil.
Banawali
Question
14: What was unique about Banawali among
Harappan cities?
a)
Fire altars b) Barley grains c) Circular graves d) Dockyards
Correct
Answer: b) Barley grains
Explanation: Banawali had the largest number of barley
grains among Harappan cities.
Surkotada
Question
15: What is unique about Surkotada among
Harappan sites?
a)
Circular graves b) Fire altars c) Both citadel and lower town fortified with a
stone wall d) Remains of horse bones
Correct
Answer: d) Remains of horse bones
Explanation: Surkotada is unique for the discovery of
remains of horse bones, indicating the presence of horses.
Dholavira
Question
16: What notable feature is found at
Dholavira among Harappan sites?
a)
Unique water harnessing system b) Giant water reservoir c) Circular graves d)
Modern-day chess
Correct
Answer: a) Unique water harnessing system
Explanation: Dholavira is known for its unique water
harnessing system, which is a significant feature.
Rakhigarhi
Question
17: What is notable about Rakhigarhi
among Harappan sites?
a)
Evidence of rice cultivation b) Largest Indus Valley site c) Circular graves d)
Rock-cut architecture
Correct
Answer: b) Largest Indus Valley site
Explanation: Rakhigarhi is the largest known Indus Valley
site.
Rangpur
Question
18: What was a significant agricultural
activity at Rangpur among Harappan sites?
a)
Rice cultivation b) Barley farming c) Cotton cultivation d) Wheat production
Correct
Answer: a) Rice cultivation
Explanation: Rice cultivation was practiced at Rangpur
among Harappan sites.
Question
20: What is a significant archaeological
find at Banawali among Harappan cities?
a)
Fire altars b) Barley grains c) Circular graves d) Dockyards
Correct
Answer: b) Barley grains
Explanation: Banawali had the largest number of barley
grains among Harappan cities, making it a notable archaeological find.
To make your preparation even more effective, download our app available on Google Play Store or visit our website for more resources and tips to ace your exams.
