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Indus Valley Civilisation — UPSC Prelims Ancient & Medieval previous year questions — page 2

55 solved previous year questions on Indus Valley Civilisation, papers from 1992 to 2022, drawn from State PCS, UPSC CDS, UPSC CSE Prelims. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #41Practice set
   Consider the following statements about town planning in the Indus Valley Civilization: 1. The technology of using baked bricks for construction was not known during this period. 2. The citadel was usually built on an upraised mud brick platform. 3. The roads and streets were generally laid oufin an approximate grid pattern.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   } Option bis the correct most unique feature of the Harappan civilization development of urban centers. Harappa, Lothal, etc. were some of the major towns 1 is incorrect: The Harappans knew the brick making and used them extensively in setup. They used baked and unbaked with stones for 2 is correct: The citadel was built on an brick platform. Several buildings in the lower also built on platforms which served as them. There was huge mobilization of labor for and platform 3 is correct: One of the most distinctive cities was the plann,ed The roads and streets were laid out along "grid" pattern, intersecting right angles. that streets with drains were laid out first and built along them

2. #42Practice set
   With reference to the Harappan script and seals, which of the following statement is incorrect?
   • AHarappan script has not been deciphered so far
   • BUnlike Mesopotamian and Egyptian script, Harappan Script contained few words
   • CHara pp an Script were largely pictographic in nature
   • DHarappan Script was developed from Mesopotamian and Egyptian Scripts
   Answer: (D) Harappan Script was developed from Mesopotamian and Egyptian Scripts
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct Harappan invented the art of writing like the ancient Mesopotamia. Although the earliest specimen script was notices in 1853, but the complete discovered by have been made to compare the Harappan Egyptian and Mesopotamian script. But, is an indigenous product of the Indus Region, and not show any connection with the scripts developed Asia. Important Tips Facts about Harappan script: Harappan script has not been deciphered till now. Some try to connect the Harappan script with the Dravidian or Proto-Dravidian language, other connect with the Sanskrit language and still others with the Sumerian Language. Unlike the Mesopotamians and Egyptian, the Harappans did not write long inscriptions. Most of the inscriptions were notably recorded on the seals and contain only few words. These seals may have been used to identify their private property The Harappan scripts were

3. #43Practice set
   Consider the following statements about weights and measures during the Civilization: 1. Limestone and steatite were commonly used for making Weights. 2. The term 'adhaka' was used to denote the smallest unit of weight during the Harappan civilization.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (A) 1 only
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct had developed proper weights and they were involved in commercial transactions, standard 1 is correct: Dul'ing the Harappan were regulated by a precise system of weights were usually made of chert, limestone, were generally cubical, with no 2 is incorrect: is the Sanskrit name weight unit corresponding to '2.56 kilograms' used literature. The Harappan's written found on Harappan seals are) has not names of the units used in the Indus is not known

4. #44Practice set
   Consider the following statements fashion during the fad us Valley Civilisation (IVC): 1. It is believed that the Harappan people knew the art of making clothing from leather. 2. It is believed that Indigo and turmeric were used for dyeing cloths during the IVC. 3. Both men and women from the IVC used necklaces as a form of Jewellery.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone o J r I
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 is correct: Small fragments of cloth the corrosion products of metal objects show that wove a range of grades of cotton cloth. also probably knew the art of making ex, At Dholavira, marks are seen on the basal stone the trough indicating use of ropes to lift the water well, probably with leather 2 is correct: A good number of Dyeing found in the sites of Indus valley civilization. th at cotton cloth was probably dyed a range A colored cloth, dyed red with madder, was in one of the IVC sites It is believed that indigo were also used as 3 is correct: Figurines and finds in graves Harappans of both sexes wore jewellery: hair fillets, and bangles for men; bangles, earrings, belts made of strings of beads, pendants, numerous necklaces for women, as well as and headdresses

5. #45Practice set
   Consider the following paill's with respect to the Indus Valley Civilization 1. Dholavira Giant water reservoir 2. Lothal Human skeletons 3. Kalibangan Regular drainage system 4. Banawali Potteries marked by graffitiHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • COnly three
   • DAll four
   Answer: (C) Only three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 is correct: Dholavira has a fortified citadel, a and a lower town with walls made of sandstone instead of mud bricks in many other Hara pp an series of water reservoirs, outer multi-purpose grounds, are some of the unique features of the Dholavira 2 correct: Loth al, in Saragwala village on the Sabarmati in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district, most prominent site of IVC in Gujarat. It was 19 55 and 1960 and was discovered to be port city of the ancient civilisation, with of mud bricks. From a graveyard in Lothal, 21 were found. Foundries for making also discovered. Ornaments made of gold etc. were also found from the 3 is drainage system and the use bricks were not found in Kalibangan and was situated in north Rajasthan on the Ghaggar bank. The township was fortified with a wall. Copper axes, terracotta bangles etc. have been found Existence of Kot is also repor

6. #46Practice set
   Consider the following statements regarding Indus Valley Civilization: 1. The Harappans largely made use of Irrigation canals for agriculture. 2. Th ere was flourishing internal trade between the Harrapan cities. 3. The Harappans had trading relations with the Oman, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan 4. They produced agriculture products only for their subsistence use.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • COnly three
   • DAll four
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct I is Harappans did not lands by canals. The annual flood provided to grow crops Fields were ploughed using a Farmers must have built bunds mud or stone to divert river water, as they do today like 2 is correct: The urban culture and manufacturing activity suggest that the had a flourishing trade. There was flourishing between the cities. The river Indus served as waterway through which most of this trade was However the Harappans did not possess the materials for the commodities they produce. In finished goods and possibly food grains, they from the neighbouring areas by boats and bullock carts. They carried on all exchanges through barter 3 is correct: The Harappans were trading with peninsula. An etched carnelian bead of the was found at Umm-an-Nar. There are certain other types of objects found at this site steatite seal, fragments of pottery, carnelian cubical

7. #47Practice set
   Which of the following factors were responsible for the growth of Indus valley civilization? 1. Fertile nature of vast plains along the Indus 2. Total absence of social inequality among the people. 3. The availability of diversified resourceful area. 4. Autonomy provided by decentralized administration.Select the correct answer using the code given below
   • A1, 2 and 3 only
   • B1 and 3 only
   • C2 and 3 only
   • D1, 3 and 4 only
   Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
   Explanation

   Option bis the correct I is correct: The geographical conditions in Valley must have been quite conducive for and progress. The climatic conditions were Added to this, the vast plains along the very fertile The floods deposited rich alluvial these plains every year and irrigated the lands. factors greatly helped the growth of 2 i.s types of houses citadel and the outer city indicates that there social classes. Trading being the major activity, seem to have formed the upper class. The farmers might be the common 3 is correct: The Harappan civilization enormous area within which there was great alluvial plains, mountains, plateaux, and seacoasts The resource potential of this area was rich generate the food surpluses that are an important 4 is government in the was a monarchy. The Indus Valley people called rajas. The rulers governed through trade and of military strength. The king did not

8. #48Practice set
   With reference to trade and commerce during the Harappan con sider the following statements: 1. The Harappans used metal money in the conduct of their trade. 2. They traded with Central Asia. 3. Dilmun was a port city of Indus valley civilization.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct I is incorrect: The Harappans did not use They most probably used barter system to 2 is correct: Harappans traded with like Afghanistan, Rajasthan, Iran, Central Asia. There is evidence that the a trading center in Afghanistan to facilitate with Central 3 is incorrect: Dilmun (present day an intermediary trading station between Mesopotamia. It served as the gateway to trade

9. #49Practice set
   With reference to the Harappan culture, consider the following statements: 1. There were no female deities in Harappan culture. 2. Human figures app eared as objects of worship. 3. Animals and trees were worshipped by the Harappans. 4. They constructed large temples for their gods.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • COnly three
   • DAll four
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct I is incorrect: Harappans worshipped a termed "mother goddess". She was depicted as form of the earth and represented 2 is correct: The Harappans worshipped a named "Pasupati Mahadeva". He was shown in form with three heads and two horns. He is shown surrounded by four animals - Buffalo, Elephant, At his feet are shown two 3 is correct: Seals have been found which reverence that the Harappans had for various plants and animals. An animal resembling a rhino to be the most sacred animal. Humped also considered sacred. Among plants, peepal tree 4 is is no conclusive palaces or temples-or even of kings or armies and structures may be the granaries

10. #50Practice set
    Consider the following statements: 1. Lothal was the only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilisation. 2. Bhrigukachchha was a trading port during the ancient India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct l is correct: The excavated site of Lothal only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilisation. with an upper and a lower town had in on side a basin with vertical wall, inlet and which has been identified as a tidal Statement 2 correct: The lengthy coastline of dotted with several ports, which have been engaged trade since the 3rd millennium B.C. Dwarka (Broach) were active trading ports Vedic times

11. #51Practice set
    In the context of Medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Minhaj-i-siraj was a chronicler who wrote in the Arabic language. 2. For Minhaj-i-siraj, Hindustan was the land under the dominion of the Delhi Sultan. 3. Babur used the term 'Hindustan' to describe geography, fauna and culture of the inhabitants of the subcontinent.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone B3
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option bis the correct 1 is incorrect. Minhaj-i-siraj was a 13th Historian who came to India with who set up the Mamluk dynasty in 2 is correct. He used the term 'Hindustan' political perspective for areas which were part of of Delhi Sultan of Mamluk 3 is correct. In early 16th century Babur used Hindustan in a similar way it was used by 14th Amir khusrau, who us ed the word 'Hind' to geography, the fauna and the culture of the the subcontinent

12. #52Practice set
    With reference to the Maratha administration, Mamla.tdar and Kamavisdar were
    • ARepresentatives of Peshwa in districts
    • BHeads of small units of armed forces
    • CAmbassadors of Peshwa in foreign countries
    • DOfficials in charge of coin minting press
    Answer: (A) Representatives of Peshwa in districts
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Maratha administration was a three-tier system central government at Poona, provincial government district administration The central secretariat Huzur Dajtar was the nerve centre of the Provinces under the Peshwas were sizes and larger ones were under called Sarsubahdars. The provinces were Sarkars, or Prants. Next to the Sarsubahdar was whose duties were of diverse nature, after agriculture, industry, civil and criminal local militia, revenue assessment of the districts a is correct: The Mamlatdar and Kamvisdar in the districts. Deshmukhs were district officers who were in charge and were to observe the activities of the Kamvisdars It was a system of checks and balances. Important Tips Military Policier; of Shivaji: 'The regular army consisted of about to cavalry supe rvised by havaildars. They were given fixed salaries. There were two divisions in the Maratha c

13. #53Practice set
    With reference to the various sculptures of Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following 1. Bronze statue of Harappa Dancing girl 2. Pasupathi seal Mohenjo-daro 3. Terracotta figure Lothal of horse 4. Large wooden Dholavira sign boardHow many pairs given above are correctly matched?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • COnly three
    • DAll four
    Answer: (C) Only three
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the was a Bronze Age l is incorrect: The sculptures found in the stone symbols of lingam, mother goddess figure, barley in wooden mortar and the sculpture of a a deer in bronze metal, and a red sandstone Bronze style of dancing girl was found at 2 is correct: The sculptures found in the were the sculpture of a bearded priest, the statue of the Dancing Girl and the Pashupati is in present-day Pakistan on the bank 3 is correct: The terracotta figures of horse and found in the Lothal, Gujarat. It is an important naval trade and it had a Dockyard. Practice of cremated remains, rice husk, fire altars, painted for measuring 45- 90- and 180-degree founded 4 is correct: Dholavira in Gujarat had a large just outside the north entrance to the are 10 symbols in the panel and it is considered the longest Indus inscriptions Also, it has

14. #54Practice set
    With reference to 'Harappan Sculpture') consider the following statements: 1. The Bearded Priest statue found in Mohenjo-Daro was made of bronze metal. 2. The Dancing Girl sculpture represents a 'tribhanga' posture. 3. The Terracotta figurine of mother goddess have been found in Harappan sites.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct such as Dancing girl, bearded man, human instruments, elephants, Shiva and Nandi are sculptures of the Harappan l is incorrect: Bearded Priest is found in and made of Steatite (not bronze). It is the figure bearded man, draped in a shawl with trefoil patterns. are elongated, and half closed as in 2 is correct: The Dancing Girl is the world's sculpture. Found in Mohenjo-Daro, this depicts a naked girl wearing only ornaments, bangles in the left arm, and amulet and bracelet right arm. She stands in a 'tribhanga' dancing the right hand on her 3 is correct: The Mother Goddess figures is of terracotta (fire baked clay) have been found in sites, which highlights its importance. It is a of a standing female adorned with necklaces prominent breasts. She wears a loincloth and a fan-shaped headgear. 11 i 143. Solution: (d) Exp) Option dis the correct answer. Option a is Gre

15. #55Full-length test
    Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have equal powers in which of the following matters? 1. Introduction and passage of Constitutional amendment bills. 2. Approval of ordinances issued by the President. 3. A resolution for the discontinuance of the national emergency. 4. In matters related to the creation of New All India Services.Select the correct answer using the code given
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B3 and 4 only
    • C1, 2 and 4 only
    • D1, 2 and 3 only - 1 { }
    Answer: (B) 3 and 4 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Industries have a major impact on industrial general economic activities in India. There.is total industries in India and these industries comprise of the weight of items included in the Index Production b is correct: The eight core sector industries order of their weightage in IIP are (28.04 lectricity (19.85 Steel (10.33 Crude Oil Natural Gas (6.88 Cement (5.37 Fertilisers (2.63 Option a, c and d are incorrect: and Textiles does not belong to the group Industries in India Important Tips Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) ICI measures combined and individual performance of the production of eight core industries. Details of annual and monthly indices is compiled and released by the Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It provides an advance indication of the production performance

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