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Topics / History

Indus Valley Civilization

Asked 6 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 2002 · last asked 2019

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All 6 questions

Newest first — expand for options, answers, and explanations

Which one of the following is not a Harappan Site?

2019History
AChanhudaro
BKot Diji
CSohagaura
DDesalpur

Explanation

In ancient history, the Sohgaura Copper Plate is recognized as the earliest copper plate, dating back to the Mauryan era. It contains information about famine relief efforts. As a result, the Sohgaura site cannot be attributed to the Harappan civilization. Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) Sohagaura.

Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization? 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

2013History
A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1, 2 and 3
DNone of the statements given above is correct

Explanation

In the ancient Indus Civilization, the people did not have grand palaces and temples. Instead, their cities were known for being built with bricks, having advanced drainage systems, and featuring multi-story houses. The Indus people were peaceful and not involved in wars. There have been theories suggesting that natural disasters may have led to the decline of this civilization.

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal worship was a prominent feature of the Harappan Religion 2. The Harappans worshipped both male and female deities 3. The Harappans were the earliest people to produce cotton in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2013History
A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The Harappan civilization practiced animal worship and revered both male and female deities. Additionally, they were the first to cultivate cotton in the world. All three statements are correct, making option (d) - 1, 2, and 3 - the correct answer.

Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2011History
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In the context of the Indus Valley Civilization, two statements are provided for consideration. The first statement suggests that the civilization was primarily secular, with a minor presence of religious aspects that did not hold significant sway. The second statement points out that during this era, cotton was utilized in India for producing textiles. The correct option is both statements being accurate. This is supported by evidence from the ancient Mehrgarh cotton cultivation, which predates Peruvian practices, indicating the production and dyeing of cloth during that time.

Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located?

2006History
AIndus and Jhelum
BJhelum and Chenab
CChenab and Ravi
DRavi and Beas

Explanation

The ancient town of Takshasila was situated between the rivers Indus and Jhelum. In ancient times, Indus was known as Sindhu and Jhelum was known as Vitasta. Takshasila is now located in Pakistan.

Match List-I (Ancient site) with List-II (Archaeological finding) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: [List-I: A. Lothal, B. Kalibangan, C. Dholavira, D. Banawali | List-II: 1. Ploughed field, 2. Dockyard, 3. Terrcotta replica of a plough, 4. An inscription comprising ten large sized signs of the Harappan script]

2002History
AA-1; B-2; C-3; D-4
BA-2; B-1; C-4; D-3
CA-1; B-2; C-4; D-3
DA-2; B-1; C-3; D-4

Explanation

The accurate pairing is found in option (b).