Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Which one of the following is not a Harappan Site?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns: I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations, have been discovered. III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements? 1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home. 2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed. 3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.

Accepted Answer

Spindle-whorls without wheels imply laborious home spinning (1); graduated scales imply measurement knowledge (2). Own wells indicate private, not common, property, so 3 is wrong.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Indus Valley Civilization — UPSC Previous Year Questions

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

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions

Indus Valley Civilization — UPSC Previous Year Questions

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

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions