Q 1Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The Indus Valley Civilization is also commonly known as:
Q 2Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The Mature Harappan Civilization is generally dated to approximately:
Q 3Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which sequence correctly represents the broad phases of the Harappan Civilization?
Q 4Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The term "Harappan Civilization" is preferred by many archaeologists over "Indus Valley Civilization" because:
Q 5Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following best describes the geographical extent of the Harappan Civilization?
Q 6Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is generally considered the earliest phase of the Harappan cultural sequence?
Q 7Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which feature most strongly distinguishes the Mature Harappan phase?
Q 8Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements:
1. Harappan Civilization was urban in character during its Mature phase.
2. It had standardized weights and measures.
3. It had a developed craft tradition.
4. It was based exclusively on hunting and gathering.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q 9Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following periods is associated with the peak urbanization of the Harappan Civilization?
Q 10Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which statement about Harappan chronology is correct?
Q 11Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappa is located in present-day:
Q 12Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Mohenjo-daro is located in:
Q 13Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which site is associated with the famous Great Bath?
Q 14Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Q 15Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Q 16Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Kalibangan is located in:
Q 17Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Rakhigarhi is located in:
Q 18Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Q 19Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following sites is located in Haryana?
Q 20Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Q 21Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is associated with a sophisticated water-management system including reservoirs?
Q 22Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is particularly associated with a large ancient dockyard-like structure?
Q 23Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which site is particularly famous for its large water reservoirs?
Q 24Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is associated with evidence of a ploughed field?
Q 25Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan is important because it provides information about:
Q 26Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which site is associated with evidence of fire altars?
Q 27Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following sites is located in Gujarat?
1. Dholavira
2. Lothal
3. Surkotada
4. Rangpur
Q 28Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Q 29Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Ropar, an important Harappan site, is located in:
Q 30Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Alamgirpur, one of the easternmost Harappan sites, is located in:
Q 31Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which site represents an important eastern extension of the Harappan cultural zone?
Q 32Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Sutkagendor is important because it was:
Q 33Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Q 34Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark A major characteristic of Harappan cities was:
Q 35Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan streets often followed:
Q 36Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which feature is especially characteristic of Harappan urban planning?
Q 37Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements about Harappan drainage:
1. Many houses were connected to drainage systems.
2. Drains were often covered.
3. Urban sanitation received considerable attention.
Which of the statements are correct?
Q 38Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The use of standardized baked bricks in Harappan cities indicates:
Q 39Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The commonly observed Harappan brick ratio was approximately:
Q 40Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of Harappan urban planning?
Q 41Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro was probably associated with:
Q 42Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following statements about the Great Bath is correct?
Q 43Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which material was commonly used to make Harappan drains waterproof?
Q 44Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The presence of wells within Harappan settlements suggests:
Q 45Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The principal economic foundation of Harappan civilization was:
Q 46Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following crops were cultivated by the Harappans?
Q 47Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which crop is particularly associated with the Harappan Civilization's early evidence of cotton cultivation?
Q 48Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The Harappans are significant in the history of textiles because:
Q 49Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following animals were domesticated by the Harappans?
1. Cattle
2. Sheep
3. Goat
4. Buffalo
Q 50Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which animal is comparatively less securely established as a domesticated animal among the Harappans?
Q 51Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which agricultural technique is directly indicated by the evidence at Kalibangan?
Q 52Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The Harappans likely depended on which combination of water sources?
Q 53Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Dholavira's water-management system is particularly significant because:
Q 54Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan civilization is particularly known for advanced:
Q 55Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which material was widely used in Harappan bead-making?
Q 56Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Chanhudaro was particularly associated with:
Q 57Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is especially associated with bead-making and craft production?
Q 58Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan bronze objects were primarily produced using:
Q 59Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following metals was NOT commonly used by the Mature Harappans?
Q 60Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which technique was used by Harappan metalworkers for producing some complex bronze objects?
Q 61Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The famous bronze "Dancing Girl" from Mohenjo-daro was produced using:
Q 62Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is a famous Harappan bronze object?
Q 63Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan pottery was generally:
Q 64Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which craft was particularly important at Lothal?
Q 65Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The Harappans maintained long-distance trade with:
Q 66Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Mesopotamian records refer to a region believed to correspond to the Harappan area as:
Q 67Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which civilization was an important contemporary trading partner of the Harappans?
Q 68Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following commodities was likely important in Harappan long-distance trade?
Q 69Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Lapis lazuli used in the Harappan world was associated particularly with sources in:
Q 70Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following best demonstrates the existence of long-distance trade during the Harappan period?
Q 71Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following sites had an important maritime trade connection?
Q 72Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan trade networks were facilitated by:
1. Standardized weights
2. Craft specialization
3. River and coastal routes
4. Long-distance exchange networks
Q 73Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan weights were generally made using:
Q 74Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The standardization of weights suggests:
Q 75Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan seals were commonly made of:
Q 76Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The most common animal motif on Harappan seals is:
Q 77Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan seals were probably used for:
Q 78Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements about Harappan seals:
1. Many were made of steatite.
2. They often contain animal motifs.
3. They frequently contain short inscriptions.
4. Their script has been conclusively deciphered.
Which statements are correct?
Q 79Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Q 80Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan inscriptions are generally:
Q 81Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The direction of writing in many Harappan inscriptions is generally:
Q 82Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following statements about the Harappan script is correct?
Q 83Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark One major obstacle in deciphering the Harappan script is:
Q 84Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which archaeological feature has sometimes been interpreted as evidence of ritual bathing?
Q 85Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The so-called "Priest-King" statue was found at:
Q 86Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The so-called "Pashupati" seal is associated with:
Q 87Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which statement about the so-called Pashupati seal is most appropriate?
Q 88Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Terracotta female figurines found at Harappan sites have sometimes been interpreted as:
Q 89Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following statements about Harappan religion is most accurate?
Q 90Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Evidence from Harappan sites suggests possible reverence for:
Q 91Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Harappan burial practices provide evidence about:
Q 92Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is generally true of Harappan burials?
Q 93Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The relative simplicity of Harappan burials compared with Egyptian royal tombs suggests:
Q 94Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which statement about Harappan political organization is most appropriate?
Q 95Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is NOT strong evidence for identifying a Harappan king?
Q 96Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The absence of clearly identified monumental palaces in Harappan cities means that:
Q 97Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which feature suggests a high degree of social organization in Harappan cities?
Q 98Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The famous "Dancing Girl" was discovered at:
Q 99Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The "Priest-King" sculpture was discovered at:
Q 100Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The famous Harappan "unicorn" motif is most commonly found on:
Q 101Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following Harappan artefacts provides evidence of artistic skill in metalworking?
Q 102Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which material was frequently used for Harappan figurines and household objects?
Q 103Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which evidence suggests the Harappans used wheeled transport?
Q 104Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following was an important means of transporting goods over long distances?
Q 105Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Lothal's location is particularly significant for understanding:
Q 106Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The decline of the Mature Harappan urban system is generally dated around:
Q 107Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which statement about the decline of the Harappan Civilization is most accurate?
Q 108Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following has been proposed as a possible factor in the decline of Harappan urban centres?
Q 109Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following environmental factors has been discussed in relation to Harappan transformation?
Q 110Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark The decline of Harappan cities was followed by:
Q 111Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which statement regarding the Aryan invasion theory and Harappan decline is most appropriate?
Q 112Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following pairs:
1. Mohenjo-daro — Great Bath
2. Lothal — Dockyard-like structure
3. Kalibangan — Ploughed field
4. Dholavira — Water reservoirs
Which of the pairs are correctly matched?
Q 113Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following pairs:
1. Rakhigarhi — Haryana
2. Kalibangan — Rajasthan
3. Dholavira — Gujarat
4. Alamgirpur — Uttar Pradesh
Which of the pairs are correctly matched?
Q 114Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements:
1. Harappan cities had sophisticated drainage systems.
2. Harappan settlements used standardized bricks.
3. Harappan urban centres show evidence of extensive craft specialization.
4. Harappan cities were completely isolated from foreign trade.
Which of the statements are correct?
Q 115Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements:
1. The Harappan script remains undeciphered.
2. Harappan seals often contain animal motifs.
3. Harappan inscriptions are generally short.
4. Harappan inscriptions contain long royal chronicles.
Which of the statements are correct?
Q 116Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following features distinguishes the Harappan Civilization from many contemporary civilizations?
Q 117Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
Q 118Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following best explains the importance of standardized weights?
Q 119Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements about Harappan cities:
1. Citadel areas were often located on elevated platforms.
2. Lower residential areas existed in several cities.
3. Urban layouts show considerable planning.
4. Every Harappan settlement had exactly the same urban structure.
Which statements are correct?
Q 120Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following:
1. Dholavira — reservoirs
2. Lothal — maritime trade
3. Kalibangan — fire altars
4. Chanhudaro — craft production
Which of the above are correctly matched?
Q 121Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements:
1. The Harappan Civilization was technologically advanced in urban planning.
2. Its script has been conclusively deciphered.
3. Its standardized weights suggest organized exchange.
4. Its cities show evidence of specialized craft production.
Which of the statements are correct?
Q 122Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following archaeological findings would provide the strongest evidence of long-distance trade?
Q 123Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following statements best describes Harappan urbanism?
Q 124Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following could be inferred from the widespread use of standardized bricks?
Q 125Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is the strongest reason for caution when interpreting Harappan religion?
Q 126Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following statements about Harappan political organization can be inferred most safely?
Q 127Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Consider the following statements:
1. Harappan urban decline occurred around the beginning of the second millennium BCE.
2. Harappan cultural traditions completely disappeared after 1900 BCE.
3. Regional Late Harappan cultures emerged after the decline of Mature Harappan urbanism.
Which statements are correct?
Q 128Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following is the best interpretation of the Harappan "decline"?
Q 129Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following factors could have affected Harappan urban centres?
1. Climate variability
2. Changes in river courses
3. Decline in long-distance trade
4. Ecological stress
Q 130Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following statements is most appropriate regarding the Harappan Civilization?
Q 131Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is most closely associated with the Rann of Kutch?
Q 132Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following Harappan sites is located in Rajasthan?
Q 133Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following Harappan sites is located in Haryana?
Q 134Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following Harappan sites is located in Uttar Pradesh?
Q 135Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which site is associated with the Ghaggar-Hakra river system?
Q 136Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following sites is associated with the Ravi River?
Q 137Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Mohenjo-daro is associated with which river?
Q 138Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is especially associated with maritime trade in Gujarat?
Q 139Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which Harappan site is particularly important for understanding water conservation in an arid environment?
Q 140Ancient History • Indus Valley Civilization
UPSC + OPSC Prelims Benchmark Which of the following combinations is correct?