MCQ: Indus Valley Civilisation - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly describes the geographical extent of the Harappan Civilization, as it indeed stretched from Jammu to the Naramada estuary and from Baluchistan to Meerut. Statement-II accurately mentions the trading stations Dilmun and Makan as intermediaries between Mesopotamia and Meluha. However, there is no direct explanatory link between these two statements. Statement-II provides information about trade stations, while Statement-I discusses the geographical area of the civilization, making them independent but both correct statements.

The correct answer is C: Only three pairs.

• The Harappan Civilization is not known for temple-based worship; they had no evidence of temples.
• The undeciphered script, indeed, limits our understanding of Harappan religious beliefs due to the inability to read their writings.
• Animal worship, particularly the humped bull depicted on seals, is a well-known aspect of the Harappan Civilization.
• Terracotta figures representing an Earth fertility goddess have been found, indicating a connection to fertility beliefs.

Therefore, only three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

The correct answer is option D: All four pairs.

Here's the explanation broken down into points:

• Harappan seals were indeed associated with short inscriptions, often containing symbols or characters.
• Harappan measurements were done using bronze sticks, showcasing their advanced understanding of metrology.
• Harappan pottery was crafted using the potter's wheel, a technique that revolutionized pottery making.
• Harappan images included the famous Priest King statue, a significant artifact from the Harappan civilization.

All these pairs are correctly matched, highlighting various aspects of the sophisticated Harappan civilization.

• Harappan seals -   Not Found in Mesopotamia: Incorrect. These seals have been found in Mesopotamia and Indus Valley Civilization.
• Harappan stone sculptures - Steatite statue with ornamented robe: Correct. This description accurately represents one of the notable Harappan sculptures.
• Harappan script - Nearly 4,000 specimens: Correct. Archaeologists have identified around 4,000 examples of this ancient script.
• Harappan pottery - Designs of trees and circles: Correct. The pottery often featured intricate designs, including trees and circular patterns.

• Total correct pairs: 3

The Indus people were pioneers in the cultivation of cotton, being among the earliest civilizations to produce this essential crop. Their expertise in cotton cultivation was so significant that the Greeks referred to the region as "Sind" and the fabric as "sindon," recognizing the historical importance of this area in the cultivation and utilization of cotton, a crop that played a pivotal role in their economic and cultural practices.

Statement 1 is correct. The Harappans imitated some cosmetics used by the urban people of Mesopotamia.

Statement 2 is correct. The Mesopotamian texts referred to the Indus region as Meluha.

Statement 3 is correct. Dilmun, mentioned in Mesopotamian texts, is likely identified with Bahrain.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2 and 3.

1. Earth Fertility Goddess - Terracotta figures of women: Correct. Numerous terracotta figures of women found in Harappa likely represent the Earth as a fertility goddess.

2. Male Deity - Pashupati Seal: Correct. The male deity is represented on a seal, identified as Pashupati Mahadeva.

3. Tree Worship - Peepal Tree: Correct. People in the Indus region worshipped trees, notably the pipal tree.

4. Animal Worship - Humped Bull: Correct. Animals, especially the humped bull, were worshipped during the Harappan period, as depicted on seals.

All four pairs are correctly matched.

1. Pashupati Mahadeva - Three-horned head deity: Correct. The Pashupati seal depicts a deity with a three-horned head.

2. Pipal Tree - Tree worship in the Indus region: Correct. The pipal tree was worshipped in the Indus region.

3. Terracotta Figures - Represent the gods placed in temples: Incorrect. There is no evidence that gods were placed in temples; terracotta figures represented deities but not specifically in temples.

4. Amulets - Believed to protect against evil forces: Correct. Amulets were believed to protect against ghosts, diseases, and evil forces.

Three pairs are correctly matched.

Lothal
 

• Lothal was excavated between 1955 February and 1960 by S. R. Rao.
  • Lothal is located between the Bhogavo and Sabarmati rivers near the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat.
  • The city was mathematically planned.
    • It had a grid pattern with proper streets crossing at right angles and drainage systems.
  • The emphasis on cleanliness can be judged from the discovery of toilets and lota-like jars which shows our fixation with washing up goes back to the Harappan Civilisation.
  • A rectangular basin has been found at Lothal that was said to be the dockyard.
    • The dockyard proves the maritime activity of the Harappans.

Statement 1 is correct. The Harappans set up a trading colony in northern Afghanistan to facilitate trade with Central Asia.

Statement 2 is correct. Harappan cities carried on commerce with the land of the Tigris and Euphrates.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Harappans engaged in bead-making, as indicated by archaeological findings.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I accurately states that most inscriptions were on seals with few words. Statement-II complements Statement-I by providing specific details about the content of the inscriptions found on the seals, mentioning the animals depicted. The additional information in Statement-II enhances the understanding of the content mentioned in Statement-I, making it an explanatory statement.

Statement 1 is correct as the Harappans were skilled in bead-making. Statement 2 is incorrect because brick-laying was a significant craft in Harappan towns, as suggested by the presence of huge brick structures. Statement 3 is correct since the Harappans practised boat-making. Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: 1 and 3 Only.

Lothal in Gujarat is a significant city of the Harappan Culture that is situated at the head of the Gulf of Cambay. This ancient city was a hub of maritime activities and trade, showcasing the advanced urban planning and seafaring capabilities of the Harappan people.

The town planning in the Harappan cities was characterized by a grid system with roads intersecting each other at right angles. This structured layout is evident in various Indus settlements, including Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The grid system reflects a well-organized urban design that divided the cities into distinct blocks, showcasing advanced planning and architectural foresight for that era.

One key aspect that sets the Indus Valley Civilization apart from the chalcolithic cultures that came before it is its notable technological advancements. The Harappan Culture demonstrated remarkable progress in various technological aspects, showcasing a higher level of sophistication and development compared to earlier cultures.

1. Atharva Veda - Recommends use of amulets: Correct. Atharva Veda, a non-Aryan work, recommends the use of amulets.

2. Terracotta Figures - Represent male deities: Incorrect. Terracotta figures primarily represent female deities, especially the Earth fertility goddess.

3. Pashupati Seal - Depicts a seated yogi surrounded by animals: Correct. The seal depicts a deity in the posture of a yogi, surrounded by various animals.

4. Humped Bull - Symbolizes agricultural fertility: Incorrect. While the humped bull was worshipped, it was not specifically noted for symbolizing agricultural fertility in the context provided.

Only two pairs are correctly matched.

1. Seals - Images of the one-horned bull: Correct. Many Harappan seals have images of the one-horned bull.

2. Harappan writing - Deciphered in 1923: Incorrect. The Harappan script has not been deciphered so far.

3. Harappan weights - Continued the tradition of 16 in modern India: Correct. The tradition of 16 has continued in India till modern times.

4. Harappan pottery - Painted in various designs: Correct. Harappan pottery was painted in various designs.

Statement-I is accurate as per the provided information. Terracotta figurines in the Harappan culture indeed served dual purposes, being utilized as both toys and objects of worship. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The craftsmanship of seals and images in the Harappan culture was noted for its great skill, suggesting a higher level of sophistication compared to the terracotta pieces. Hence, while Statement-I is correct, Statement-II is not supported by the information provided.

The Indus Valley Civilization, or Harappan Culture, is believed to have originated in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. This region, which includes areas in present-day Pakistan, played a crucial role in the development and flourishing of this ancient civilization.

The swastika symbol is of Indus Valley origin. It first appeared in the archaeological record around 3000 BCE in the Indus Valley Civilization. 

Statement 1 is correct as the Harappans domesticated oxen, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats. Statement 2 is incorrect because evidence of horses has not been found extensively in early and mature Harappan culture; it is sparse and doubtful. Statement 3 is correct as elephants and rhinoceros were known to the Harappans. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

- Statement-I: The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, is celebrated for its remarkable urban planning, including grid-patterned streets, advanced drainage systems, and well-organized public and residential spaces.

- Statement-II: Mohenjodaro is one of the major urban centers of the Harappan Civilization, exemplifying these planning features with its structured layout, sophisticated drainage, and public baths.

- Both statements are correct, and Statement-II illustrates the urban planning highlighted in Statement-I, making option A the correct choice.

Statement 1 is correct as humped bulls were favored by the Harappans. Statement 2 is incorrect because horses were not a central part of the Harappan culture; their evidence is minimal and dubious. Statement 3 is correct as asses and camels were used as beasts of burden. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The Indus River served as a vital geographical feature that connected the major cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. This river not only facilitated trade and communication between these urban centers but also played a crucial role in the overall prosperity and sustainability of the Harappan society.

All three statements are correct. Statement 1 is correct as the Harappan culture belongs to the Bronze Age. Statement 2 is correct because the Harappans produced their own characteristic pottery using the potter's wheel. Statement 3 is also correct since textile impressions and pieces of woven cotton have been found from Harappan sites. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1, 2 and 3.

The Harappan buildings were built using burnt bricks. The bricks were so well baked that they lasted for thousands of years. The bricks were laid in an interlocking pattern which made the walls very strong.

The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro served as a place for ritual bathing, a crucial aspect of religious ceremonies in ancient India. Its sophisticated construction, including a large water tank, changing rooms, and steps for access, indicates that it was a significant public space for communal bathing rituals and possibly symbolic cleansing practices associated with spirituality and religious events.

1. Harappan script - Alphabetical: Incorrect. The Harappan script is mainly pictographic and not alphabetical.

2. Harappan weights - Based on multiples of 16: Correct. The Harappan weight system was based on multiples of 16.

3. Harappan pottery - Decorated with images of animals: Incorrect. Harappan pottery was generally decorated with designs of trees and circles, although images of men appear on some pottery fragments.

4. Woman dancer statue - Made of bronze: Correct. The woman dancer statue is made of bronze.

Statement 1 is correct. The Harappans carried out trade through barter and did not use metal money.

Statement 2 is correct. The Harappans had commercial links with Mesopotamia, as evidenced by the discovery of Harappan seals in Mesopotamia.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Harappans knew the use of the wheel, and carts with solid wheels were in use in Harappa.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. The Harappans practiced navigation along the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The political organization of the Harappans is not well-documented; there is no clear idea about it.

Statement 3 is correct. The Harappans procured metals from neighboring areas by boats and bullock carts.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.