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.

Therefore , Correct answer : Option B

• 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, Correct Answr : Option C

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.

Therefore ,Correct Answer : Option C

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.

• The Harappans imitated some cosmetics used by the urban people of Mesopotamia :Correct
  Archaeological evidence suggests that the Harappans were influenced by Mesopotamian culture, including certain aspects of their urban lifestyle and cosmetics. Items like combs, perfumes, and other personal grooming artifacts indicate cultural exchanges and possible imitation.

• The Mesopotamian texts referred to the Indus region as Meluha :Correct
   Mesopotamian texts mention "Meluha," which is widely believed to refer to the Indus region, known for its trade in luxury goods such as beads, ivory, and other commodities.

• Dilmun, mentioned in Mesopotamian texts, can be identified with Bahrain :Correct
   Dilmun, frequently mentioned in Mesopotamian records as a significant trading hub, has been identified with Bahrain, located in the Persian Gulf. It served as an important center in the maritime trade network between Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and other regions.

Hence, Correct Answer : Option D

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 peepal tree.

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

Therefore Correct Answer : Option D

1. Pashupati Mahadeva - Three-horned head deity:Correct
    The Pashupati Seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicts a male figure with three heads or horns, seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals. This figure is often interpreted as an early form of Lord Shiva, called "Pashupati," meaning "Lord of Animals."

2. Pipal Tree - Tree worship in the Indus region :Correct
    Archaeological evidence, such as seals, indicates that the Harappans revered the Pipal tree. It is associated with tree worship, a common religious practice in the Indus Valley Civilization.

3. Terracotta Figures - Represent the gods placed in temples :Incorrect
    Terracotta figures found in the Indus Valley Civilization are generally associated with fertility worship and domestic rituals. There is no evidence of temples or these figures being placed in them, as formal temples have not been discovered in Harappan sites.

4. Amulets - Believed to protect against evil forces :Correct
   Amulets were common in the Indus Valley Civilization and were likely worn or carried for protection against evil forces, indicating a belief in the supernatural and protective charms.

Correct Answer: C: Only three pairs

• S. R. Rao began the excavation of the Harappan site at Lothal in 1955.
•  Lothal is located in the present-day state of Gujarat, India.
• It is one of the southernmost outposts of the Indus Valley Civilization.
•  The site is significant for its dockyard, which indicates active trade with other regions.
• Discoveries at Lothal include seals, weights, and beads, hinting at its role as a trade and manufacturing hub.

• The Harappans set up a trading colony in northern Afghanistan :Correct:
  Archaeological evidence suggests that the Harappans established a trading colony in Shortugai, in northern Afghanistan. This colony was strategically located for the trade of lapis lazuli and other goods, facilitating their long-distance trade networks.

• Harappan cities carried commerce with the land of the Tigris and Euphrates. : Correct
   The Harappans traded extensively with Mesopotamia (land of the Tigris and Euphrates), as evidenced by references to "Meluha" in Mesopotamian texts, believed to correspond to the Indus Valley Civilization. Items such as beads, cotton textiles, and other goods were part of this trade.

• The Harappans did not engage in bead-making :Incorrect
  The Harappans were renowned for their bead-making skills, particularly crafting beads from materials like semi-precious stones (carnelian, agate, and faience). Bead workshops have been discovered at several Harappan sites.

Therefore,Correct Answer :Option B

• Statement-I -Most inscriptions of the Harappan Civilization were recorded on seals :Correct:
  The majority of inscriptions from the Harappan Civilization have been found on seals, typically made of steatite. These seals often feature a combination of pictographic scripts and animal motifs, which were likely used for administrative or trade purposes.
• Statement-II- The majority of the Harappan seals carried short inscriptions with pictures of various animals such as the one-horned bull, the buffalo, the tiger, the rhinoceros, the goat, and the elephant :Correct
   Harappan seals often contain short inscriptions and animal motifs. The animals depicted include the one-horned bull (unicorn), buffalo, tiger, rhinoceros, goat, and elephant, among others. These animal figures likely held cultural, religious, or symbolic significance.

•  Conclusion : Statement-II supports Statement-I by elaborating on the content of the inscriptions found on the seals. Thus, Statement-II explains why seals are considered the primary source of inscriptions in the Harappan Civilization.

Therefore Correct Answer - Option A

• The Harappans were skilled in bead-making: Correct
  The Harappans were renowned for their bead-making skills, particularly crafting beads from materials like semi-precious stones such as carnelian, agate, and faience. Bead workshops have been discovered at several Harappan sites, demonstrating their advanced craftsmanship.

• Brick-laying was an insignificant craft in Harappan towns: Incorrect
  Brick-laying was a highly significant craft in Harappan towns. The Harappans were known for their standardized baked bricks, which were extensively used in constructing buildings, drainage systems, and streets. Their uniformity across sites reflects the importance of this craft.

• The Harappans practised boat-making: Correct
  The Harappans practised boat-making, as evidenced by depictions of boats on seals and other artifacts. They engaged in riverine and maritime trade, utilizing boats for transportation and trade with regions like Mesopotamia.

Therefore Correct Answer : Option A

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.

• Architectural innovations: Correct
  The IVC is distinguished by its remarkable architectural innovations, including grid-based city planning, standardized baked bricks, and advanced drainage systems. Public structures like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro further highlight their advanced urban design, which was absent in Chalcolithic cultures.
• Geographical spread: Incorrect
  The Indus Valley Civilization covered a vast geographical area, extending over modern-day Pakistan, northwest India, and parts of Afghanistan. However, this reflects scale rather than a fundamental distinction, as Chalcolithic cultures were also regionally concentrated with defined territorial boundaries.
• Technological advancements: Incorrect
  While the Indus Valley Civilization showcased advancements in metallurgy, bead-making, and standardized weights and measures, similar technological developments were present in Chalcolithic cultures, such as the use of copper and stone tools. Thus, technology alone does not serve as a unique distinguishing feature of the IVC.
• Social organization: Incorrect
  While the IVC exhibited complex social organization, earlier Chalcolithic cultures also had rudimentary social systems. Hence, social organization alone does not serve as a key distinction.

Correct Answer - Option A

• Atharva Veda - Recommends use of amulets: Correct
  The Atharva Veda contains hymns and rituals for healing, protection, and practical life, including references to the use of amulets for protection against evil forces and diseases. This is a well-established association.

• Terracotta Figures - Represent male deities: Incorrect
  Terracotta figures from the Harappan Civilization are predominantly female, often linked to fertility worship. There is no significant evidence of terracotta figures representing male deities in Harappan sites.

• Pashupati Seal - Depicts a seated yogi surrounded by animals: Correct
  The Pashupati Seal depicts a male figure seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals like a tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. This figure is often interpreted as an early form of Pashupati Shiva.

• 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.

Therefore Correct Answer : Option B

• Seals - Images of the one-horned bull: Correct
  Harappan seals frequently feature images of animals, including the one-horned bull (unicorn), which is a distinctive and iconic motif of the Indus Valley Civilization. These seals were likely used for trade or administrative purposes.

• Harappan writing - Deciphered in 1923: Incorrect
  The Harappan script remains undeciphered to this day. While there have been various attempts to interpret the script, no consensus has been reached, and it is still a subject of research.

• Harappan weights - Continued the tradition of 16 in modern India: Correct
  The Harappans used a standardized weight system, often based on the binary and decimal systems. The unit of 16 was significant and has continued as a tradition in India, such as in the use of 16 annas in a rupee historically.

• Harappan pottery - Painted in various designs: Correct
  Harappan pottery is well-known for its painted designs, including geometric patterns, animal motifs, and other decorative elements. This demonstrates the artistic and cultural sophistication of the Harappans.

Therefore , Correct Answer : Option C

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. 

1. The Harappans domesticated oxen, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats :Correct
    Archaeological evidence shows that the Harappans domesticated various animals, including oxen, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats. These animals were integral to their agricultural and daily lives.

2. Evidence of horses has been found extensively in early and mature Harappan culture: Incorrect
   While there is some evidence of horse bones and terracotta figurines that may depict horses, such findings are sparse and do not indicate extensive domestication. Horses were not commonly domesticated or used in the Indus Valley Civilization.

3. Elephants and rhinoceros were known to the Harappans :Correct
   Harappan seals and other artifacts depict elephants and rhinoceros, suggesting that these animals were known to them, although they were likely not domesticated. The Harappans were familiar with these animals, which were part of the fauna of the region.

Therefore,Correct Answer : Option C

1. Statement-I: The Harappan Civilization was known for its advanced sense of town planning in urban centers.
   Correct: The Harappan Civilization is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning, which included grid-based layouts, advanced drainage systems, uniform brick sizes, and well-planned residential and public areas.

2. Statement-II: Mohenjodaro is a prime example of the advanced town planning for which this ancient civilization is renowned.
   Correct: Mohenjodaro, one of the largest urban centers of the Harappan Civilization, is a classic example of their advanced town planning. Features like the Great Bath, a well-organized street grid, and a comprehensive drainage system illustrate this planning.

Statement-II directly provides an example that illustrates the point made in Statement-I about the Harappan Civilization's town planning. Therefore, Statement-II explains Statement-I.
Hence, Correct Answer : Option A

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.

The Harappan culture belongs to the Bronze Age: Correct
The Harappan Civilization is part of the Bronze Age (3300–1300 BCE). It is characterized by the extensive use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for making tools, ornaments, and weapons. This marks a significant technological advancement of the era.

Harappans produced their own characteristic pottery using the potter's wheel: Correct
The Harappans were skilled potters who created distinctive "black-on-red ware" pottery. These items often featured geometric and animal motifs. The use of the potter's wheel is well-documented, showcasing their craftsmanship and technological expertise.

Textile impressions and pieces of woven cotton have been found from Harappan sites: Correct
Evidence from Harappan sites includes impressions of woven cotton on clay and actual remnants of cotton fabric. The Harappans were among the earliest civilizations to produce and use cotton, reflecting their advanced textile technology.

Therefore , Correct Answer : Option C

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.

The Harappans practiced navigation of the coast of the Arabian Sea: Correct
The Harappans were skilled in navigation and maritime trade. Evidence such as seals, artifacts, and the port town of Lothal indicates that they navigated the Arabian Sea and traded with Mesopotamia and other regions. They used boats for coastal and riverine trade.

The Harappan civilization's political organization is well-documented: Incorrect
There is no clear evidence or documentation of the Harappan civilization's political organization. While their urban planning and standardized weights and measures suggest some form of governance, there are no records or inscriptions to describe their political system explicitly.

They procured metals from neighboring areas by boats and bullock carts: Correct
The Harappans procured metals like copper, tin, and gold through trade. They imported copper from Rajasthan and Oman, and tin from Afghanistan, using transportation methods like boats and bullock carts, as evidenced by archaeological findings. 

Therefore, Correct Answer : Option B