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Indus Valley Civilisation MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

It covers all Important Questions with answers on Indus Valley Civilisation for the UPPSC (UP) exam. The questions are based on important topics. Details about the questions:
  • Topic: Indus Valley Civilisation
  • Type of Questions: MCQs with solutions
  • Number of Questions: 47
  • You can attempt them on EduRev to score high in UPPSC (UP) exam.

Which of the following sites has furnished the proof of the sea faring activity of the Harappan people?
  • a)
    Lothal
  • b)
    Sotka Koh
  • c)
    Kot Diji
  • d)
    Balakot
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
• Lothal was one of the southernmost cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, located in the Bhāl region of the modern state of Gujarāt. Construction of the city began around 2200 BCE.
• Discovered in 1954, Lothal was excavated from 13 February 1955 to 19 May 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the official Indian government agency for the preservation of ancient monuments.
• According to the ASI, Lothal had the world's earliest known dock, which connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra when the surrounding Kutch desert of today was a part of the Arabian Sea.

Match the following:
  • a)
    1-D, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C
  • b)
    1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-A
  • c)
    1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D
  • d)
    1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Harappa was discovered in 1920-1921 by Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni Mohanjodaro was discovered in 1922 by R. D. Banerji, Chanhudaro was discovered by N G Majumdar in 1931, Kot diji was discovered in 1935 by ghumey Above information is true hence option A is correct.

The evidence of Indian ships and a piece of woven cloth has been discovered from the seals of which of the following sites?
  • a)
    Lothal
  • b)
    Chanhudaro
  • c)
    Mohenjodaro
  • d)
    Kalibangan
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhijeet Gupta answered
Evidence of Indian ships and a piece of woven cloth has been discovered from the seals of the Mohenjodaro site.

Explanation:
Mohenjodaro is an ancient Indus Valley Civilization site located in present-day Pakistan. It was one of the largest and most advanced cities of its time, with well-planned streets, buildings, and drainage systems. Archaeologists have discovered many artifacts from this site, including seals that provide information about the trade and commerce of the period.

Some of the seals found at Mohenjodaro depict images of ships and sea creatures, suggesting that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization engaged in maritime trade. The seals also depict images of animals like bulls and elephants, which were likely traded for their meat, hides, and ivory.

In addition to the seals, archaeologists have also found a piece of woven cloth at Mohenjodaro. This suggests that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization were skilled in weaving and textiles.

Overall, the discoveries made at Mohenjodaro provide valuable insights into the economic, social, and cultural practices of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The Harappans did not know the use of
  • a)
    Copper 
  • b)
    Iron
  • c)
    Bronze
  • d)
    Gold
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Pooja Shah answered
The Harappans did not know the use of Iron. Iron was not discovered by the Harappan people. Since it was a bronze age civilization, it had made many metallurgical advances in copper and bronze but not in Iron. Harappans procured raw material from other neighboring countries like Silver from Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, Lead from Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gold was obtained from Karnataka and Copper from Rajasthan. Iron was actually not known to Indus Valley Civilization people or Harappan people.

Post-Harappan culture has been found in
  • a)
    Amri and Kot Diji
  • b)
    Kalibangan and Banwali
  • c)
    Rangpur and Rojdi
  • d)
    Chanhudaro and Surkotada
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Mehta answered
  • Banawali, earlier known as Vanavali is a village and archaeological site situated around 15 km from Fatehabad district of Haryana, India. It belongs to the Indus Valley Civilization period which got settled on the left banks of dried river Saraswati.It was built on the upper middle valley compared to Kalibangan town which was on the lower part.
  • Kalibangan, ancient site of the Indus valley civilization, in northern Rajasthan state, northwestern India.

Consider the following statements:
1. The town planning of Indus Valley Civilization was based on the division of towns into two main parts: citadel/acropolis and lower town.
2. The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities was a standard practice which was also observed in the contemporary buildings of Egypt.
3. Kalibangan is known for its houses that had individual wells.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 3 Only
  • c)
    1 and 2 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

  1. The town planning of Indus Valley Civilization was based on the division of towns into two main parts: citadel/acropolis and lower town.
    • This is correct. The town planning of major Indus Valley cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira typically included a division into two parts: the citadel (a raised, fortified area housing important structures like granaries or the Great Bath) and the lower town (where most of the population lived in well-planned residential areas).
  2. The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities was a standard practice which was also observed in the contemporary buildings of Egypt.
    • This is incorrect. While the use of burnt (fired) bricks was indeed a standard practice in Harappan cities, contemporary Egyptian buildings primarily used sun-dried mud bricks for most constructions, including houses and some monumental structures. Stone was used for temples and pyramids in Egypt, but burnt bricks were not a common feature as in the Indus Valley.
  3. Kalibangan is known for its houses that had individual wells.
    • This is correct. Kalibangan, an important Indus Valley site, is known for its urban planning, including houses that often had individual wells, a feature also seen in other major sites like Mohenjo-Daro. This reflects the civilization's advanced water management systems.
Conclusion: Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.
Answer: B: 1 and 3 Only

Consider the following statements regarding the drainage system of Harappa and the Great Bath:
1. The main drains in Harappa were constructed using bricks set in mortar and were mostly covered and hidden underground.
2. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro is considered the earliest public water tank of the ancient world.
3. The drainage systems in Harappa included small settling pools and traps to collect sediment and other materials.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

1. Main drains construction in Harappa: The main drains in Harappa were indeed constructed using bricks set in mortar and were mostly covered and hidden underground. This indicates an advanced municipal system and knowledge of construction techniques.
2. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro: The Great Bath is widely regarded as the earliest public water tank of the ancient world, showcasing the importance of ritualistic cleaning in the culture of the Indus Valley Civilization.
3. Settling pools and traps in the drainage system: The drainage systems in Harappa included small settling pools and traps to collect sediment and other materials, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to managing waste and maintaining cleanliness.
All three statements are correct, thus the correct answer is Option D.

What is the primary architectural feature of the Great Granary in Harappa ?
  • a)
    Large columns supporting the structure
  • b)
    Wooden superstructure on top of the brick foundation
  • c)
    Two rows of six rooms along a central passageway
  • d)
    Small triangular openings serving as air ducts
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The primary architectural feature of the Great Granary in Harappa is the arrangement of two rows of six rooms along a central passageway. This layout, with each room measuring 15.2 by 6.1 meters and having three sleeper walls with air space between them, indicates a systematic design for storage or other purposes in the ancient Harappan civilization.
 Therefore Correct Answer : Option C

What does the presence of small settling pools and traps in the drainage system of Harappa primarily indicate?
  • a)
    Importance attached to social and personal hygiene
  • b)
    Advancement in Municipal system
  • c)
    Proper agricultural technique
  • d)
    Good knowledge of brick mortar construction
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The inclusion of small settling pools and traps in the drainage system of Harappa reflects a highly advanced municipal system. These features were designed to collect sediment and debris, preventing blockages and facilitating maintenance of the drainage network. This demonstrates sophisticated urban planning and engineering, characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization's municipal infrastructure.

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
The Indus Valley Civilization had entered a mature stage by 2600 BC with the establishment of large urban centers like Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
Statement-II:
The signs of a gradual decline of the Indus River Valley Civilization started around 1800 BC.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
  • a)
    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • b)
     Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • c)
    Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • d)
    Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aspire Academy answered
Statement-I: The Indus Valley Civilization reached its mature phase around 2600 BC with urban centers like Harappa and Mohenjodaro. This is historically accurate as these cities exemplified urban planning, architecture, and social organization.
Statement-II: The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is observed around 1800 BC. Archaeological evidence suggests signs of decline, such as reduced urban quality and changes in settlement patterns.
 Both statements are correct, but Statement-II about the decline does not explain the mature stage described in Statement-I. Thus, option A is correct.

Which of the following showed the greatest uniformity in Indus Valley Civilization settlement?
  • a)
     Town planning    
  • b)
    Bricks     
  • c)
     Religious practices
  • d)
    Building   
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Prasad Basu answered
Great Uniformity in Indus Valley Civilization Settlement
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is renowned for its advanced urban planning and uniformity across various settlements. Among the options provided, town planning stands out as the aspect that exhibited the greatest uniformity. Here’s why:
1. Standardized Urban Layout
- The cities in the IVC, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, were systematically laid out with a grid pattern.
- Streets were often wide and straight, intersecting at right angles, indicating meticulous planning.
2. Uniformity in Infrastructure
- Public buildings, including granaries and baths, were consistently incorporated into the urban landscape.
- The presence of drainage systems was remarkable, showcasing a standardized approach to public health and sanitation.
3. Similarities Across Different Sites
- Archaeological studies reveal that multiple sites across the IVC share similar architectural styles and urban planning principles.
- The uniformity suggests that these cities were planned with a common set of guidelines, reflecting a cohesive societal structure.
4. Impact on Society and Economy
- The organized nature of these settlements facilitated trade and social interaction, contributing to the economic stability of the civilization.
- Efficient town planning allowed for effective governance and resource management.
Conclusion
While bricks, religious practices, and buildings were also significant, they did not exhibit the same level of consistency across the vast geographical area of the Indus Valley as town planning did. The unique and organized layout of cities is a hallmark of the IVC, highlighting its advanced understanding of urban development.

What is a defining feature of the town planning in the cities of the Indus Valley civilization?
  • a)
    Presence of towering skyscrapers
  • b)
    Extensive use of wooden structures
  • c)
    Scientific drainage system
  • d)
    Lack of any defensive walls
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The town planning in the cities of the Indus Valley civilization was characterized by the presence of a scientific drainage system. This advanced system showcased the civilization's high level of sophistication and urban development. The efficient management of wastewater and sanitation in these cities indicates a remarkable understanding of urban planning and public health for that era.

Which archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization also known as Parasaram-ka-khera?
  • a)
    Alamgirpur 
  • b)
    Lothal 
  • c)
     Harappa
  • d)
     Mohenjodaro 
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The archaeological site known as Parasaram-ka-khera is identified as Alamgirpur. This site is significant for its connection to the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Alamgirpur is located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • It is one of the earliest sites of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Excavations have revealed various artefacts that provide insights into the culture and lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Match the following:
  • a)
    [A-II], [B-I], [C-IV], [D-III]
  • b)
    [A-I], [B-II], [C-III], [D-IV]  
  • c)
    [A-III], [B-II], [C-I], [D-IV]
  • d)
    [A-II], [B-I], [C-III], [D-IV]
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

1) The Mesolithic or middle stone age is an archaeological term used to describe specific cultures that fall between the paleolithic and neolithic periods. Mesolithic identified as a prehistoric period. Some Mesolithic people continued with intensive hunting, while others practiced the initial stages of domestication. Some Mesolithic settlements were villages of huts, others walled cities.
2) Advanced Neolithic is the final division of stone age. In these, sedentary villages had been established. As the Natufians had become dependent on wild cereals in their diet and a sedentary way of life had begun among them, the climatic changes associated with the Younger Dryas (about 10000 BC) are thought to have forced people to develop farming. In other words, farming communities had arisen in this period.
3) Early Neolithic is the initiation to age of chipped stone tools and preceded the bronze age or early period of metal tools. There was incipient means beginning.
So according to me,
1-B;. 2-A;. 3- D; 4- C.

Consider the following statements regarding Old Stone Age sites.
1. The Old Stone age sites were generally located away from water sources to avoid flooding.
2. Most of these Old stone age sites are concentrated in Southern India with the exception of Adamgarh hill and Bhimbetka.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Shah answered
Old Stone Age Sites in India

Introduction:
The Old Stone Age, also known as the Paleolithic period, is the earliest and longest period of human history. The archaeological sites of this period provide us with a glimpse of the life and culture of our ancestors. In India, Old Stone Age sites are found in various parts of the country.

Statement 1: The Old Stone age sites were generally located away from water sources to avoid flooding.
This statement is incorrect. Old Stone Age sites were generally located near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and springs. This is because water was essential for the survival of early humans as it provided them with drinking water and also helped in hunting and gathering activities.

Statement 2: Most of these Old stone age sites are concentrated in Southern India with the exception of Adamgarh hill and Bhimbetka.
This statement is also incorrect. Old Stone Age sites are found all over India, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau. Some of the important Old Stone Age sites in India are:

- Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh
- Adamgarh hill in Madhya Pradesh
- Hunsgi in Karnataka
- Kurnool caves in Andhra Pradesh
- Narmada valley in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
- Soan valley in Punjab and Haryana
- Bori in Maharashtra

Conclusion:
In conclusion, both the statements given in the question are incorrect. Old Stone Age sites in India were generally located near water sources and are found all over the country. These sites provide valuable insights into the life and culture of our ancestors and are an important part of our heritage.

Consider the following statements regarding ancient civilizations:
1. The Chinese civilization emerged around the Hwang Ho river basin.
2. The Mesoamerican civilization developed in the region of modern-day Iraq and Syria.
3. The Indus Valley Civilization had the largest geographical extent among ancient civilizations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Saumya Roy answered
First, let's analyze each statement:
1. The Chinese civilization emerged around the Hwang Ho river basin:
This statement is correct. The Chinese civilization, also known as the ancient Chinese civilization, originated and developed around the Yellow River (Huang He) basin in China. The Yellow River is often referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization due to its importance in the development of agriculture, cities, and culture in ancient China.
2. The Mesoamerican civilization developed in the region of modern-day Iraq and Syria:
This statement is incorrect. The Mesoamerican civilization actually developed in ancient Mexico and Central America. It was known for its advanced agricultural practices, complex urban centers, and sophisticated cultural achievements.
3. The Indus Valley Civilization had the largest geographical extent among ancient civilizations:
This statement is correct. The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the most widespread ancient civilizations, covering a large area that included parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It had well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and a sophisticated writing system.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C) 1 and 3 Only. The Chinese civilization did emerge around the Hwang Ho river basin, and the Indus Valley Civilization did have the largest geographical extent among ancient civilizations.

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