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UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Indus Valley Civilisation | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q.1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?     (2021)
(a)  Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar

Correct Answer is Option (a)

  • Dholavira was known for the Water Management
  • Surrounded by 2 channels, the natives had built dam, reservoir, step well and canal for effective water management


Q.2. Which one of the following is not a Harappan Site? (2019-I) 
(a) Chanhudaro 
(b) Kot Diji 
(c) Sohagaura 
(d) Desalpur

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Sohgaura Copper Plate: The earliest known copper plate, known as the Sohgaura copper plate, is a Mauryan record that mentions famine relief efforts. So it can't be a Harappan site, the answer is c.


Q.3. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization? (2013 - I) 

  1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 
  2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 
  3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. 

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below. 
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) 1, 2 and 3 
(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Indus Valley people did not possess great palaces and temples rather the civilization was noted for its cities built of brick, roadside drainage system, and multistoried houses. Indus valley people were peace-loving. They were never engaged in any war. However, speculations have been rife that some tectonic forces destroyed the civilization. Some historians are of the view that invasion of Aryans, sea-level changes, earthquakes might have brought the civilization to its end therefore people employing horse-drawn chariots in warfare is not true. Moreover, Indus valley seals show swastikas, animals which are suggestive of their religious beliefs. In view of a large number of figurines found in the Indus valley, some scholars believe they worshipped the mother goddess symbolizing fertility. They worshipped a father God who might be a progenitor of the race and was probably a prototype of Siva as the Lord of the Animals.


Q.4. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: (2011 - I)

  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? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
We have read about the Mehrgarh cotton which is the earliest example of Cotton cultivation in the old world, older than the Peruvians. The cloth was made, and even dyed, so statement 2 is correct. The first statement is also correct and has been “lifted” from a famous history book.


Q.5. Match List-I (Ancient site) with List-II (Archaeological finding) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:  (2002)

UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Indus Valley Civilisation | History for UPSC CSE
(a) A – 1; B – 2; C – 3; D – 4
(b) A – 2; B – 1; C – 4; D – 3
(c) A – 1; B – 2; C – 4; D – 3
(d) A – 2; B – 1; C – 3; D – 4

Correct Answer is Option (b)

 

Q.6. Which one of the following animals has not represented seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?    (2001)
(a) Cow
(b) Elephant
(c) Rhinoceros
(d) Tiger

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Cow, camel, horse, and lion were not depicted on seals. Unicorn (bull) was the animal most commonly represented on the seals.


Q.7. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? (1998) 

  1. Gold coins 
  2. Punch marked silver coins 
  3. Iron plough 
  4. Urban culture 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 
(a) 3, 4, 1, 2 
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1 
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2 
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

Correct Answer is Option (d)
In India Indus Valley Civilization appeared the first signs of urbanization between 2500 and 2000 BCE. According to researchers, it is a hard fact that the earliest known specimen of iron ploughshare comes from Ganwaria in District Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and dates from ca. 700 BC. The first documented coinage is deemed to start with 'Punch Marked' coins issued between the 7th-6th century BC and 1stcentury AD. It was the Indo Greeks who ruled a large part of NorthWestern India around 200 BC (2218 years ago) that first introduced coins made of Pure Gold in India before Kushans. Therefore, according to the question the correct chronological order of the event that appeared in India is 4, 3, 2 and 1.

The document UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Indus Valley Civilisation | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Indus Valley Civilisation - History for UPSC CSE

1. What is the significance of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Ans. The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of the oldest urban civilisations in the world, flourishing around 2500 BCE. It had well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and a system of writing that is yet to be fully deciphered. The significance of this civilisation lies in its contribution to the development of urban planning, trade, and cultural practices in the Indian subcontinent.
2. What were the major cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Ans. The major cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Lothal. Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were the largest cities, known for their well-structured layouts, advanced water management systems, and impressive architecture. Lothal, on the other hand, was a prominent port city and played a vital role in maritime trade.
3. How did the Indus Valley Civilisation decline?
Ans. The decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation is still a subject of debate among historians. However, several theories suggest that factors like environmental changes, including the drying up of the Ghaggar-Hakra River, could have played a role. Additionally, the invasion of the region by nomadic tribes and the decline of trade networks might have also contributed to its downfall.
4. What were the main occupations of the people in the Indus Valley Civilisation?
Ans. The people of the Indus Valley Civilisation were engaged in various occupations. Agriculture was a significant occupation, with evidence of well-irrigated fields and domesticated animals. Other occupations included craftsmanship, as seen from the presence of skilled artisans who produced pottery, beads, jewelry, and metalwork. Trade and commerce also played a vital role in the civilization's economy.
5. What are the unique features of the Indus Valley Civilisation's urban planning?
Ans. The urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilisation was highly advanced for its time. The cities were built on a grid system, with well-laid-out streets and a centralized drainage system. Houses were made of baked bricks and often had multiple floors. The cities also had public buildings, including granaries, bath complexes, and possibly ceremonial centers. These features demonstrate the impressive architectural and engineering skills of the civilization.
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