Test: Indus Valley Civilization-1 - SSC CGL MCQ

Statement 1 is correct. The earliest emergence of civilizations is indeed associated with the final stages of the Neolithic Revolution, which marked a transition to more complex and urban societies.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Fertile Crescent includes Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations, the Indus Valley civilization is not part of the Fertile Crescent. The Fertile Crescent typically refers to regions encompassing parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt.

Statement 3 is correct. The Chinese civilization emerged around the Hwang Ho (Yellow) river basin, which is known for its early developments in agriculture and urbanization.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Mesopotamian Civilization: Basin of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris in modern-day Iraq and Syria
- Correct. The Mesopotamian civilization indeed evolved in the basin of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, in the region that corresponds to modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria.
2. Egyptian Civilization: Around the Nile river valley and delta in modern Egypt
- Correct. The Egyptian civilization developed around the Nile river valley and the Nile delta, in what is present-day Egypt.
3. Indus Valley Civilization: Around the valleys of the Ganges River
- Incorrect. The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, developed around the valleys of the Indus River and its major tributaries, not the Ganges River.
4. Chinese Civilization: Northern China around the Hwang Ho river basin
- Correct. The Chinese civilization emerged in Northern China around the Hwang Ho (Yellow) river basin.
So, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

Correct Answer: Invasion by Aryans; Geological and climatic factors

Detailed Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, declined around 1900-1700 BCE. Historians and archaeologists have proposed several theories to explain its decline:

• Invasion by Aryans: Some scholars suggest that the Indus Valley Civilization was invaded or faced incursions by outside groups, possibly the Aryans. This theory posits that the arrival of these groups led to conflict and disruption of the established civilization.

• Geological and climatic factors: Natural factors such as geological changes, including shifts in river courses (like the drying up of the Saraswati River), tectonic activities causing earthquakes, and climatic changes such as fluctuations in monsoon patterns, are believed to have played a significant role. These factors could have disrupted agricultural practices, which were crucial for sustaining the civilization.

- Statement 1 is correct: The oldest deciphered inscription was indeed issued by Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C., written in the Brahmi script from left to right.

- Statement 2 is correct: The Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro is a well-known artifact from the Indus Valley Civilization, representing an example of ancient Indian sculpture.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are not considered secular literature. They are examples of religious literature in ancient India, dealing with epic tales that have significant spiritual and cultural themes.

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

Statement-I is correct as inscriptions, due to their varied nature and content, often provide more detailed information about historical events, people, and societies compared to coins which might have limited information. Inscriptions were indeed found on various surfaces as mentioned.
Statement-II is also correct. Monuments and sculptures serve as tangible representations of historical events, cultural beliefs, and societal values, acting as enduring symbols of the past. They play a significant role in preserving history and culture for future generations. Thus, Statement-II explains the importance and role of monuments and sculptures in history.

Statement-I talks about the first evidence of drilling of human teeth found in Mehrgarh, Pakistan, dating back to 5,500 BC, linked to the Indus Valley Civilization. This is accurate as per historical findings.
Statement-II discusses the issuance of ancient Indian currency in the form of metal coins, highlighting the growth of metallurgy and the significance of trade and commerce during those times. While this statement is also true, it does not directly relate to or explain the evidence of dental drilling in Mehrgarh. Hence, both statements are correct, but there is no explanatory relationship between them.

1. Mehrgarh - Evidence of early dentistry: Correct. Mehrgarh, located in present-day Pakistan, is known for the earliest evidence of dentistry, dating back to 5,500 BC.

2. Mohenjo-Daro - UNESCO World Heritage site: Correct. The ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, a major city of the Indus Valley Civilization, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.

3. Pallavaram - First evidence of human beings in India: Incorrect. The first evidence of human beings in India was found in the Bori Caves of Maharashtra, not Pallavaram. Pallavaram is noted for being a Paleolithic culture site, but not for the first evidence of human beings in India.

4. Guptas - Largest number of copper coins issued: Incorrect. The Guptas are known for issuing the largest number of gold coins, not copper coins. This shows the flourishment of trade and commerce during Gupta times.

Hence, only two pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly highlights the association of the Harappan Civilization with the extensive use of bronze in their artifacts. This aspect aligns with the characteristic of a Bronze Age civilization where bronze tools and objects were prevalent.
Statement-II is also accurate in mentioning that the Harappan Civilization is linked to a Neolithic civilization due to their advanced agricultural practices and settled way of life, which are typical traits of Neolithic societies. However, this statement does not directly explain why the civilization is often termed as a Bronze Age civilization, hence both statements are correct but not interrelated in explanation.

1. The Pillars of Ashoka - Ajanta Caves: Incorrect
The Pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout India. Ajanta Caves, however, are a separate set of rock-cut caves known for their Buddhist art and architecture.

2. Sanchi Stupa - Madhya Pradesh: Correct
The Sanchi Stupa is a famous Buddhist monument located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.

3. Kailasa Temple - Ellora: Correct
The Kailasa Temple is a remarkable rock-cut temple located in the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India.

4. Dancing Girl - Harappa: Incorrect
The Dancing Girl is a famous bronze statue found in Mohenjodaro, which is part of the Indus Valley Civilization, not Harappa specifically.

Thus, only pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.

Correct answer is C. Stone, Shell, and Metal (Copper, Bronze, Gold, Silver)
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was known for its advanced craftsmanship and use of various materials for creating different objects. Archaeological findings have revealed that they commonly used the following materials:

1. Stone: Used for making various tools, ornaments, and perhaps even for construction purposes.
2. Shell: Utilized for making ornaments and possibly other decorative items.
3. Metals:
   • Copper: Used extensively for making tools and weapons due to its durability and ease of working.
   • Bronze: An alloy of copper and tin, used for making tools, weapons, and ornaments, offering better strength than pure copper.
   • Gold and Silver: Precious metals used mainly for making ornaments and decorative items, indicating the wealth and aesthetic sensibilities of the Harappan people.