40. Which evidence shows Harappan participation in maritime commerce?
[SSC 2017]
A. Lothal’s dock-like basin
B. Iron anchors from Harappa
C. Roman amphorae at Mohenjo-daro
D. Gupta coins at Dholavira
Answer: A. Lothal’s dock-like basin
Explanation: Lothal’s large basin, warehouse structures and coastal position strongly suggest commercial interaction through waterways connecting Gujarat with wider trading regions.
39. Which raw material was especially important for Harappan bead-making?
[SSC 2017]
A. Carnelian
B. Coal
C. Iron ore only
D. Petroleum
Answer: A. Carnelian
Explanation: Harappan bead-makers expertly treated, shaped, polished and drilled carnelian. Finished beads reached Mesopotamia, demonstrating both technical skill and international trade.
38. Harappan weights were commonly based on:
[SSC 2017]
A. Standardized units
B. Completely random values
C. Roman pounds
D. Modern kilograms
Answer: A. Standardized units
Explanation: Regular sequences of carefully shaped stone weights found throughout Harappan settlements reveal a sophisticated and standardized system supporting commerce and craft production.
37. Who first identified similarities between pre-Harappan and mature Harappan cultural remains?
[CDS-I 2016]
A. Amlanand Ghosh
B. R. D. Banerji
C. Daya Ram Sahni
D. John Marshall
Answer: A. Amlanand Ghosh
Explanation: Amlanand Ghosh’s archaeological work contributed greatly to identifying pre-Harappan cultural phases and understanding the developmental background of mature Harappan civilization.
36. Which statement regarding Harappan bricks is correct?
[CDS-II 2016]
A. Brick proportions showed considerable standardization
B. Every town used random brick dimensions
C. Only stone houses existed
D. Iron bricks were used
Answer: A. Brick proportions showed considerable standardization
Explanation: A standardized brick proportion, commonly about 1:2:4, occurs across many Harappan settlements and illustrates shared construction norms over an enormous geographical area.
35. Which civilization worshipped a figure conventionally identified as Pashupati?
[SSC CGL 2016]
A. Harappan Civilization
B. Gupta Civilization
C. Mauryan Civilization
D. Vedic Civilization only
Answer: A. Harappan Civilization
Explanation: A famous Mohenjo-daro seal shows a horned seated figure associated by earlier scholars with Pashupati, although its exact religious meaning cannot be established conclusively.
34. Which was the largest building traditionally identified at Mohenjo-daro?
[SSC CGL 2016]
A. Great Granary
B. Great Bath
C. Temple tower
D. Palace
Answer: A. Great Granary
Explanation: A very large structure at Mohenjo-daro has traditionally been called the Great Granary, although archaeologists continue to debate the precise functions of monumental Harappan buildings.
33. Harappan cities were primarily characterized by:
[RRB NTPC 2016]
A. Planned urban construction
B. Unplanned nomadic camps
C. Iron forts
D. Buddhist monasteries
Answer: A. Planned urban construction
Explanation: Regular streets, standardized bricks, drainage, wells and distinct urban sectors demonstrate deliberate planning and a substantial capacity to organize large settlements.
32. Which deity was NOT generally associated with Harappan worship in traditional exam interpretations?
[RRB NTPC 2016]
A. Vishnu
B. Mother Goddess
C. Pashupati-like figure
D. Sacred symbols
Answer: A. Vishnu
Explanation: Traditional Harappan interpretations emphasize fertility figurines, sacred trees, animals and a Pashupati-like figure. Explicit evidence of later developed Vaishnavism is absent.
31. Which site is associated with a dockyard and bead industry?
[SSC 2016]
A. Lothal
B. Harappa
C. Manda
D. Ropar
Answer: A. Lothal
Explanation: Lothal combined commercial waterfront infrastructure with workshops producing beads and other goods, making it an important manufacturing and trading settlement.
