190. Which civilization belongs principally to the Bronze Age?
[SSC MTS 2025]
A. Harappan Civilization
B. Gupta Civilization
C. Mauryan Civilization
D. Early Medieval Civilization
Answer: A. Harappan Civilization
Explanation: Harappan technology prominently employed copper and bronze for tools, utensils and artistic objects. The civilization flourished before iron became a major technological material in South Asia.
189. Which crop is especially associated with an early Harappan contribution to textile production?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Tea
B. Cotton
C. Coffee
D. Tobacco
Answer: B. Cotton
Explanation: Harappans were among the earliest known cultivators and users of cotton. Archaeological and external evidence indicates that cotton textiles formed an important part of their craft economy.
188. Which Harappan site was especially famous as a specialised craft and bead-making centre?
[SSC CGL 2025]
A. Chanhudaro
B. Manda
C. Alamgirpur
D. Ropar
Answer: A. Chanhudaro
Explanation: Chanhudaro yielded evidence for bead-making, shell working and other crafts. Its occupational character differed from large centres such as Mohenjo-daro, emphasizing specialized manufacturing activities.
187. Which statement about Harappan burials is correct?
[SSC MTS 2024]
A. All bodies were cremated
B. The dead were generally placed in burial pits
C. Only kings were buried
D. Burial was completely unknown
Answer: B. The dead were generally placed in burial pits
Explanation: Harappan cemeteries show that bodies were commonly placed in rectangular or oval pits, sometimes accompanied by pottery, ornaments or other limited grave goods.
186. Harappan city streets were generally aligned according to which directions?
[SSC MTS 2024]
A. Random directions
B. Cardinal directions
C. Only northeast-southwest
D. Circular directions
Answer: B. Cardinal directions
Explanation: Major streets commonly followed north-south and east-west orientations. This grid-like arrangement reflects careful urban planning and helped organize residential blocks and drainage channels efficiently.
185. Most major Harappan cities were broadly divided into how many principal sectors?
[SSC MTS 2024]
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Six
Answer: A. Two
Explanation: Many Harappan cities had a raised, often fortified western citadel and a larger lower town. Dholavira was exceptional because its internal urban division was more complex.
184. Which material was NOT used as a normal construction material in Harappan buildings?
[SSC MTS 2024]
A. Wood
B. Burnt bricks
C. Iron
D. Gypsum mortar
Answer: C. Iron
Explanation: Harappan builders used mud bricks, burnt bricks, timber and various binding materials. Iron was not part of mature Harappan technology and therefore was not a construction material.
183. Harappa, discovered in pre-Independence India, was situated in which province?
[SSC MTS 2024]
A. Punjab
B. Bengal
C. Sindh
D. United Provinces
Answer: A. Punjab
Explanation: Harappa lies in present-day Punjab province of Pakistan on the Ravi river system. The civilization eventually took its archaeological name from this important excavated site.
182. Which metal was not known to the Harappans?
[SSC CGL 2024]
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Iron
D. Copper
Answer: C. Iron
Explanation: Copper, bronze, gold and silver objects occur at Harappan sites. Their archaeological assemblages lack established iron technology, distinguishing Harappan material culture from later Iron Age societies.
181. Which Harappan site is most strongly associated with an ancient dockyard?
[SSC GD 2024]
A. Harappa
B. Lothal
C. Kalibangan
D. Banawali
Answer: B. Lothal
Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat contains a large brick-lined basin traditionally interpreted as a dockyard, illustrating the importance of maritime activity and overseas trade to Harappan commerce.
