10. A baked-clay model of a plough has been associated in examination literature with which Harappan settlement?
[NDA-I 2012]
A. Banawali
B. Mohenjo-daro
C. Harappa
D. Lothal
Answer: A. Banawali
Explanation: Banawali in Haryana has yielded terracotta plough models, important archaeological evidence for agricultural implements used within the broader Harappan cultural tradition.
9. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider:
- It was predominantly secular in urban character, though religion existed.
- Cotton textiles were produced.
Which is correct?**
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2011]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Harappan archaeology emphasizes civic and economic urban structures rather than monumental temples, while evidence confirms cultivation and use of cotton for textile production.
8. Which Harappan town is associated with a dockyard?
[SSC Stenographer 2011]
A. Lothal
B. Harappa
C. Kalibangan
D. Ropar
Answer: A. Lothal
Explanation: Lothal’s large basin and commercial installations, combined with its proximity to coastal waterways, strongly indicate an important maritime function.
7. Which economic activity was essential to sustaining Harappan cities?
[Railway 2011]
A. Agriculture
B. Exclusive hunting
C. Nomadic pastoralism alone
D. Forest gathering alone
Answer: A. Agriculture
Explanation: Intensive cultivation generated the food surplus needed to sustain large urban populations, specialized artisans, traders and other non-agricultural occupational groups.
6. Which statement about Harappan civilization is correct?
[CDS-I 2010]
A. Harappans cultivated and used cotton
B. They did not know copper
C. Their civilization was purely village-based
D. All standard seals were made of clay
Answer: A. Harappans cultivated and used cotton
Explanation: Archaeological evidence demonstrates cotton cultivation and textile production, while copper-bronze technology, urban settlements and steatite seals contradict the remaining statements.
5. The famous bronze statue of a dancing woman was discovered at:
[RPSC 2010]
A. Mohenjo-daro
B. Kalibangan
C. Harappa
D. Ropar
Answer: A. Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: Mohenjo-daro yielded the celebrated bronze Dancing Girl, whose confident posture and lost-wax casting illustrate the remarkable artistic and metallurgical ability of Harappan craftsmen.
4. Which rivers were included within the geographical setting of established Harappan civilization?
[UPPSC Prelims 2009]
A. Indus, Chenab and Jhelum
B. Ganga alone
C. Narmada and Tapi only
D. Krishna and Kaveri
Answer: A. Indus, Chenab and Jhelum
Explanation: The Harappan cultural zone occupied much of the Indus drainage and its tributaries, although its settlements eventually spread far beyond the Indus river system.
3. Which site provides a long cultural sequence from early farming communities toward the Harappan tradition?
[UPPSC Prelims 2008]
A. Mehrgarh
B. Lothal
C. Kalibangan
D. Chanhudaro
Answer: A. Mehrgarh
Explanation: Mehrgarh preserves a long sequence beginning with early Neolithic agriculture and pastoralism, making it crucial for understanding socioeconomic developments preceding mature Harappan urbanization.
2. Knowledge of the Indus Valley Civilization is derived principally from:
[RRB 2007]
A. Archaeological excavations
B. Vedic texts alone
C. Greek chronicles
D. Medieval inscriptions
Answer: A. Archaeological excavations
Explanation: Because the Harappan script remains unread, reconstruction depends overwhelmingly on excavated cities, artifacts, burials, environmental evidence and scientific analysis rather than deciphered historical literature.
1. Which famous artistic creation is associated with the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
[SSC 2006]
A. Bronze Dancing Girl
B. Ashokan Lion Capital
C. Ajanta paintings
D. Chola Nataraja
Answer: A. Bronze Dancing Girl
Explanation: The bronze Dancing Girl from Mohenjo-daro is among the finest surviving examples of Harappan art and demonstrates sophisticated casting technology and naturalistic treatment of the human figure.
