Harappan Civilization Questions and Answers – Page 12

r, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Seals is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Metal coins is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Barter system only may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Written contracts is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option B, Seals, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.Trade in the Harappan Civilization was conducted on a large scale using seals as a medium of commercial transaction (not metal coins). These seals were used to stamp goods and identify traders. The absence of metal coins is a notable feature of Harappan trade.

bject, chronology, geographical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: IIT Kharagpur is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. IIT Roorkee is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. IIT Madras may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. IIT Kanpur is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option D, IIT Kharagpur, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.IIT Kharagpur researchers published a study indicating that climate change — specifically the weakening of the monsoon — was a major factor in the decline of the Harappan Civilization. This is an important current affairs-linked historical fact for competitive exams.

y, geographical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Dholavira is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Mohenjodaro is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Harappa may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Rakhigarhi is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option D, Dholavira, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.Polished pillars have been found from Dholavira (Gujarat). Dholavira was excavated by R.S. Bisht of the Archaeological Survey of India. It is one of the largest Harappan sites in India and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

object, chronology, geographical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Mohenjodaro is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Harappa is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Kalibanga may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Lothal is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option B, Mohenjodaro, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.The famous Pashupati Seal was found at Mohenjodaro. It depicts a three-faced figure (proto-Shiva/Pashupati) seated in a yogic posture, surrounded by animals. This seal is one of the most studied artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization.

ure, object, chronology, geographical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Gujarat is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Western Uttar Pradesh is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Rajasthan may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Punjab is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option C, Gujarat, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.After independence, Gujarat has yielded the maximum number of Harappan sites in India. Important sites include Lothal, Dholavira, Surkotda, Rangpur, Rojdi, and Desalpur. Gujarat's extensive coastline also facilitated Harappan sea trade.

ure, object, chronology, geographical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Badakhshan (Afghanistan) is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Baluchistan is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Aurangabad may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Daimabad is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option A, Badakhshan (Afghanistan), matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.Lapis lazuli (a deep blue gemstone) was imported from the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan in the Harappan Civilization. This is evidenced by lapis lazuli ornaments found at various Harappan sites. This proves long-distance trade connections.

cal location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Pre-Harappan is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Late Harappan is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Painted Grey Ware period may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Zhob is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option A, Pre-Harappan, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.The mud brick fortification (kachchi inth ki kilebandi) found at Harappan sites belongs to the Pre-Harappan period. During the mature Harappan period, burnt bricks were used for construction. This stratigraphic evidence is important for UPSC Prelims.

raphical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Extended burial with pottery is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Cremation is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Placing ash in an urn and burying may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Building memorial stones is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option C, Extended burial with pottery, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.The most common burial practice in Harappan Civilization was extended (supine) burial along with pottery (earthen vessels) and personal ornaments. The body was buried in a north-south orientation. Fractional burial and secondary burial practices were also found.

geographical location, excavator, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Desalpur and Surkotda is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Rangpur and Rojdi is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Allahdin and Balakot may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Lothal and Surkotda is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option A, Desalpur and Surkotda, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.Desalpur and Surkotda are both located in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Surkotda is famous for horse bones. Kutch (Gujarat) is one of the richest areas for Harappan sites in India. This geographical knowledge is important for State PCS and SSC exams.

r, or cultural practice referred to in the stem.

Option-wise analysis: Steatite is correct because it fulfils the precise historical condition asked. Terracotta is incorrect because it belongs to a different site, discovery, period, location, or cultural association. Printed objects (Faience) may be connected with ancient Indian history, but its defining evidence does not match this question. Agate is also incorrect because the site–feature, person–excavation, river–settlement, or chronology link is different.

For examination purposes, classify the question before selecting an answer. If it asks about a site, recall its location, river, excavator, and special discovery. If it concerns an artefact, distinguish the place where it was found from the material or interpretation attached to it. If it concerns dates, separate Early, Mature, and Late Harappan phases. Archaeological interpretations may change when new evidence appears, so use the standard association accepted in school texts and competitive examinations. Therefore option D, Steatite, matches the marked correct index and is the best-supported answer.The majority of Harappan seals were made of steatite (soapstone/chlorite schist). They were carved with animal motifs and undeciphered inscriptions. Over 2500+ seals have been found. Steatite was preferred because it is soft and easy to carve. A key SSC fact.