9 questions

UPSC Prelims · Ancient History PYQ

Indus Valley Civilization UPSC PYQ — Sites, Trade & Decline

Harappan sites, town planning, seals, trade networks, and theories of decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

9 Questions · 1995–2025
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  1. 1 2024

    Which rows are correctly matched:
    1. Chandraketugarh – Odisha – trading port town
    2. Inamgaon – Maharashtra – chalcolithic site
    3. Mangadu – Kerala – megalithic site
    4. Salihundam – Andhra Pradesh – rock-cut cave shrines

    1. A1 and 2
    2. B2 and 3
    3. C3 and 4
    4. D1 and 4
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: B. 2 and 3

    Explanation

    Chandraketugarh is described as a trading centre rather than a rock-cut shrine site; Inamgaon and Mangadu are correctly paired; Salihundam is known for Buddhist remains, not rock-cut shrines.

  2. 2 2021

    Which ancient town is known for its advanced water harvesting system with dams and connected reservoirs?

    1. ADholavira
    2. BKalibangan
    3. CRakhigarhi
    4. DRopar
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: A. Dholavira

    Explanation

    Dholavira, an Indus Valley city on Khadir Island, is highlighted for its sophisticated water-management system and strategic location.

  3. 3 2019

    Which of these is not a Harappan site: Chanhu-daro, Kot Diji, Sohgaura, Desalpur?

    1. AChanhu-daro
    2. BKot Diji
    3. CSohgaura
    4. DDesalpur
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: C. Sohgaura

    Explanation

    Sohgaura in Uttar Pradesh is noted for an early copper plate inscription rather than as a Harappan site.

  4. 4 2013

    Which statements about the Indus people are correct:
    1. They had great palaces and temples.
    2. They worshipped male and female deities.
    3. They used horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3
    4. DNone of these
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: B. 2 only

    Explanation

    No palaces or temples of the Mesopotamian type are found; worship of male and female deities is supported; there is no conclusive evidence for horse-drawn chariots in Harappan warfare.

  5. 5 2011

    Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
    1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
    2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

    Explanation

    Statement 1 is correct: The Indus Valley Civilization was largely secular in nature, focusing on urban planning, sanitation, and trade rather than grand religious monuments.
    Statement 2 is correct: The Indus people were among the earliest in the world to cultivate cotton, and used it for textile production.

  6. 6 2001

    Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?

    1. ACow
    2. BElephant
    3. CRhinoceros
    4. DTiger
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: A. Cow

    Explanation

    The Harappan civilization is known for its seals and terracotta figurines depicting various animals like the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, bull, buffalo, and the unicorn-like figure. Despite the economic and cultural importance of the cow in later Indian traditions, it was not depicted in Harappan art.

  7. 7 1998

    What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India?
    1. Gold coins
    2. Punch-marked silver coins
    3. Iron plough
    4. Urban culture

    1. A3, 4, 1, 2
    2. B3, 4, 2, 1
    3. C4, 3, 1, 2
    4. D4, 3, 2, 1
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: D. 4, 3, 2, 1

    Explanation

    4. Urban culture: Earliest (Indus Valley 2600-1900 BCE).
    3. Iron Plough: Introduced around 700-600 BCE.
    2. Punch-marked Silver Coins: First appeared between 7th-6th century BCE.
    1. Gold Coins: Introduced by Kushanas around 1st century CE.

  8. 8 1994

    The earliest evidence of silver in India is found in

    1. AHarappan culture
    2. BChalcolithic cultures of Western India
    3. CVedic texts
    4. DSilver punch-marked coins
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: A. Harappan culture

    Explanation

    Harappan culture (Indus Valley Civilization) provides the earliest archaeological evidence of silver usage in India. Silver was not locally available in the Indus plains and was imported from regions like Afghanistan.

  9. 9 2025

    The famous female figurine known as 'Dancing Girl', found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

    1. Acarnelian
    2. Bclay
    3. Cbronze
    4. Dgold
    Reveal answer

    Correct answer: C. bronze

    Explanation

    The 'Dancing Girl' figurine from Mohenjo-daro was cast in bronze using the lost-wax technique, and is one of the earliest known examples of this metalworking method in the subcontinent.

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