Indus Valley Civilization Archives

1. The ruins of which Indus Valley site in Gujarat was named as a World H

The ruins of which Indus Valley site in Gujarat was named as a World Heritage Site in 2021?

Babar Kot

Bet Dwarka

Dholavira

Bhagatrav

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20

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The ruins of Dholavira, an Indus Valley site in Gujarat, was named as a World Heritage Site in 2021.

Dholavira is a Harappan city located on the island of Khadir in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is one of the most prominent and well-preserved urban settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization. Its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021 highlights its outstanding universal value, representing the unique characteristics of the Harappan civilization in terms of urban planning, water management systems, and architecture.

Dholavira is the 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Other notable Indus Valley sites in Gujarat include Lothal and Surkotada, but Dholavira was the one inscribed in 2021. The site’s significance lies in its distinct features like a sophisticated water conservation system and the multi-layered settlement pattern.

2. Which one among the following statements with reference to the Harappa

Which one among the following statements with reference to the Harappan burial ritual is not correct?

At these burials, the dead were generally laid in pits.

The burial pits were made in several different ways.

Ornaments have sometimes been found placed in these burials.

Harappans did not bury mirrors with the dead.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024

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The statement “Harappans did not bury mirrors with the dead” is incorrect. Archaeological findings from Harappan burials have included personal items, including bronze mirrors.

Excavations at Harappan sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa have yielded a variety of burial goods, suggesting beliefs about the afterlife or social status. These goods sometimes included ornaments, pottery, tools, and personal items made of metal, including copper/bronze mirrors.

Statements A, B, and C are consistent with archaeological evidence regarding Harappan burial practices:
A) Burials were indeed generally in pits.
B) Burial pits varied in construction, size, and lining.
C) Ornaments (like beads, bangles, and earrings) and other goods (pottery, tools) have been found in some burials, suggesting differences in burial practices and possibly social hierarchy.
The presence of bronze mirrors in burials contradicts statement D, making it the incorrect statement.

3. Which of the following do/does not represent a break between the Early

Which of the following do/does not represent a break between the Early Harappan cultures and the Mature Harappan civilization ?

Large-scale burning at some sites
Abandonment of certain settlements
A shift in the course of the Hakra river

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1 and 2 only

1, 2 and 3

3 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2023

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A shift in the course of the Hakra river (3) does not necessarily represent a “break” between the Early Harappan cultures and the Mature Harappan civilization in the same way that large-scale burning or abandonment at specific sites might.

The transition from Early Harappan cultures to the Mature Harappan civilization was a complex process involving both continuity and discontinuity across different regions.

Large-scale burning at sites (1) and abandonment of certain settlements (2) are often cited as evidence of stress, conflict, or regional decline, representing direct breaks in the occupation or life of those specific locations during the transition phase. The shift in the course of the Hakra river (3), while causing the abandonment of numerous settlements in the Ghaggar-Hakra valley, was an environmental factor that *caused* regional discontinuity. However, the overall Mature Harappan civilization emerged and flourished primarily in the Indus valley, arguably representing an evolution or adaptation rather than a complete break in the cultural trajectory, even though it caused regional shifts. Option 3 is often seen as a major environmental catalyst *behind* some of the regional discontinuities, rather than the “break” itself.

4. In the Mesopotamian records, the Indus Valley region is addressed as

In the Mesopotamian records, the Indus Valley region is addressed as

Meluha.

Dilmun.

Magan.

Uruk.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021

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In ancient Mesopotamian texts, trade relations with various regions to the east are mentioned. The region corresponding to the Indus Valley Civilization is consistently referred to as ‘Meluha’. Other regions mentioned include Dilmun (likely Bahrain/Persian Gulf) and Magan (likely Oman/UAE).

– Mesopotamian records provide evidence of trade and contact with regions to the east.
– Meluha is identified as the Indus Valley Civilization.
– Dilmun and Magan were other significant trade partners.

Trade between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley involved the exchange of goods like carnelian beads, lapis lazuli, gold, copper, and timber. The Mesopotamian texts mention Meluha as a distant land, and there is archaeological evidence supporting this long-distance trade.

5. Which among the following was/were the shell-based production centre(s

Which among the following was/were the shell-based production centre(s) of the Indus Valley Civilization ?

Shortughai

Lothal

Balakot and Nageshwar

Allahdino and Dholavira

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021

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Balakot and Nageshwar were well-known specialized centres for shell working during the Indus Valley Civilization period due to their coastal location.

– Coastal settlements of the Harappan Civilization often specialized in crafts utilizing marine resources like shells.
– Shell objects such as bangles, beads, inlay, and ladles were produced in large quantities at these sites.

Lothal was a major port city and manufacturing centre, including bead making and metallurgy, but Balakot and Nageshwar are particularly renowned for shell-based industries. Shortughai (in Afghanistan) was important for Lapis Lazuli. Dholavira was a major urban centre with diverse crafts, and Allahdino was a coastal settlement with craft production, but Balakot and Nageshwar are most directly identified as primary shell production centres.

6. Consider the following statements about Harappan Civilization : It p

Consider the following statements about Harappan Civilization :

It provides the earliest evidence of garlic.
Ornaments and precious metals have been discovered at different sites.
Exclusive use of burnt bricks is a unique feature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2

2 and 3

1 only

3 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023

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Statement 2 is correct. Ornaments made of gold, silver, copper, and precious stones, as well as precious metals themselves, have been widely discovered at various Harappan sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira, indicating their use and trade. Statement 3 is incorrect. While burnt bricks were extensively used, particularly for drainage systems and structures requiring strength, sun-dried bricks were also used, especially for inner walls and less exposed parts. Moreover, the use of burnt bricks was not unique to the Harappan civilization among ancient cultures. Statement 1 is debatable and lacks strong, conclusive archaeological evidence for the claim of providing the “earliest evidence of garlic” worldwide. However, some sources suggest possible knowledge or use of garlic. Given that statement 2 is definitely correct and statement 3 is definitely incorrect, option A (1 and 2) is the most likely intended answer, implying that statement 1 is considered correct by the question setter in some context (perhaps earliest evidence within the subcontinent, although even this is not universally accepted). Assuming statement 1 is considered correct for the purpose of this question, A is the correct option.

– Harappan civilization is known for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures.
– Trade was important, evidenced by seals, weights, and materials sourced from distant regions, including precious metals for ornaments.
– The construction primarily used bricks, both burnt and sun-dried, in a standardized ratio.
– While evidence of various crops is found, the specific claim about garlic being the ‘earliest evidence’ is less strongly supported compared to other aspects of the civilization.

Major Harappan sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Banawali, Rakhigarhi, and Dholavira. The civilization flourished from approximately 2600 to 1900 BCE.

7. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elabora

Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

Dholavira

Kalibangan

Rakhigarhi

Ropar

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2021

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Dholavira, a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) in Gujarat, is particularly renowned for its sophisticated and elaborate water harvesting and management system. The city had a complex network of reservoirs carved into the rock, interconnected by channels, designed to capture and store monsoon rainwater for year-round use in the arid region. This system is considered one of the most advanced of its time.

– Dholavira, a Harappan site, is famous for its advanced water management system.
– The system included reservoirs, dams, and channels to collect and store rainwater.
– This sophisticated system helped sustain the urban population in an arid environment.

While other Harappan sites like Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi also show evidence of water management, Dholavira’s system is considered unparalleled in its scale and sophistication among contemporary sites. Ropar is another Harappan site, known for burials showing dogs buried with humans. Dholavira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly due to its unique water management infrastructure.

8. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

Chanhudaro

Kot Diji

Sohgaura

Desalpur

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2019

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Sohgaura is not a Harappan site.

Chanhudaro (Sindh, Pakistan), Kot Diji (Sindh, Pakistan), and Desalpur (Gujarat, India) are all known Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization sites. Chanhudaro is particularly known as an industrial centre. Kot Diji represents early Harappan phase characteristics. Desalpur is a fortified Harappan settlement.
Sohgaura is located in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. It is known for a Mauryan-era copper plate inscription that refers to relief measures taken during a famine, mentioning granaries. It is not associated with the Harappan Civilization.

Harappan sites are primarily concentrated in the Indus River basin and surrounding areas, including parts of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh). Mauryan sites and inscriptions are found across a much wider geographical area of the Indian subcontinent.

9. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus

Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

1 and 2 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

None of the statements given above is correct

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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Based on current archaeological evidence, only statement 2 accurately characterizes the people of the Indus Civilization.

1. There is no strong evidence of grand palaces or temples in the Indus Civilization sites. Their architecture suggests well-planned cities with focus on civic amenities and dwelling units, not monumental religious or royal structures.
2. Evidence from seals and figurines suggests the worship of a male deity (often identified as ‘proto-Shiva’) and numerous female figurines implying the worship of a Mother Goddess.
3. While the presence of the horse in the Indus Valley is debated and evidence is scarce, there is no clear indication of the widespread use of horse-drawn chariots in warfare, unlike later periods in South Asia.

The Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) was known for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and seals with undeciphered script. Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, and Dholavira.

10. Which of the following is/are important markers for the archaeologists

Which of the following is/are important markers for the archaeologists to identify an archaeological site as a ‘center of craft production’?

1. Evidence of raw materials such as stone nodules, whole shells, etc.
2. Geographical expanse of the site
3. Evidence of unfinished objects, rejects and waste material
4. Evidence of variety of pottery

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

3 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2023

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An archaeological site can be identified as a ‘center of craft production’ based on the presence of evidence directly related to manufacturing processes. The availability of raw materials indicates where production inputs were sourced. Evidence of unfinished objects, rejects, and waste material are direct indicators of manufacturing activities taking place at the site; unfinished items show stages of production, rejects show errors or discards from the process, and waste materials are byproducts of production. These elements combined strongly suggest on-site craft production.

Key markers of craft production sites include the presence of raw materials, tools used for production, and evidence of the production process itself, such as unfinished goods, broken or rejected pieces, and debris/waste material.

Geographical expanse of a site (Statement 2) relates to its size and potentially population or range of activities, but not specifically to craft production. While a large site might include craft production areas, size itself isn’t a direct marker. Evidence of variety of pottery (Statement 4) indicates trade, consumption, or diverse cultural influences at a site, but not necessarily pottery production on-site unless accompanied by evidence like kilns, specific clay sources, or manufacturing tools/waste.