Ancient History & Harappan — Set 10
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 91–100 of 200
The famous Rudradaman inscription on Girnar rock is dated to approximately?
Correct Answer: B. 150 CE
The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I is dated to approximately 150 CE (around 2nd century CE). It is inscribed on the same rock as Ashoka's edicts, between Ashoka's edicts and Skandagupta's later addition. The inscription documents Rudradaman's repairs of Sudarshana Lake and praises him in ornate Sanskrit.
The Harappan period town planning evidence at Lothal shows which characteristic feature?
Correct Answer: C. Planned rectangular grid
Lothal's town planning shows a planned rectangular grid layout with streets running north-south and east-west, similar to other major Harappan cities. The city was divided into functional zones including residential areas, industrial areas, and the dockyard. This level of urban planning was remarkable for 2500 BCE.
The Mauryan empire's western province that included Gujarat was administered from which city?
Correct Answer: D. Ujjain
Ujjain (in modern Madhya Pradesh) served as the administrative center of the western provinces of the Mauryan empire, which included Gujarat. Ashoka himself served as a prince-governor in Ujjain before becoming emperor. Gujarat was administered as part of this larger western province.
The Harappan fire altars found at some Gujarat sites suggest which social practice?
Correct Answer: B. Fire worship rituals
Fire altars found at Harappan sites in Gujarat suggest the practice of fire worship or fire-related rituals among the Harappan people. Some scholars have linked these fire altars to later Vedic fire sacrifices, suggesting cultural continuity. However, the exact nature of Harappan religious practices remains debated.
The Chalukyas of Gujarat traced their lineage from which legendary source?
Correct Answer: C. The god Brahma or a sacred fire pit (agnikunda)
The Chalukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat claimed descent from a warrior created from a sacred fire pit (agnikunda) on Mount Abu. This legend was shared by several Rajput clans known as 'Agnikula' (fire-born). The agnikunda legend was used to establish the martial and sacred credentials of these dynasties.
The Harappan site of Shikarpur in Gujarat is located in which district?
Correct Answer: C. Kheda
Shikarpur is a Harappan site located in Kheda district of Gujarat. It has been excavated and shows evidence of Harappan occupation. The site is important for understanding the distribution of Harappan culture in central Gujarat.
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea was written in approximately which century?
Correct Answer: B. 1st century CE
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea was written by an anonymous Greek merchant around the 1st century CE (approximately 40-70 CE). It is a practical guide to the sea routes and ports from Egypt to India. The text provides invaluable information about ancient Gujarat's trade and ports.
The Solanki capital Anhilwad Patan was famous for which textile product?
Correct Answer: B. Patola (double ikat silk)
Anhilwad Patan was famous for Patola, a luxurious double ikat silk textile made using a complex tie-and-dye technique. Patola sarees were prized across Asia and were even used as royal gifts and in religious ceremonies. The tradition of Patola weaving in Patan continues to this day.
The Harappan civilization showed remarkable uniformity in which aspect across sites hundreds of kilometers apart?
Correct Answer: C. Weights, measures, and town planning standards
The Harappan civilization showed remarkable uniformity in weights and measures, building standards, and town planning across sites that were hundreds of kilometers apart. This uniformity implies a high degree of economic and possibly administrative integration. It distinguishes the Harappan civilization from contemporary Bronze Age cultures elsewhere.
The invasion of Gujarat by Alauddin Khilji's army in 1299 CE resulted in?
Correct Answer: B. Sacking of Anhilwad Patan and end of Solanki power
In 1299 CE, Alauddin Khilji's general Ulugh Khan (and Nusrat Khan) led an invasion of Gujarat, sacking Anhilwad Patan and bringing great wealth back to Delhi. This invasion effectively ended the Solanki dynasty's last remnants of power. It marked the beginning of Delhi Sultanate's direct influence over Gujarat.