Ancient History & Harappan — Set 12
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 111–120 of 200
The ancient Gujarat city of Vadnagar is connected to which modern political figure?
Correct Answer: C. Narendra Modi
Vadnagar in Mehsana district is the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The city has been inhabited continuously for over 2,500 years, as confirmed by recent archaeological excavations. The Hathasvara temple and Sharmishtha Lake in Vadnagar are famous historical sites.
In which language are most of the ancient inscriptions from Gujarat written?
Correct Answer: B. Sanskrit and Prakrit
Most ancient inscriptions from Gujarat are written in Sanskrit and Prakrit languages using the Brahmi script. The Mauryan inscriptions at Girnar use Prakrit, while later Gupta and Kshatrapa period inscriptions increasingly used Sanskrit. This linguistic transition reflects the growing importance of classical Sanskrit in Indian culture.
The Harappan fire altars found at Lothal are significant because they may indicate?
Correct Answer: B. Fire rituals anticipating later Vedic practices
Fire altars found at Lothal suggest fire rituals were practiced by Harappan people, possibly anticipating later Vedic fire worship. Some scholars argue for cultural continuity between Harappan and Vedic civilizations. However, the nature of Harappan religious practices cannot be fully determined from archaeological evidence alone.
The Junagadh area has how many major historic inscriptions from different periods on the Girnar rock?
Correct Answer: C. Three (Ashoka, Rudradaman I, Skandagupta)
The Girnar rock near Junagadh has three major sets of inscriptions: Ashoka (c. 250 BCE), Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE), and Skandagupta (c. 455-467 CE). This makes the Girnar rock one of the most historically significant single locations in Gujarat. It documents nearly 700 years of Gujarat history on one rock.
Which Solanki ruler is credited with building the Sun Temple at Modhera?
Correct Answer: B. Bhimdev I
Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty built the Sun Temple at Modhera around 1026 CE. The temple is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and is renowned for its intricate sculptures and the Surya Kund stepwell. It represents the peak of Solanki architectural achievement.
The ancient region of Saurashtra corresponds to which part of modern Gujarat?
Correct Answer: C. The peninsular part (Kathiawar Peninsula)
Saurashtra corresponds to the Kathiawar Peninsula, the large triangular landmass that projects into the Arabian Sea in western Gujarat. It is bounded by the Gulf of Kutch to the north and the Gulf of Khambhat to the east. Major cities of Saurashtra include Rajkot, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, and Porbandar.
During the Harappan period, which animals were domesticated in Gujarat based on archaeological evidence?
Correct Answer: B. Cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, elephant, and dogs
Archaeological evidence from Gujarat Harappan sites shows domestication of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and dogs. Elephants appear to have been used but their domestication is debated. The variety of domesticated animals supported a mixed agricultural economy.
The Harappan site of Dholavira was first identified in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1967
Dholavira was first identified as a significant Harappan site in 1967 during Archaeological Survey of India surveys. However, systematic large-scale excavations began only in 1989 under R.S. Bisht. The discovery expanded the known geographic extent of the Harappan civilization significantly.
Al-Biruni, the Islamic scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni, provides information about which Gujarat ruler period?
Correct Answer: C. Solanki period (Bhimdev I era)
Al-Biruni's Kitab al-Hind provides accounts of Indian rulers and regions of the early 11th century CE, covering the Solanki period in Gujarat. His accounts help corroborate Indian inscriptions about rulers of this period. The text is one of the most important sources for understanding 11th-century India.
The Gujarat Sultanate was established in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1407 CE
The independent Gujarat Sultanate was established in 1407 CE by Zafar Khan, who took the title Sultan Muzaffar Shah I. This came after a period of nominal Delhi Sultanate control over Gujarat. The Gujarat Sultanate lasted until it was absorbed by the Mughal Empire under Akbar in 1572 CE.