Ancient History & Harappan — Set 13

Correct Answer: C. Seals, pottery, copper tablets, and bones

The Harappan script is found inscribed on steatite seals, pottery, copper tablets, terracotta objects, and animal bones. Most inscriptions are short, averaging only 5 symbols. The brevity of inscriptions has made decipherment difficult as there is insufficient text for linguistic analysis.

Correct Answer: D. Surashtra

The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga mentions Surashtra (Saurashtra, Gujarat) in the context of westward military campaigns around the 1st century BCE. This external reference confirms Gujarat's political importance in ancient India. Surashtra was the classical name for the prosperous Saurashtra region.

Correct Answer: C. 2600-1200 BCE

Archaeological evidence of Harappan civilization in Gujarat spans from approximately 2600 BCE (mature Harappan) to about 1200 BCE (late Harappan). Some early Harappan sites may date back to around 3500 BCE for pre-Harappan phases. The long span shows Gujarat was continuously part of this civilization through its rise, peak, and decline.

Correct Answer: B. Chavdas

The correct answer is 'Chavdas'. Chavdas correctly answers the question about which dynasty preceded the solankis in ruling gujarat. This is an important fact in the topic of Harappan civilisation and ancient history of Gujarat, which is regularly tested in competitive exams such as RRB NTPC, SSC CGL, UPSC, and state PSC examinations. A thorough understanding of Harappan civilisation and ancient history of Gujarat helps candidates score well in the General Knowledge section.

Correct Answer: C. In the warehouse compound

A fire altar at Lothal was found in the warehouse compound area. This discovery has been used to argue that fire rituals were conducted in commercial or administrative contexts, not just religious ones. The precise interpretation of the fire altar's function remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Correct Answer: B. Buried extended or flexed in brick-lined graves

Harappan burial practices in Gujarat, as at other sites, typically involved inhumation (burial) in extended or flexed positions, often in brick-lined graves. Grave goods including pottery, ornaments, and tools were sometimes included. The burial practices show belief in an afterlife and social differentiation.

Correct Answer: C. Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta, the famous Moroccan traveler, visited Gujarat in the 14th century and described its prosperity, trade, and flourishing Muslim community. He noted the wealth of the city of Cambay (Khambhat) and the extent of international trade. His accounts provide valuable information about medieval Gujarat.

Correct Answer: B. Human figures, animals, and carts

Bronze figurines found at Gujarat Harappan sites depict human figures, animals like cattle and elephants, and bullock carts. The dancing girl figurine from Mohenjo-daro is the most famous example of Harappan bronze art. These figurines demonstrate sophisticated lost-wax casting techniques.

Correct Answer: B. International trade, shipbuilding, and navigation

Gujarat's extensive coastline (longest in India at over 1,600 km) has historically supported international trade, shipbuilding, and advanced navigation. From Harappan times to the medieval period, Gujarat ports were among the busiest in the ancient world. Gujarat's mariners and merchants were known across the Indian Ocean world.

Correct Answer: C. Late Harappan/Painted Red Ware culture and then Vedic period

The Harappan civilization in Gujarat declined and transitioned to a Late Harappan and Painted Red Ware culture phase between approximately 1900-1200 BCE. Subsequently, the Vedic cultural influence spread into Gujarat during the later Vedic period. This transition is a subject of intense archaeological and historical research.