Ancient History & Harappan — Set 15
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 141–150 of 200
Harappan terracotta figurines found at Gujarat sites primarily depict?
Correct Answer: B. Female figures (mother goddess), animals, and toys
Harappan terracotta figurines from Gujarat sites primarily depict female figures (often interpreted as mother goddess or fertility figures), various animals, bullock carts, and children's toys. These figurines provide insights into Harappan religious beliefs and daily life. The abundance of female figurines suggests the importance of female fertility cults.
Which ancient maritime route connected Gujarat ports to East Africa in the ancient period?
Correct Answer: B. The Arabian Sea trade route (Monsoon Route)
The Arabian Sea trade route, using seasonal monsoon winds, connected Gujarat ports to East Africa, Arabia, and Mesopotamia. Knowledge of monsoon winds allowed ancient sailors to make predictable voyages across the open sea. This monsoon trade route, described in the Periplus, was the backbone of ancient Indian Ocean commerce.
Western Kshatrapa coins are among the earliest examples of which practice in India?
Correct Answer: B. Royal portraiture on coins
Western Kshatrapa silver coins featuring royal portraits are among the earliest examples of royal portraiture on Indian coinage. These coins show the ruler's bust on one side and inscriptions in both Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts. The tradition of royal portraiture was adopted from Greek (Indo-Greek) numismatic practice.
Rani ki Vav stepwell at Patan was rediscovered after being buried under?
Correct Answer: B. Silt deposits from flooding
Rani ki Vav was buried under silt deposits from flooding of the Saraswati River for centuries until rediscovered and excavated in the 1960s. The flooding actually helped preserve the stepwell's intricate carvings from weathering. The stepwell was cleaned and restored, eventually earning UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2014.
The Harappan people had knowledge of which metals based on archaeological finds in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Copper, bronze, gold, and silver
Harappan people demonstrated knowledge of copper, bronze, gold, and silver based on artifacts found at Gujarat sites. Copper was most commonly used for tools and weapons. Gold and silver were used for ornaments, while bronze (copper-tin alloy) represented the highest metallurgical achievement.
The Mauryan Empire's capital from which Gujarat was administered was?
Correct Answer: C. Pataliputra
Pataliputra (modern Patna) was the Mauryan Empire's capital from which the entire empire including Gujarat was governed. Gujarat was administered as part of the western provinces, with Ujjain serving as a regional administrative center. The Mauryan network of roads connected Gujarat to the imperial capital.
The Solanki period in Gujarat saw construction of which type of step wells called vav?
Correct Answer: B. Ornate multi-storey stepwells with carvings
The Solanki period saw the construction of elaborately decorated multi-storey stepwells called vav in Gujarati. These stepwells served both practical water storage and religious purposes. Rani ki Vav in Patan is the most famous example, but numerous other vavs dot Gujarat.
The Harappan civilization's decline in Gujarat is most clearly visible through stratigraphic evidence at which site?
Correct Answer: C. Rangpur
Rangpur in Surendranagar district shows the clearest stratigraphic evidence for the transition from mature Harappan to late/post-Harappan Painted Red Ware culture. This transition is visible in the pottery sequence and other material culture. The site provides crucial evidence for understanding the timeline of Harappan decline in Gujarat.
Which ancient Harappan item discovered in Gujarat was likely used as a game piece or counter?
Correct Answer: B. Flat circular tokens or gamestones
Flat circular tokens or gamestones made of terracotta or stone found at Harappan sites in Gujarat may have been used as game pieces, tallying counters, or ritual objects. These artifacts suggest that Harappan people engaged in gaming or had numerical accounting systems. Similar objects are found across all Harappan sites.
Harappan people at Gujarat sites used which technology for making carnelian bead jewelry?
Correct Answer: B. Drill bits and grinding wheels for hard stones like carnelian
Harappan bead makers at Lothal and other Gujarat sites used specialized drill bits and grinding wheels to fashion precision beads from hard stones like carnelian. The process involved heating the stone to change its color and using hard drills for perforation. These beads were prized trade items across the ancient world.