Ancient History & Harappan — Set 17

Correct Answer: B. Dilmun round seals (Persian Gulf type)

Dilmun (Bahraini) type round seals found at Lothal provide evidence of direct trade contacts between the Harappan civilization and the Persian Gulf civilization of Dilmun. These seals are distinctly different from Harappan square seals. Their presence at Lothal indicates that Gulf merchants visited or traded directly with this Gujarat port.

Correct Answer: B. Carnelian (from Rajpipla area)

Carnelian, a semi-precious orange-red stone, was available in the Rajpipla area (Narmada valley) of Gujarat and was extensively used for bead-making at Harappan sites like Lothal. Carnelian beads from Gujarat have been found at Mesopotamian sites, confirming their importance as trade items. The availability of local carnelian gave Gujarat a comparative advantage in bead production.

Correct Answer: B. Hindu philosophical works and Sanskrit literature

While primarily a Buddhist learning center, Valabhi also supported Hindu philosophical works and Sanskrit literature. The diverse intellectual tradition at Valabhi made it a truly cosmopolitan center of learning. Manuscripts from various traditions were preserved and copied at Valabhi before its destruction.

Correct Answer: C. Neminatha (Arishtanemi)

Neminatha (also called Arishtanemi), the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, is closely associated with Girnar mountain near Junagadh. Jain tradition holds that Neminatha attained liberation (nirvana) on Girnar. This association makes Girnar one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.

Correct Answer: B. Salt preservation, smoking, and drying

Harappan people likely used salt, smoking, and drying for food preservation, based on indirect archaeological evidence. Salt production evidence at Padri in Gujarat suggests organized salt production for food preservation and trade. These methods allowed Harappans to store food for non-agricultural seasons and long sea voyages.

Correct Answer: A. Bharuch

Khambhat (Cambay) rose to prominence as a major trading port after the silting of the Bharuch harbor began to reduce its capacity from around the 6th century CE. By the medieval period, Khambhat became one of the most important ports in Asia. Ibn Battuta and other medieval travelers praised Khambhat's wealth and commercial activity.

Correct Answer: C. Early Gujarati (Apabhramsha)

The Solanki period saw the development and use of early Gujarati language (Apabhramsha) alongside Sanskrit. The great scholar Hemachandra wrote grammars of both Sanskrit and Apabhramsha, helping to standardize early Gujarati. This period laid the foundation for the modern Gujarati language and literature.

Correct Answer: B. They were made locally from Rajasthan and Gujarat copper sources

Harappan copper tools found in Gujarat were made from copper sources available in Rajasthan (particularly Khetri) and possibly from Gujarat itself. The relatively high purity of Harappan copper artifacts suggests sophisticated smelting technology. Chemical analysis of copper artifacts reveals these regional sourcing patterns.

Correct Answer: C. Comparable to legendary Lanka for wealth

Saurashtra (Kathiawar) was historically described in metaphorical terms comparing it to the legendary Lanka of Ramayana for its wealth and prosperity. The region's ports, agriculture, and trade made it exceptionally prosperous through history. Saurashtra's wealth made it a prize fought over by successive powers through the medieval period.

Correct Answer: B. Persian Gulf seals and Mesopotamian weight types

Persian Gulf seals found at Lothal and Mesopotamian-style weight types at various Gujarat sites provide the clearest evidence of international trade. Additionally, Harappan goods including carnelian beads, steatite vessels, and cotton textiles have been found at Mesopotamian excavation sites. This mutual find pattern confirms the two-directional nature of ancient Gujarat's international trade.