Ancient History & Harappan — Set 19
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 181–190 of 200
The Harappan civilization in Gujarat reached its peak during which phase?
Correct Answer: B. Mature Harappan (2600-1900 BCE)
The Harappan civilization in Gujarat reached its peak during the Mature Harappan phase (approximately 2600-1900 BCE). This was when urban centers like Lothal and Dholavira were at their most developed. The mature phase shows the greatest sophistication in town planning, craft production, and long-distance trade.
The famous Adalaj Stepwell near Gandhinagar was built during which period?
Correct Answer: B. Sultanate period (1499 CE)
The Adalaj Stepwell near Gandhinagar was built in 1499 CE during the Gujarat Sultanate period by Queen Rudabai. It combines Hindu and Islamic architectural styles in an elaborate five-storey structure. The stepwell is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in Gujarat.
The Western Kshatrapas worshipped which deity most prominently based on their coins?
Correct Answer: B. Shiva (Shaivite coins)
The Western Kshatrapas appear to have been Shaivites (worshippers of Shiva) based on their coins which often feature Shaivite symbols. However, they were religiously tolerant and their inscriptions mention Buddhist and Vedic themes. The Rudradaman inscription mentions Vedic rituals, suggesting the Kshatrapas adapted to local religious traditions.
Harappan civilization traded cotton textiles with which distant civilization based on textual evidence?
Correct Answer: B. Mesopotamia
Textual evidence from Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets refers to trade in cotton cloth from the Indus region (called Meluha in Mesopotamian texts). The Harappan cotton industry, with its origin in Gujarat, had documented connections to Mesopotamia. Egyptian texts also reference linen-like Indian textiles.
The Junagadh rock with Ashoka's edicts is located within which modern city?
Correct Answer: C. Junagadh
The Girnar rock with Ashoka's edicts is located near the city of Junagadh in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The rock is situated at the foot of Girnar hill, one of the most sacred mountains in Gujarat. Junagadh is itself a historically significant city with a rich layered history from Mauryan to Mughal times.
Harappan sites in Gujarat have yielded evidence of which musical instruments?
Correct Answer: B. Terracotta rattles, drums, and shell objects used as musical instruments
Harappan sites in Gujarat have yielded terracotta rattles, clay drums, and shell objects that may have been used as musical instruments. These artifacts indicate that music and percussion were part of Harappan cultural life. The tradition of using terracotta music instruments continued in Indian folk music long after the Harappan period.
Skandagupta's repair of Sudarshana Lake in Gujarat demonstrates which aspect of Gupta administration?
Correct Answer: B. Local administration was active and responsive to infrastructure needs
The Junagadh inscription recording Skandagupta's repair of Sudarshana Lake shows that Gupta local administration was active and responsive to infrastructure needs in Gujarat. The inscription credits local governor Parnadatta and his son for implementing the repairs. This demonstrates the Gupta model of delegated but accountable provincial governance.
Which Gujarat Harappan site has yielded the largest number of seals?
Correct Answer: B. Lothal
Lothal has yielded the largest number of Harappan seals among Gujarat sites, reflecting its importance as a trading center. These seals include both typical Harappan square seals and distinctive round Persian Gulf seals. The abundance of seals at Lothal is direct evidence of its commercial activity.
Harappan settlements in Gujarat were located primarily near which geographic features?
Correct Answer: B. Rivers, coasts, and defensible terrain
Harappan settlements in Gujarat were primarily located near rivers (Sabarmati, Bhadar, Mahi tributaries), along the coast (for maritime trade), and on defensible terrain like the Khadir island (Dholavira). These locations provided water, food resources, trade connections, and security. The geographic distribution shows careful Harappan urban planning in relation to natural resources.
The ancient Charotar region of Gujarat (modern Anand-Kheda area) is historically important for?
Correct Answer: B. Fertile agricultural land and dairy products
The Charotar region has historically been renowned for its fertile agricultural land, irrigated by the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. This region is also the heartland of the cooperative dairy movement, eventually leading to Amul cooperative. The agricultural prosperity of Charotar has made it one of the most economically important regions of Gujarat throughout history.