Ancient History & Harappan — Set 2
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 11–20 of 200
Which material was extensively used to make seals at Harappan sites in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Steatite
Steatite (soapstone) was the primary material used to carve seals at Harappan sites including those in Gujarat. These seals were fired to give them a white lustrous surface. They were used for trade and administration purposes throughout the Harappan civilization.
The Harappan civilization in Gujarat was part of which broader cultural phase?
Correct Answer: B. Bronze Age
The Harappan civilization belongs to the Bronze Age, approximately 2600-1900 BCE. Bronze tools and weapons were common, though copper was more widely used in Gujarat sites. The civilization represents the most advanced urban culture of South Asia in the Bronze Age.
Which system of Dholavira is considered remarkable for ancient water management?
Correct Answer: B. Reservoir and water conservation system
Dholavira had an extraordinary water conservation system with large reservoirs to store rainwater. The city had at least 16 water reservoirs of various sizes carved into rock and built with stone embankments. This system was crucial for survival in the arid Kutch region.
The Harappan site of Rojdi is located in which district of Gujarat?
Correct Answer: A. Rajkot
Rojdi is located in the Rajkot district of Saurashtra, Gujarat. It was excavated by an American team under Gregory Possehl and M.H. Raval. Rojdi is important for understanding the late Harappan phase in the Saurashtra region.
Which Harappan site in Gujarat showed evidence of a systematic town planning with a grid pattern?
Correct Answer: C. Lothal
Lothal showed excellent town planning with streets laid out in a grid pattern, similar to Mohenjodaro and Harappa. Houses were built with burnt bricks and had private drainage systems. The planned layout demonstrates the sophisticated urban culture of Harappan people.
What was the approximate period of the mature Harappan civilization?
Correct Answer: B. 2600-1900 BCE
The mature phase of the Harappan civilization is dated approximately from 2600 to 1900 BCE. This period saw the development of major cities like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, and sites in Gujarat. After 1900 BCE the civilization went into a decline phase.
Which type of pottery is most characteristic of the Harappan sites in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: C. Red Ware with black paintings
Red Ware pottery with black painted designs is characteristic of Harappan sites in Gujarat. The pottery shows geometric and animal motifs painted in black on a red background. This distinctive style helps archaeologists identify Harappan levels at excavation sites.
The Harappan dockyard at Lothal was connected to which river or water body?
Correct Answer: B. Gulf of Khambhat
The Lothal dockyard was connected to the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) through a channel. Ships could dock here to load and unload cargo for trade with distant regions. The tidal nature of the dockyard required sophisticated understanding of tidal patterns.
Which weights system found at Lothal reveals the Harappan system of measurement?
Correct Answer: B. Standardized cuboid weights
Standardized cuboid weights found at Lothal reveal that Harappans had a precise system of measurement and trade. These weights follow a binary and decimal system showing mathematical sophistication. The uniformity of weights across all Harappan sites suggests a centralized trade system.
How many Indus script symbols were found on the famous Dholavira signboard?
Correct Answer: C. Ten
The Dholavira signboard contains ten large Indus script symbols carved on white gypsum inlaid on wood. Each symbol is about 37 cm tall, making it easily visible from a distance. This is the largest inscription discovered in the entire Harappan civilization.