Ancient History & Harappan — Set 20

Correct Answer: B. Kutch

Desalpur is a Harappan site located in Kutch district of Gujarat. It has been excavated and shows evidence of Harappan occupation. The site is part of the extensive network of Harappan sites in the Kutch region.

Correct Answer: B. Robes with trefoil patterns and headbands

Human figures on Harappan seals and terracotta figurines show clothing with trefoil (three-leaf) patterns and headbands, suggesting woven cotton garments. The trefoil pattern appears on both Indian and Mesopotamian artifacts, possibly reflecting a shared trade-inspired fashion. The depiction of clothing gives us direct evidence of Harappan textile use.

Correct Answer: B. Irrigation and water supply to the region

Sudarshana Lake built during the Mauryan period was primarily an irrigation reservoir that provided water for agriculture in the Junagadh region. It was a major feat of engineering, created by damming streams. The lake was repaired multiple times over centuries, showing its continuing importance as a water resource.

Correct Answer: B. Similar to today but possibly slightly wetter

Studies suggest that the climate of Gujarat during the Harappan period was similar to today but possibly slightly wetter, allowing for more reliable agriculture. Climate change towards drier conditions after 2000 BCE may have contributed to the decline of Harappan civilization. The increasing aridity would have stressed the agricultural systems that supported Harappan urban populations.

Correct Answer: C. Seven (with passages and side chambers)

Excavations at Dholavira have revealed approximately seven major gates with elaborately designed passageways and side chambers. These gates were used to control movement in and out of the citadel, middle town, and lower town. The impressive gate structures reflect the importance of controlled access in Harappan urban planning.

Correct Answer: B. It had a thousand Shiva shrines along its banks

Siddhraj Jaysinh constructed the grand Sahastralinga Lake at Patan by diverting the Saraswati River, and the lake had a thousand Shiva shrines along its banks. This massive artificial lake was one of the great engineering projects of medieval Gujarat. The lake has since dried up but remains a significant historical monument.

Correct Answer: B. Cotton cultivation, salt production, and maritime tradition

The most direct legacy of the Harappan civilization in Gujarat is seen in cotton cultivation (Gujarat remains India's top cotton producer), salt production (Gujarat produces over 70% of India's salt, a tradition traceable to Harappan Padri site), and maritime trade. These economic activities, begun in the Harappan period, have continued throughout Gujarat's history. Maharashtra's and Gujarat's contributions to India's economy, culture, history, and politics continue to make them among the nation's most dynamic states.

Correct Answer: B. The Harappan civilization of the Indus Valley including Gujarat

Meluha in Mesopotamian cuneiform texts is widely believed to refer to the Harappan civilization of the Indian subcontinent. Mesopotamian texts describe Meluha as a distant land producing copper, carnelian, gold, and timber. The mention of specific goods that match Harappan exports from Gujarat strengthens this identification.

Correct Answer: B. Very few weapons and no evidence of large-scale warfare

Compared to Mesopotamia and Egypt, the Harappan civilization shows very few weapons in the archaeological record and no clear evidence of large-scale warfare. This has led scholars to suggest the Harappan society was relatively peaceful or managed conflicts through trade and diplomacy. Gujarat Harappan sites similarly show minimal weaponry, consistent with this broader pattern.

Correct Answer: C. 50+ sites

Gujarat has over 50 known Harappan and pre-Harappan sites, making it one of the states with the highest concentration of Harappan civilization evidence. New sites continue to be discovered through surveys and excavations. The large number of sites reflects the importance of Gujarat as a peripheral but prosperous region of the Harappan civilization.