Ancient History & Harappan — Set 5
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 41–50 of 200
The Harappan civilization in Gujarat declined around which period?
Correct Answer: C. 1900-1700 BCE
The Harappan civilization in Gujarat began to decline around 1900-1700 BCE, as did the civilization across the Indian subcontinent. Various theories propose climate change, drought, river course changes, or invasions as causes. In Gujarat, some sites like Rangpur show a late Harappan phase with declining urban features.
What does the Harappan drainage system at Lothal reveal about ancient Gujarati civilization?
Correct Answer: B. They had advanced sanitation systems
The sophisticated drainage system at Lothal reveals that Harappans had an advanced understanding of sanitation and urban planning. Every house had private drains connected to covered public drains running along streets. This sanitation system was not matched in Europe for thousands of years.
The Harappan site of Kuntasi is located in which district of Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Morbi
Kuntasi is a small Harappan site located in Morbi district of Saurashtra, Gujarat. It was excavated jointly by Deccan College, Pune, and the University of Pune. The site shows evidence of craft production, particularly carnelian bead making.
Which Harappan site in Gujarat has yielded the most significant evidence of maritime activity?
Correct Answer: C. Lothal
Lothal has yielded the most significant evidence of maritime activity among all Harappan sites in Gujarat. The tidal dockyard, warehouse, and sea-trade goods all point to its importance as a port city. Anchors, carnelian beads, and imported goods found here confirm active sea trade.
The Mauryan emperor who issued edicts at Junagadh was?
Correct Answer: C. Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty issued his famous rock edicts at Junagadh (Girnar), Gujarat around 250 BCE. These edicts contain Ashoka's messages of non-violence, religious tolerance, and welfare of subjects. The Junagadh rock is thus one of the earliest surviving written records in Gujarat.
The Kshatrapa ruler Rudradaman I is known for which significant administrative achievement in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Repairing Sudarshana Lake
Rudradaman I (c. 130-150 CE) is known for repairing the Sudarshana Lake near Junagadh that had been damaged by floods. His Sanskrit inscription on the Girnar rock records this achievement along with his military victories. This inscription is also the earliest known substantial Sanskrit prose inscription.
The Gupta period inscription of Skandagupta at Junagadh is written in which language?
Correct Answer: C. Sanskrit
Skandagupta's inscription at Junagadh is written in Sanskrit, reflecting the Gupta period's preference for classical Sanskrit. The inscription is dated to approximately 455-467 CE. It mentions the repair of Sudarshana Lake and praises the Gupta king's power.
The Maitraka rulers of Valabhi were originally officers under which empire?
Correct Answer: B. Gupta Empire
The Maitraka dynasty's founder Senapati Bhatarka was a military commander under the Gupta Empire. As Gupta power declined, the Maitrakas asserted their independence around 475 CE. They eventually became independent rulers of Saurashtra with Valabhi as their capital.
Which famous Chinese traveler visited Valabhi during the Maitraka period?
Correct Answer: B. Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang)
Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), the famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, visited Valabhi in the 7th century CE during the Maitraka period. He described it as a great center of learning with many Buddhist monasteries. His accounts provide valuable information about medieval Gujarat.
Which ruler of the Solanki dynasty patronized the construction of Rani ki Vav at Patan?
Correct Answer: C. Queen Udayamati (for Bhimdev I)
Rani ki Vav (the Queen's Stepwell) at Patan was built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty around 1063 CE. It is a seven-storey inverted temple stepwell with elaborate carvings. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2014.