Ancient History & Harappan — Set 7
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 61–70 of 200
The Harappan site of Nagwada is located in which district of Gujarat?
Correct Answer: A. Surendranagar
Nagwada is a Harappan site located in Surendranagar district of Gujarat. It has been excavated and shows evidence of early Harappan occupation. The site is important for understanding the spread of Harappan culture in the Saurashtra and North Gujarat regions.
The post-Harappan Painted Red Ware culture in Gujarat is associated with which period?
Correct Answer: B. 1900-1200 BCE
The Painted Red Ware culture in Gujarat, representing the late and post-Harappan phase, is associated with the period roughly between 1900-1200 BCE. Sites like Rangpur and Rojdi show this cultural phase. It represents a transitional period between the urban Harappan civilization and later historical cultures.
Which Harappan feature found at Gujarat sites shows standardization of weights and measures?
Correct Answer: B. Cuboid chert weights following a binary system
Cuboid chert (flint) weights following a precise binary and decimal ratio system, found at Gujarat's Harappan sites, demonstrate the standardization of weights and measures across the civilization. This standardization implies a sophisticated trading system and possibly centralized economic control. The weights are remarkably consistent across sites separated by hundreds of kilometers.
Which Gupta ruler first extended Gupta control into Gujarat after defeating the Kshatrapas?
Correct Answer: C. Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) extended Gupta control into Gujarat by defeating the last Western Kshatrapa king Rudrasimha III around 395-400 CE. This brought Gujarat under Gupta rule for the first time. The conquest expanded Gupta access to the lucrative western seaports.
The ancient port of Ghogha in Gujarat was important during which period?
Correct Answer: B. Medieval period
Ghogha (in modern Bhavnagar district) was an important port during the medieval period, particularly during the Solanki and later sultanate periods. It was mentioned by Arab traders as a significant trading post on the Gulf of Khambhat. The port declined with the rise of Surat in the later medieval period.
The Harappan people of Gujarat were primarily engaged in which economic activities?
Correct Answer: C. Agriculture, trade, and crafts
The Harappan people of Gujarat engaged in a diverse economy including agriculture, long-distance trade, and skilled crafts. They grew wheat, barley, rice, cotton, and sesame. Their crafts included bead-making, metal-working, and pottery, which were traded with distant civilizations.
Dholavira is unique among Harappan sites for its use of which building material?
Correct Answer: C. Largely stone along with baked bricks
Dholavira is unique among major Harappan sites because it makes extensive use of stone (sandstone and limestone) alongside baked bricks in its construction. This is attributed to the availability of stone in the Kutch region. Most other Harappan cities were built predominantly with baked bricks.
Which ancient text from the Mauryan period mentions Gujarat under the name 'Saurashtra'?
Correct Answer: B. Arthashastra by Kautilya
The Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya), the famous treatise on statecraft, mentions Saurashtra as an important region within the Mauryan Empire. It mentions the region's products including cotton textiles and conch shells. The Arthashastra provides valuable information about the economy and administration of ancient Gujarat.
The Western Kshatrapas were originally of which ethnic origin?
Correct Answer: B. Scythian (Saka)
The Western Kshatrapas were of Scythian (Saka) origin, being descendants of the Saka tribes who migrated from Central Asia. They gradually became Indianized, adopting Sanskrit, Brahmanical religion, and Indian customs. Their coins are bilingual, inscribed in both Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
The Maitraka dynasty's capital Valabhi was destroyed by which invasion in the 8th century?
Correct Answer: A. Arab invasion
Valabhi, the Maitraka capital, was destroyed by an Arab invasion around 775 CE, ending the Maitraka dynasty. The Arabs had been expanding their presence along the western coast of India. The destruction of Valabhi also ended its famous university and Buddhist learning center.