Ancient History & Harappan — Set 8
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 71–80 of 200
The Solanki dynasty's defeat marked the beginning of which new political era in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Gujarat Sultanate period
The defeat of the Solanki dynasty in the 13th century by the Delhi Sultanate marked the beginning of the Gujarat Sultanate period. Alauddin Khilji's general Ulugh Khan sacked Anhilwad Patan in 1298 CE. The independent Gujarat Sultanate was later established by Zafar Khan in 1407 CE.
Which Harappan artifact found in Gujarat depicts a unicorn-like animal?
Correct Answer: C. Steatite seals
Steatite seals found at Harappan sites in Gujarat depict a unicorn-like animal, which is the most common motif on Harappan seals across all sites. This symbol may have had religious or commercial significance. The exact meaning of Harappan seal motifs remains a subject of research and debate.
The ancient name 'Anarta' referred to which region of present-day Gujarat?
Correct Answer: C. North Gujarat
'Anarta' was the ancient name for the northern Gujarat region (roughly around modern Mehsana and Gandhinagar area). The term appears in ancient texts like the Mahabharata. The city of Vadnagar (ancient Anandpur) was an important center of the Anarta region.
Which Harappan site in Gujarat has revealed evidence of a warehouse near the dockyard?
Correct Answer: C. Lothal
Lothal has revealed a large warehouse (measuring 64x43 meters on a mud-brick platform) near its dockyard. This warehouse was likely used to store goods brought by ships for further distribution. The placement of the warehouse adjacent to the dockyard reflects sophisticated logistics planning.
How is the Dholavira Harappan site typically divided in its layout?
Correct Answer: B. Three parts: citadel, middle town, and lower town
Dholavira is uniquely divided into three distinct sections: the citadel (upper town), the middle town, and the lower town. This tripartite division is unique among Harappan cities, as most others have only a citadel and a lower city. The divisions may reflect different social or functional zones.
The ancient Gujarat port that traded with the Roman world and was called 'Ozene' by Greeks referred to which city?
Correct Answer: B. Ujjain
The Greeks and Romans called Ujjain (in modern Madhya Pradesh) 'Ozene' and it was connected to Gujarat's ports through trade routes. While Ujjain itself is not in Gujarat, it served as an inland trading hub that channeled goods to Gujarat's coastal ports. This trade network helped Gujarat flourish as a commercial hub.
The Harappan script found on seals and the Dholavira signboard has been?
Correct Answer: C. Not yet fully deciphered
The Harappan/Indus script found on seals and at Dholavira has not yet been fully deciphered by scholars. Despite numerous attempts using computational and linguistic methods, the script remains a mystery. This is partly because there are no bilingual inscriptions to compare it with, like the Rosetta Stone for Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Which period saw the construction of the famous Jain temples on Girnar hill?
Correct Answer: B. Solanki/medieval period
The famous Jain temples on Girnar hill were predominantly built during the Solanki (Chalukya) and later medieval period, between the 11th and 16th centuries. Several temples were built by wealthy Jain merchants and nobles of Gujarat. The Neminatha temple on Girnar is particularly ancient, but the complex was elaborated during the medieval period.
The practice of 'Satvamahotsava' mentioned in Rudradaman's inscription refers to?
Correct Answer: B. A religious festival
Rudradaman I's Junagadh inscription mentions festivals and cultural activities including religious celebrations. The inscription also references his military victories and administrative achievements. It is written in highly ornate Sanskrit prose, demonstrating the literary sophistication of the era.
The Harappan civilization's trade with Gulf region is evidenced by what type of finds in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Gulf type seals and pottery
Persian Gulf seals and pottery types found at Lothal and other Gujarat Harappan sites provide evidence of trade with the Gulf region. Dilmun seals (from Bahrain) and Harappan goods found in the Gulf confirm this maritime trade relationship. Gujarat's geographical position made it a natural hub for Indian Ocean trade.