Ancient History & Harappan — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. Non-violence (ahimsa) towards animals

Ashoka's edicts at Junagadh emphasize ahimsa (non-violence) and prohibit the unnecessary killing of animals. He banned animal sacrifices and restricted hunting. This policy was rooted in Buddhist principles of compassion for all living beings.

Correct Answer: B. Salt production evidence

Padri, a Harappan site in Bhavnagar district, is notable for providing the earliest evidence of salt production in the Indian subcontinent. This discovery highlights Gujarat's long history of salt production, which continues to be important to this day. Salt from Gujarat was an important trade commodity in ancient times.

Correct Answer: C. R.S. Bisht

R.S. Bisht of the Archaeological Survey of India is credited with the first systematic excavation of Dholavira, beginning in 1989. His meticulous work over more than a decade revealed the unique features of this Harappan city. Bisht's work established Dholavira as one of the five largest known Harappan sites.

Correct Answer: B. They prove cotton was domesticated by Harappans

Cotton seeds and threads found at Harappan sites in Gujarat (including Lothal) prove that cotton was domesticated and cultivated by the Harappan people. This is the earliest evidence of cotton cultivation in the world. Gujarat has remained one of India's leading cotton-producing regions ever since.

Correct Answer: C. 1.25 million sq km

At its peak, the Harappan civilization covered approximately 1.25 million square kilometers, making it the largest of the three early civilizations (along with Mesopotamia and Egypt). This vast area included modern-day India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan. Gujarat's Harappan sites were at the southern and western periphery of this civilization.

Correct Answer: B. Jai Singh Siddharaj

Siddhraj Jaysinh's full name was Jayasingha Siddharaja (Jai Singh Siddharaj), and he ruled Gujarat from 1094 to 1143 CE. He earned the title 'Siddharaj' (one who has achieved perfection) for his military and administrative achievements. He was a great builder and patron of the arts.

Correct Answer: B. Siddhraj Jaysinh

Gujarati literature and scholarship flourished greatly under Siddhraj Jaysinh's patronage in the 11th-12th centuries. He patronized the great scholar Hemachandra who wrote extensively in both Sanskrit and Apabhramsha (early Gujarati). This period is considered foundational for the development of modern Gujarati language.

Correct Answer: D. Dholavira

Dholavira has the largest stone-cut water reservoirs discovered among all Harappan sites. These reservoirs were carved into the rocky terrain and lined with stone to collect and store rainwater. The sophisticated water management system at Dholavira was essential for sustaining a large urban population in the arid Kutch environment.

Correct Answer: B. Rocky elevated island in a salt desert

Khadir Bet is a rocky elevated island within the seasonally flooded salt desert of the Rann of Kutch. During monsoons, the surrounding Rann floods, making Khadir temporarily an island. The Harappans chose this strategic location for Dholavira, possibly because it could be accessed by boat during monsoons and by land during dry seasons.

Correct Answer: B. Saurashtra and Kutch

The Harappan civilization in Gujarat is most concentrated in the Saurashtra peninsula and the Kutch region. Kutch has Dholavira, while Saurashtra has Lothal, Surkotada, Rangpur, Rojdi, and many other sites. These two regions together contain the majority of Gujarat's approximately 50+ Harappan sites.