The Indus Valley Civilization also called the Harappan Civilization, is a key topic in competitive exams due to its historical and cultural significance. This topic is essential for understanding ancient history, as it covers significant advancements in metallurgy, art, and social organization.
The following Indus Valley Civilization MCQs will help you grasp important facts and concepts about this civilization, which are commonly asked in exams.
1. Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in:
(A) 1911
(B) 1921
(C) 1931
(D) 1941
Answer: (B) 1921
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization was discovered by Dayaram Sahni in 1921 at Harappa, now in Pakistan. This marked the beginning of one of the earliest known civilizations.
2. Which metal was unknown to Indus Valley Civilization?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Copper
(D) Iron
Answer: (D) Iron
Explanation: The people of the Indus Valley Civilization were familiar with metals like gold, silver, and copper but did not know about iron, as it became widely used only during the later Iron Age.
Q3: In Indus Valley Civilization, the script was:
(A) Kharosthi
(B) Brahmi
(C) Boustrophedon
(D) None of these
Answer: (D) None of these
Explanation: The script of the Indus Valley Civilization is undeciphered. It is pictographic and not related to Kharosthi or Brahmi scripts, which came later.
Q4: Which of the following is the latest site found?
(A) Dholavira
(B) Amri
(C) Lothal
(D) Kalibangan
Answer: (A) Dholavira
Explanation: Dholavira, located in Gujarat, is one of the latest and most significant sites of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was excavated in the late 20th century.
Q5: Harappa is located on the bank of the river:
(A) Indus
(B) Ravi
(C) Beas
(D) Sutlej
Answer: (B) Ravi
Explanation: Harappa is situated on the banks of the Ravi River, which flows through modern-day Punjab in Pakistan.
Q6: The local name of Mohenjodaro is:
(A) The mound of Living
(B) Mound of Survivor
(C) The Mound of Dead
(D) Mound of Great
Answer: (C) The Mound of Dead
Explanation: Mohenjodaro translates to “The Mound of the Dead” in Sindhi, as the site appeared like a burial ground when first excavated.
Q7: Which of the following animals was unknown in Indus Valley Civilization?
(A) Lion
(B) Bull
(C) Elephant
(D) Horse
Answer: (D) Horse
Explanation: While the bull and elephant were well-known to the Indus Valley people, there is no evidence of the horse in their art or remains, suggesting it was unknown to them.
Q8: Which one of the following Indus Valley Civilization sites gives evidence of a dockyard?
(A) Harappa
(B) Mohenjodaro
(C) Lothal
(D) Dholavira
Answer: (C) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal, located in Gujarat, is known for its dockyard, which highlights the maritime activities and trade of the Indus Valley people.
Q9: Indus Valley Civilization was discovered by:
(A) Dayaram Sahni
(B) R. D. Banerji
(C) Cunningham
(D) Wheeler
Answer: (A) Dayaram Sahni
Explanation: Dayaram Sahni discovered the Harappan site in 1921, making him the pioneer in uncovering the Indus Valley Civilization.
Q10: The Indus Valley Civilization people traded with the:
(A) Romans
(B) Parthians
(C) Mesopotamians
(D) Chinese
Answer: (C) Mesopotamians
Explanation: Indus Valley people had trade links with Mesopotamians, as evidenced by seals and artifacts found in both regions.
Indus Valley Civilization MCQ SSC
Q11: The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent has been obtained from:
(A) Brahmagiri
(B) Chirand
(C) Mehargarh
(D) Burzahom
Answer: (C) Mehargarh
Explanation: Mehargarh in present-day Pakistan provides the earliest evidence of agriculture, dating back to around 7000 BCE.
Q12: Which of the following is not depicted on the Pashupati seal of Mohenjodaro?
(A) Rhinoceros
(B) Tiger
(C) Bull
(D) Elephant
Answer: (C) Bull
Explanation: The Pashupati seal shows a seated figure surrounded by animals like the rhinoceros, tiger, and elephant, but the bull is absent.
Q13: Which amongst the following civilizations was not contemporary with the Harappan civilization?
(A) Greek civilization
(B) Egyptian civilization
(C) Mesopotamian civilization
(D) Chinese civilization
Answer: (A) Greek civilization
Explanation: The Greek civilization developed much later than the Harappan, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Chinese civilizations, which were contemporaries.
Q14: In the Indus Valley Civilization period, Lapis-Lazuli was imported from:
(A) Badakhshan
(B) Iran
(C) Mesopotamia
(D) Gujarat
Answer: (A) Badakhshan
Explanation: Lapis-Lazuli, a precious blue stone, was imported from Badakhshan in present-day Afghanistan.
Q15: Which of the following was one of the causes of Harappan decline?
(A) Ecological change
(B) Earthquakes
(C) Aryan attack
(D) All of these
Answer: (D) All of these
Explanation: The decline of the Harappan Civilization is attributed to multiple factors, including ecological changes, natural disasters like earthquakes, and possible Aryan invasions.
16. Who is the most important God in Rigveda?
(A) Agni
(B) Indra
(C) Varun
(D) Vishnu
Answer: (B) Indra
Explanation: Indra is the most prominent god in Rigveda. He is known as the god of rain and thunder and is praised as a warrior who defeated Vritra, a demon blocking the rivers.
Q17: Who wrote a book ‘Return of the Aryans’?
(A) Bhagvan Das Gidvani
(B) L.D. Kalla
(C) Avinash Chandra Das
(D) D.S. Trivedi
Answer: (A) Bhagvan Das Gidvani
Explanation: Bhagvan Das Gidvani wrote the historical novel Return of the Aryans, which explores the origins and migration of the Aryan people.
Q18: The Vedic river Vitasta has been identified with:
(A) Ravi
(B) Jhelum
(C) Chenab
(D) Beas
Answer: (B) Jhelum
Explanation: In ancient Vedic texts, the river Vitasta is identified with the modern Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q19: Which of the following Brahmana texts belongs to Atharvaveda?
(A) Shatpatha
(B) Aitareya
(C) Gopatha
(D) Panchavinsh
Answer: (C) Gopatha
Explanation: Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana text associated with the Atharvaveda and provides explanations of its rituals and hymns.
Q20: In Rigveda, the maximum number of shlokas are written in the memory of:
(A) Indra
(B) Brahma
(C) Vishnu
(D) Shiva
Answer: (A) Indra
Explanation: Indra is the most praised deity in the Rigveda, with the maximum number of hymns dedicated to him as the protector and warrior god.
Indus Valley Civilization MCQ UPSC
Q21: The word Gotra occurs for the first time in:
(A) Rigveda
(B) Samveda
(C) Yajurveda
(D) Atharvaveda
Answer: (A) Rigveda
Explanation: The term Gotra, meaning lineage or clan, is first mentioned in Rigveda, where it signifies familial or tribal associations.
Q22: In the Vedic Period, which animal was known as ‘Aghanya’?
(A) Bull
(B) Sheep
(C) Cow
(D) Elephant
Answer: (C) Cow
Explanation: In the Vedic period, the cow was called ‘Aghanya,’ meaning “not to be killed,” symbolizing its sacred status in society.
Q23: The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the:
(A) Chhandogyopanishad
(B) Mundakopanishad
(C) Kathopanishad
(D) Kenopanishad
Answer: (C) Kathopanishad
Explanation: The Kathopanishad contains a philosophical dialogue between Nachiketa, a young boy, and Yama, the god of death, about life, death, and immortality.
Q24: Which of the following Upanishads is written in prose?
(A) Isa
(B) Katha
(C) Brihadaranyaka
(D) Svetasvatara
Answer: (C) Brihadaranyaka
Explanation: The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the earliest and largest Upanishads and is written in prose form, covering complex philosophical ideas.
Q25: Which of the following is also called Adharvayuveda?
(A) Rigveda
(B) Yajurveda
(C) Samveda
(D) Atharvaveda
Answer: (D) Atharvaveda
Explanation: The Atharvaveda is known as Adharvayuveda because it contains hymns and rituals for daily life, healing, and practical knowledge.
Q26: An article ‘Why I am an Atheist’ was written by:
(A) Bhagat Singh
(B) B.K. Dutt
(C) Bhagavati Charan Vohra
(D) Yashpal
Answer: (A) Bhagat Singh
Explanation: Bhagat Singh wrote this famous article while in jail, outlining his rationalist and atheist beliefs against superstitions and religious orthodoxy.
Q27: Who was the founder president of ‘Harijan Sevak Sangh’?
(A) Mahadev Desai
(B) Ghanshyam Das Birla
(C) B. R. Ambedkar
(D) Amritlal Thakkar
Answer: (B) Ghanshyam Das Birla
Explanation: The Harijan Sevak Sangh was established in 1932 by Mahatma Gandhi to work for the upliftment of Dalits (Harijans). However, Ghanshyam Das Birla, an industrialist and close associate of Gandhi, served as the founder president of the organization.
Q28: Who among the following was not a member of the Cabinet Mission Plan?
(A) Lord Pathic Lawrence
(B) A.V. Alexander
(C) Sir Stafford Cripps
(D) Lord Emery
Answer: (D) Lord Emery
Explanation: Lord Emery was not part of the Cabinet Mission. The members were Lord Pethick-Lawrence, A.V. Alexander, and Sir Stafford Cripps, who came to India in 1946 to discuss constitutional reforms.
Q29: Name the foreign journalist who reported Satyagraha at Dharsana salt work:
(A) Mark Tully
(B) Web Miller
(C) Philip Sprat
(D) Francis Louis
Answer: (B) Web Miller
Explanation: Web Miller, an American journalist, reported the brutal police actions during the Dharsana Salt Satyagraha, bringing global attention to India’s freedom movement.
Q30: In which session, did the Muslim League give the slogan ‘Divide and Quit’?
(A) Lucknow 1931
(B) Karachi 1933
(C) Lahore 1940
(D) Karachi 1943
Answer: (D) Karachi 1943
Explanation: The Muslim League gave the slogan “Divide and Quit” during its Karachi session in 1943, intensifying its demand for the partition of India.
Indus Valley Civilization MCQ Questions
31. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was given the epithet ‘Lok-Manya’ during?
(A) Swadeshi Movement
(B) Revolutionary Movement
(C) Home Rule Movement
(D) Quit India Movement
Answer: (C) Home Rule Movement
Explanation:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak earned the title “Lok-Manya” (meaning “accepted by the people”) during the Home Rule Movement, which he started in 1916 to demand self-rule for India. His leadership and widespread popularity among the masses during this movement led to this epithet.
Q32: In which one of the following sessions of the Indian National Congress, ‘Poorna Swaraj’ was declared the goal of Congress?
(A) Lahore 1929
(B) Karachi
(C) Delhi
(D) Bombay
Answer: (A) Lahore 1929
Explanation:
The Indian National Congress declared “Poorna Swaraj” (complete independence) as its goal in the Lahore session of 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. This was a pivotal moment in the Indian freedom struggle.
Q33: Who among the following had denounced the participation of Mahatma Gandhi in the Khilafat Movement?
(A) Abul Kalam Azad
(B) Muhammad Ali
(C) Shaukat Ali
(D) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Answer: (D) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Explanation:
Muhammad Ali Jinnah opposed Mahatma Gandhi’s participation in the Khilafat Movement as he believed that mixing religious issues with political movements could harm the national cause.
Q34: Two independent states of India and Pakistan were created by:
(A) Shimla Conference
(B) Crips Proposal
(C) The Cabinet Mission Plan
(D) The Indian Independence Act
Answer: (D) The Indian Independence Act
Explanation:
The Indian Independence Act of 1947, passed by the British Parliament, led to the partition of India into two independent nations—India and Pakistan. This act marked the end of British rule in India.
Q35: Where was the first All Indian Kisan Sabha formed?
(A) Patna
(B) Lucknow
(C) Calcutta
(D) Madras
Answer: (B) Lucknow
Explanation:
The first All India Kisan Sabha was formed in Lucknow in 1936. Its aim was to address farmers’ grievances and fight for their rights, including issues like land reform and debt relief.
Q36: Who among the following was regarded by Mahatma Gandhi as his Political Guru?
(A) Dadabhai Naoroji
(B) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(C) Feroz Shah Mehta
(D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer: (D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi considered Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his political mentor due to his guidance in understanding Indian politics and his moderate approach toward achieving self-rule.
Q37: During whose tenure as the Viceroy of India, were the great martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev hanged?
(A) Lord Curzon
(B) Lord Irwin
(C) Lord Minto
(D) Lord Chelmsford
Answer: (B) Lord Irwin
Explanation:
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged on March 23, 1931, during the tenure of Lord Irwin as the Viceroy of India. This execution became a symbol of the revolutionary freedom struggle.
Q38: The massacre of the crowd at Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar took place on?
(A) 1st June 1918
(B) 13th March 1919
(C) 12th April 1919
(D) 13th April 1919
Answer: (D) 13th April 1919
Explanation:
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, when General Dyer ordered British troops to fire on an unarmed gathering, killing hundreds. This event intensified the Indian struggle for independence.
Q39: The founder of the Lodhi Dynasty was?
(A) Bahlol Lodhi
(B) Sikandar Shah Lodhi
(C) Jalal Khan Lodhi
(D) Ibrahim Lodhi
Answer: (A) Bahlol Lodhi
Explanation:
Bahlol Lodhi was the founder of the Lodhi Dynasty. He established the dynasty in 1451 and ruled over the Delhi Sultanate. His reign marked the beginning of Lodhi rule in India.
Q40: The Gandharva School of art is also known as the?
(A) Buddhist-Roman art
(B) Dravidian-Roman art
(C) Greco-Roman art
(D) Greco-Roman-Buddhist art
Answer: (D) Greco-Roman-Buddhist art
Explanation:
The Gandhara School of Art is known for blending Greek, Roman, and Buddhist elements. It emerged in the region of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan and is famous for its unique depiction of the Buddha.
Indus Valley Civilization MCQ with Answers
41. Harappan Civilization was:
(A) Civilization of village
(B) Civilization of town
(C) Civilization of corporation
(D) None
Answer: Civilization of town
Explanation: The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was primarily urban in nature, characterized by well-planned cities with advanced infrastructure such as drainage systems, streets, and public buildings.
42. Mohenjo-daro means:
(A) Garden city
(B) Port city
(C) Mound of dead
(D) None
Answer: Mound of dead
Explanation: The name “Mohenjo-daro” translates to “Mound of the Dead” in Sindhi, reflecting the discovery of numerous remains and the city’s ancient ruins.
43. Port Lothal of the Copper Stone Age is in:
(A) Punjab
(B) Sindu
(C) Gujarat
(D) None
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation: Lothal, a prominent port city of the Harappan Civilization, is located in present-day Gujarat. It was significant for trade and maritime activities.
44. The metal unknown to Indus Valley people:
(A) Gold
(B) Iron
(C) Copper
(D) None
Answer: Iron
Explanation: The Indus Valley people were familiar with metals like copper, gold, and silver but were unaware of iron, as the civilization predates the Iron Age.
45. The northern part of the towns in Indus Valley Civilization were:
(A) Narrow and elevated
(B) Round and oval
(C) Long and round
(D) Small and wide
Answer: Narrow and elevated
Explanation: The northern parts of Indus Valley cities typically housed the citadel, an elevated area used for administrative and religious purposes, offering protection from floods.
46. The statue of a dancing girl made out of ……. was found in Mohenjo-daro:
(A) Limestones
(B) Bronze
(C) Silver
(D) Copper
Answer: Bronze
Explanation: The famous “Dancing Girl” statue is a bronze artifact that reflects the advanced metallurgical skills of the Harappan people and is a significant representation of their art and culture.
47. The houses in Indus Valley Civilization had no _________.
(A) Doors
(B) Windows
(C) Walls
(D) Roofs
Answer: Windows
Explanation: Most houses in the Indus Valley were constructed without windows, prioritizing privacy and security. They were made of baked bricks and often had courtyards.
48. Harappa in Sindhi means:
(A) Buried City
(B) City of Fort
(C) City of Rivers
(D) None
Answer: Buried City
Explanation: In Sindhi, “Harappa” translates to “Buried City,” referring to its discovery under layers of soil after being abandoned for centuries.
49. The ‘Buried City’ was:
(A) Harappa
(B) Mohenjo-daro
(C) Chanhu-daro
(D) Kalibangan
Answer: Harappa
Explanation: Harappa is often referred to as the “Buried City” as it was rediscovered during excavations, revealing the remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization.
50. Gold and silver were used as ________.
(A) Weights
(B) Shells
(C) Ornaments
(D) Decorating materials
Answer: Ornaments
Explanation: Gold and silver were primarily used to create jewelry and other ornaments, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of the Harappans.
51. Dolls found in Indus Valley Civilization were made of ________.
(A) Terracotta
(B) Cotton
(C) Glass
(D) Paper
Answer: Terracotta
Explanation: Terracotta dolls and figurines were commonly found in the Indus Valley Civilization, reflecting their artistic skills and cultural practices.
