1. Who first discovered the ruins of Harappa?
A) R.D. Banerji
B) Sir John Marshall
C) Dayaram Sahni
D) Mortimer Wheeler
Answer: C) Dayaram Sahni
Explanation: In 1921, Dayaram Sahni discovered Harappa in present-day Pakistan, marking the first major site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
2. In which year was Mohenjo-daro discovered?
A) 1919
B) 1922
C) 1924
D) 1926
Answer: B) 1922
Explanation: Mohenjo-daro was discovered in 1922 by R.D. Banerji in Sindh, Pakistan.
3. The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as:
A) Vedic Civilization
B) Harappan Civilization
C) Chalcolithic Civilization
D) Mesolithic Civilization
Answer: B) Harappan Civilization
Explanation: Named after Harappa, the first site discovered, this Bronze Age civilization flourished around 2500–1750 BCE.
4. The most important source of information about the Harappan Civilization is:
A) Vedic literature
B) Archaeological excavations
C) Buddhist texts
D) Greek records
Answer: B) Archaeological excavations
Explanation: Since Harappans left no deciphered written records, archaeological finds are the main source.
5. Which river’s valley was the main area of the Harappan Civilization?
A) Ganga
B) Indus
C) Yamuna
D) Narmada
Answer: B) Indus
Explanation: The civilization developed along the Indus River and its tributaries.
6. Which site is known as the “Manchester of Harappan Civilization”?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-daro
C) Lothal
D) Chanhudaro
Answer: D) Chanhudaro
Explanation: Chanhudaro was a major center for bead-making, similar to Manchester’s textile industry.
7. Which Harappan site is located in present-day India?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-daro
C) Kalibangan
D) Kot Diji
Answer: C) Kalibangan
Explanation: Kalibangan is in Rajasthan, India.
8. Who is regarded as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India during the major excavations of Harappan sites?
A) R.D. Banerji
B) John Marshall
C) Alexander Cunningham
D) Mortimer Wheeler
Answer: B) John Marshall
Explanation: Sir John Marshall supervised the excavations from 1902–1928.
9. The Harappan Civilization belonged to which age?
A) Stone Age
B) Bronze Age
C) Iron Age
D) Copper Age
Answer: B) Bronze Age
Explanation: Harappans extensively used bronze tools and ornaments.
10. The dockyard of the Harappan Civilization has been found at:
A) Lothal
B) Dholavira
C) Mohenjo-daro
D) Harappa
Answer: A) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat had a well-planned dockyard, indicating maritime trade.
11. Which Harappan site shows evidence of a stadium?
A) Kalibangan
B) Lothal
C) Dholavira
D) Harappa
Answer: C) Dholavira
Explanation: Dholavira in Gujarat has a large open space, believed to be used for public gatherings or games.
12. Which site is famous for fire altars?
A) Kalibangan
B) Mohenjo-daro
C) Lothal
D) Rakhigarhi
Answer: A) Kalibangan
Explanation: Excavations revealed fire altars, indicating ritual practices.
13. Largest Harappan site in India is:
A) Kalibangan
B) Rakhigarhi
C) Dholavira
D) Banawali
Answer: B) Rakhigarhi
Explanation: Rakhigarhi in Haryana is the largest known Harappan site in India.
14. The script of the Harappan Civilization is:
A) Alphabetic
B) Pictographic
C) Cuneiform
D) Devanagari
Answer: B) Pictographic
Explanation: Harappan script consists of symbols and pictures, still undeciphered.
15. The Great Bath was discovered at:
A) Mohenjo-daro
B) Harappa
C) Lothal
D) Dholavira
Answer: A) Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: The Great Bath was likely used for ritual bathing.
16. Which site is famous for the evidence of ploughed fields?
A) Kalibangan
B) Harappa
C) Mohenjo-daro
D) Lothal
Answer: A) Kalibangan
Explanation: Marks of furrows were found, showing agricultural activity.
17. Harappan weights were usually made of:
A) Gold
B) Lead
C) Chert
D) Copper
Answer: C) Chert
Explanation: Chert stones were used for standardized weights.
18. The main material used in Harappan buildings was:
A) Stone
B) Sun-dried bricks
C) Baked bricks
D) Timber
Answer: C) Baked bricks
Explanation: Harappans used standardized baked bricks for construction.
19. Which site is called the “Oxford of Harappan Civilization” for its knowledge of town planning?
A) Mohenjo-daro
B) Lothal
C) Harappa
D) Dholavira
Answer: A) Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: Mohenjo-daro’s systematic grid layout reflects advanced planning.
20. The Harappan civilization extended to which present-day country besides India and Pakistan?
A) Afghanistan
B) Iran
C) Nepal
D) Bangladesh
Answer: A) Afghanistan
Explanation: Sites like Shortugai were located in present-day Afghanistan.
21. Who coined the term “Indus Valley Civilization”?
A) Mortimer Wheeler
B) John Marshall
C) Alexander Cunningham
D) R.D. Banerji
Answer: B) John Marshall
Explanation: He popularized the term in his excavation reports.
22. The script of the Harappans is yet to be:
A) Invented
B) Deciphered
C) Replaced
D) Preserved
Answer: B) Deciphered
Explanation: Scholars have not yet decoded Harappan symbols.
23. Which site has evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan cultures?
A) Banawali
B) Harappa
C) Mohenjo-daro
D) Lothal
Answer: A) Banawali
Explanation: Excavations show cultural continuity in Banawali, Haryana.
24. Evidence of a large granary was found at:
A) Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
B) Kalibangan and Lothal
C) Dholavira and Rakhigarhi
D) Lothal and Chanhudaro
Answer: A) Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: Large brick granaries indicate surplus grain storage.
25. The most important feature of Harappan cities was:
A) Temples
B) Forts
C) Drainage system
D) Palaces
Answer: C) Drainage system
Explanation: Harappan cities had advanced covered drains, unique for their time.
26. Which feature of Indus Valley town planning shows advanced engineering?
A) Unpaved roads
B) Random street layout
C) Grid pattern streets
D) Circular streets
Answer: C) Grid pattern streets
Explanation: Indus cities were planned on a grid pattern, showing advanced urban engineering.
27. What was the average width of the main streets in Mohenjo-Daro?
A) 3 meters
B) 10 meters
C) 15 meters
D) 30 meters
Answer: B) 10 meters
Explanation: Main streets were about 10 meters wide and intersected at right angles.
28. Which building in Mohenjo-Daro is believed to have been used for ritual bathing?
A) Great Hall
B) Granary
C) Great Bath
D) Assembly Hall
Answer: C) Great Bath
Explanation: The Great Bath is a large, water-tight tank believed to be used for ceremonial bathing.
29. What material was predominantly used for constructing houses in Indus cities?
A) Wood
B) Stone
C) Sun-dried bricks
D) Burnt bricks
Answer: D) Burnt bricks
Explanation: Standardized baked bricks were used, indicating mass production and uniformity.
30. Which city is known for its dockyard?
A) Lothal
B) Kalibangan
C) Harappa
D) Banawali
Answer: A) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat had a large dockyard, showing knowledge of maritime trade.
31. What was unique about the drainage system of the Indus Valley Civilization?
A) It was unplanned
B) It was underground
C) It was made of wood
D) It was open and uncovered
Answer: B) It was underground
Explanation: Covered underground drains made of bricks ran along the streets for wastewater disposal.
32. Which city had evidence of a citadel and a lower town?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-Daro
C) Kalibangan
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Most Indus cities had a fortified citadel for public buildings and a lower town for residences.
33. The Great Bath was found in which part of Mohenjo-Daro?
A) Lower town
B) Citadel
C) Granary area
D) Residential block
Answer: B) Citadel
Explanation: The Great Bath was located in the citadel, the elevated part of the city.
34. What does the presence of public wells in Indus cities indicate?
A) Dependence on rivers only
B) Lack of private water supply
C) Advanced public utility system
D) Ritual use only
Answer: C) Advanced public utility system
Explanation: Public wells ensured water availability to all citizens, showing urban planning.
35. The houses in Indus Valley had doors opening towards:
A) Main streets
B) Courtyards
C) Back alleys
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Back alleys
Explanation: Doors opened to side lanes or alleys to maintain privacy.
36. Which Indus site had a unique oval-shaped settlement?
A) Dholavira
B) Banawali
C) Lothal
D) Kalibangan
Answer: A) Dholavira
Explanation: Dholavira in Gujarat had an oval-shaped fortified settlement.
37. The largest Harappan city in terms of area was:
A) Mohenjo-Daro
B) Harappa
C) Dholavira
D) Rakhigarhi
Answer: D) Rakhigarhi
Explanation: Rakhigarhi in Haryana is the largest known Harappan city in area.
38. What was the main purpose of the citadel in Indus cities?
A) Military barracks
B) Religious activities and administration
C) Residential area for common people
D) Marketplace
Answer: B) Religious activities and administration
Explanation: The citadel housed important public buildings and was likely for administration and ceremonies.
39. Which Indus city had fire altars?
A) Mohenjo-Daro
B) Kalibangan
C) Harappa
D) Chanhudaro
Answer: B) Kalibangan
Explanation: Kalibangan (Rajasthan) revealed fire altars, suggesting ritual practices.
40. What construction material was NOT used in Indus buildings?
A) Burnt bricks
B) Sun-dried bricks
C) Stone
D) Cement
Answer: D) Cement
Explanation: Cement was unknown; they mainly used baked and sun-dried bricks.
41. The granary at Harappa was built on:
A) Stone foundation
B) Mud platform
C) Wooden planks
D) Sand base
Answer: B) Mud platform
Explanation: The granary stood on a raised mud-brick platform for protection from floods.
42. Which Indus city had a three-part town planning?
A) Dholavira
B) Lothal
C) Harappa
D) Kalibangan
Answer: A) Dholavira
Explanation: Dholavira was divided into citadel, middle town, and lower town.
43. What was the main function of the granaries?
A) Religious use
B) Storage of grains
C) Administrative office
D) Living quarters
Answer: B) Storage of grains
Explanation: Granaries stored surplus grains for distribution and trade.
44. The streets of Indus Valley cities were oriented in which directions?
A) East-West and North-South
B) North-East and South-West
C) Random orientation
D) Circular pattern
Answer: A) East-West and North-South
Explanation: Streets intersected at right angles in east-west and north-south directions.
45. Which feature was common in almost all Indus houses?
A) Underground cellar
B) Central courtyard
C) Second floor balcony
D) Rooftop gardens
Answer: B) Central courtyard
Explanation: Houses had an open central courtyard for ventilation and light.
46. The dockyard at Lothal connected to:
A) Indus River
B) Arabian Sea
C) Gulf of Khambhat
D) Yamuna River
Answer: C) Gulf of Khambhat
Explanation: The dockyard was connected to the Gulf of Khambhat for maritime trade.
47. The Great Bath was lined with:
A) Marble tiles
B) Limestone plaster and bitumen
C) Terracotta tiles
D) Polished stone
Answer: B) Limestone plaster and bitumen
Explanation: This waterproof lining prevented leakage.
48. Which site is associated with a unique water reservoir system?
A) Dholavira
B) Lothal
C) Harappa
D) Chanhudaro
Answer: A) Dholavira
Explanation: Dholavira had large water tanks for rainwater storage.
49. What is the significance of standardized bricks in Indus cities?
A) Indicated mass production
B) Showed advanced measurement systems
C) Ensured uniformity in construction
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Standardized bricks reflected uniform standards and centralized control.
50. Which Indus site shows the earliest evidence of ploughed fields?
A) Kalibangan
B) Harappa
C) Mohenjo-Daro
D) Lothal
Answer: A) Kalibangan
Explanation: Kalibangan’s fields had furrows for sowing, indicating agriculture.
51. Which crop was NOT cultivated in the Indus Valley Civilization?
A) Wheat
B) Barley
C) Coffee
D) Cotton
Answer: C) Coffee
Explanation: Coffee was unknown to the Indus people. They cultivated wheat, barley, rice (in later sites), and cotton.
52. Which is the earliest evidence of cotton cultivation in the world?
A) Harappa
B) Mehrgarh
C) Mohenjo-daro
D) Lothal
Answer: C) Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization is credited with the earliest known cultivation of cotton, found at Mohenjo-daro.
53. What was the main occupation of Indus Valley people?
A) Trade
B) Agriculture
C) Fishing
D) Hunting
Answer: B) Agriculture
Explanation: Agriculture was the backbone of the economy, supplemented by trade, crafts, and animal husbandry.
54. The evidence of rice cultivation in the Indus Valley comes from:
A) Harappa
B) Lothal
C) Rangpur
D) Kalibangan
Answer: C) Rangpur
Explanation: Rangpur in Gujarat provides the earliest evidence of rice in the Indus Civilization.
55. Which domestic animal was NOT known to the Harappans?
A) Cow
B) Sheep
C) Goat
D) Buffalo
Answer: A) Cow
Explanation: There is no conclusive evidence of cow domestication in the Harappan culture, though other animals like buffalo, goats, and sheep were domesticated.
56. The main food of the Harappans was:
A) Meat and milk
B) Rice and fish
C) Wheat and barley
D) Fruits and honey
Answer: C) Wheat and barley
Explanation: Archaeological evidence shows large-scale cultivation and storage of wheat and barley.
57. Which craft was most advanced in the Indus Valley Civilization?
A) Pottery
B) Metalwork
C) Bead-making
D) Weaving
Answer: C) Bead-making
Explanation: Harappans were highly skilled in making beads from semi-precious stones like carnelian and agate.
58. Which metal was NOT known to Harappans?
A) Copper
B) Bronze
C) Iron
D) Gold
Answer: C) Iron
Explanation: Harappans used copper, bronze, gold, and silver, but iron was unknown during their period.
59. The Harappans obtained lapis lazuli from:
A) Afghanistan
B) Persia
C) Rajasthan
D) Baluchistan
Answer: A) Afghanistan
Explanation: Lapis lazuli was imported from Badakhshan in Afghanistan for making ornaments.
60. The term “Meluhha” in Mesopotamian records refers to:
A) Harappan region
B) Egyptian civilization
C) Chinese civilization
D) Persian empire
Answer: A) Harappan region
Explanation: Meluhha is believed to be the name used in Mesopotamian records for the Indus region.
61. Which Harappan site is famous for its dockyard?
A) Mohenjo-daro
B) Harappa
C) Lothal
D) Kalibangan
Answer: C) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat had a well-planned dockyard for maritime trade.
62. Which seal depicts the worship of Pashupati (proto-Shiva)?
A) Unicorn seal
B) Bull seal
C) Pashupati seal
D) Elephant seal
Answer: C) Pashupati seal
Explanation: A famous seal from Mohenjo-daro shows a deity with three faces and horns, surrounded by animals, identified as proto-Shiva or Pashupati.
63. The worship of Mother Goddess in Harappan culture indicates:
A) Matriarchal society
B) Agriculture-based fertility cult
C) Idol worship
D) Ritual sacrifices
Answer: B) Agriculture-based fertility cult
Explanation: Mother Goddess worship symbolized fertility and prosperity in agricultural life.
64. Which tree was considered sacred by the Harappans?
A) Peepal
B) Neem
C) Banyan
D) Mango
Answer: A) Peepal
Explanation: Archaeological evidence shows peepal tree motifs on seals and pottery, indicating its religious significance.
65. Which animal was commonly featured on Harappan seals?
A) Horse
B) Elephant
C) Unicorn
D) Camel
Answer: C) Unicorn
Explanation: The unicorn motif is one of the most common figures on Harappan seals, though its real existence is debated.
66. Which form of trade did Harappans practice?
A) Monetary trade
B) Barter system
C) Credit-based trade
D) Bank notes
Answer: B) Barter system
Explanation: Harappans traded goods by barter; coins were not in use.
67. The Harappan script is:
A) Alphabetic
B) Pictographic
C) Hieroglyphic
D) Cuneiform
Answer: B) Pictographic
Explanation: Harappan script consists of pictorial signs and remains undeciphered.
68. Evidence of horse in the Indus Valley Civilization is:
A) Abundant and clear
B) Absent
C) Rare and disputed
D) Only in seals
Answer: C) Rare and disputed
Explanation: Very few and controversial remains suggest the presence of horses in Harappan culture.
69. The people of the Indus Valley wore clothes made of:
A) Wool
B) Cotton
C) Silk
D) Jute
Answer: B) Cotton
Explanation: Harappans were the earliest known cultivators of cotton, used for making garments.
70. Which game did Harappans play that is similar to modern chess?
A) Ludo
B) Dice game
C) Pachisi
D) Chaupar
Answer: B) Dice game
Explanation: Cubical dice made of terracotta have been found, indicating gaming activities.
71. The Granary at Harappa was used for:
A) Rice storage
B) Wheat and barley storage
C) Salt storage
D) Tools storage
Answer: B) Wheat and barley storage
Explanation: These massive structures stored surplus grain for the city.
72. What was the chief source of livelihood for Harappans apart from agriculture?
A) Fishing
B) Craftsmanship
C) Animal hunting
D) Timber cutting
Answer: B) Craftsmanship
Explanation: Harappans were skilled artisans, making pottery, beads, ornaments, and seals.
73. The famous bronze dancing girl was discovered at:
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-daro
C) Lothal
D) Kalibangan
Answer: B) Mohenjo-daro
Explanation: The bronze dancing girl is a masterpiece of Harappan art, showing advanced metal casting skills.
74. Harappan religion was primarily:
A) Monotheistic
B) Polytheistic
C) Atheistic
D) Animistic
Answer: B) Polytheistic
Explanation: They worshipped multiple deities, including Mother Goddess, Pashupati, and natural forces.
75. The Harappans believed in:
A) Afterlife
B) Rebirth
C) Ritual sacrifice
D) Nature worship
Answer: D) Nature worship
Explanation: Evidence from seals and figurines suggests that Harappans worshipped trees, animals, and natural elements.
76. The script of the Indus Valley Civilization is
A) Alphabetic
B) Pictographic
C) Hieroglyphic
D) Cuneiform
Answer: B) Pictographic
Explanation: The Harappan script used symbols resembling pictures; it is still undeciphered.
77. Number of characters in Harappan script?
A) 100–150
B) 200–250
C) 300–400
D) 500–600
Answer: C) 300–400
Explanation: Scholars estimate about 370–400 distinct signs in the Harappan script.
78. Direction of writing in Harappan script was
A) Left to Right
B) Right to Left
C) Boustrophedon
D) Top to Bottom
Answer: C) Boustrophedon
Explanation: It changed direction in alternate lines — a style called boustrophedon.
79. Harappan seals were usually made of
A) Bronze
B) Steatite
C) Terracotta
D) Ivory
Answer: B) Steatite
Explanation: Most seals were made of soft stone steatite and engraved with animal motifs.
80. Which animal is most frequently depicted on Harappan seals?
A) Bull
B) Unicorn
C) Elephant
D) Tiger
Answer: B) Unicorn
Explanation: The unicorn motif appears on a majority of Harappan seals, though real existence is debated.
81. Harappan seals were used mainly for
A) Decoration
B) Amulets
C) Trade & Identification
D) Religious rituals
Answer: C) Trade & Identification
Explanation: Seals were stamped on goods for trade to mark ownership and origin.
82. Harappan weights and measures were based on
A) Binary system
B) Decimal system
C) Duodecimal system
D) None of these
Answer: B) Decimal system
Explanation: Archaeological evidence shows uniform weights in decimal multiples.
83. Evidence of foreign trade in Harappan culture is from
A) Chinese pottery
B) Mesopotamian records
C) Egyptian pyramids
D) Roman coins
Answer: B) Mesopotamian records
Explanation: Mesopotamian texts mention trade with “Meluhha,” believed to be the Indus region.
84. Which Harappan site shows dockyard evidence?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-Daro
C) Lothal
D) Kalibangan
Answer: C) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat had a dockyard for maritime trade.
85. Harappans imported lapis lazuli from
A) Afghanistan
B) Iran
C) Oman
D) Mesopotamia
Answer: A) Afghanistan
Explanation: Lapis lazuli from Badakhshan, Afghanistan was used in ornaments.
86. Harappans imported copper from
A) Mesopotamia
B) Rajasthan
C) Oman
D) Afghanistan
Answer: C) Oman
Explanation: Archaeological finds suggest copper trade with Oman.
87. Which Harappan site is associated with bead-making?
A) Lothal
B) Harappa
C) Kalibangan
D) Banawali
Answer: A) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal was a major center for bead-making and semi-precious stone craft.
88. Which Harappan site is known for its bronze dancing girl statue?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-Daro
C) Lothal
D) Dholavira
Answer: B) Mohenjo-Daro
Explanation: The famous bronze statue of a dancing girl was found in Mohenjo-Daro.
89. The dancing girl statue was made by
A) Lost-wax technique
B) Hammering
C) Mould casting
D) Hand carving
Answer: A) Lost-wax technique
Explanation: This method of metal casting was used to make the bronze figure.
90. Terracotta figurines in Harappan sites were mainly of
A) Male gods
B) Animals and female figures
C) Kings
D) Mythical beasts
Answer: B) Animals and female figures
Explanation: Many figurines depict animals and mother-goddess forms.
91. Which factor is NOT considered a cause for Harappan decline?
A) Floods
B) Aryan invasion
C) Earthquakes
D) Space meteor impact
Answer: D) Space meteor impact
Explanation: No archaeological evidence supports a meteor impact in Harappan decline.
92. Who proposed the Aryan invasion theory for Harappan decline?
A) Mortimer Wheeler
B) John Marshall
C) Rakhal Das Banerji
D) Alexander Cunningham
Answer: A) Mortimer Wheeler
Explanation: He suggested Aryan invasion as a cause, though this theory is now debated.
93. Which evidence suggests flooding in Mohenjo-Daro?
A) Silt deposits
B) Tilted walls
C) Broken seals
D) Dockyard remains
Answer: A) Silt deposits
Explanation: Thick layers of silt indicate repeated flooding in Mohenjo-Daro.
94. Which river’s change of course may have led to decline of some Harappan sites?
A) Indus
B) Saraswati (Ghaggar-Hakra)
C) Sutlej
D) Jhelum
Answer: B) Saraswati (Ghaggar-Hakra)
Explanation: Shifting of this river led to desertification in some Harappan areas.
95. Which Harappan site shows signs of massacre or violent death?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-Daro
C) Lothal
D) Banawali
Answer: B) Mohenjo-Daro
Explanation: Skeletons found in streets suggest sudden violent events.
96. Harappan civilization is also called
A) Bronze Age civilization
B) Iron Age civilization
C) Stone Age civilization
D) Copper Age civilization
Answer: A) Bronze Age civilization
Explanation: It existed during the Bronze Age, using bronze tools and ornaments.
97. Which modern-day countries were part of Harappan civilization?
A) India & Nepal
B) India & Pakistan
C) India, Pakistan & Afghanistan
D) India, Pakistan & Iran
Answer: C) India, Pakistan & Afghanistan
Explanation: Harappan sites are spread across these regions.
98. The Harappan civilization is contemporary with
A) Mesopotamian & Egyptian civilizations
B) Greek civilization
C) Roman civilization
D) Chinese Han dynasty
Answer: A) Mesopotamian & Egyptian civilizations
Explanation: All flourished during the same Bronze Age period.
99. Which is the largest Harappan site in India?
A) Harappa
B) Mohenjo-Daro
C) Rakhigarhi
D) Dholavira
Answer: C) Rakhigarhi
Explanation: Rakhigarhi in Haryana is the largest site in India.
100. Which Harappan site was recently added to UNESCO World Heritage list?
A) Dholavira
B) Lothal
C) Rakhigarhi
D) Kalibangan
Answer: A) Dholavira
Explanation: In 2021, Dholavira was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique urban planning.