Indus Valley Civilization is important part of Ancient Indian History and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Indus Valley Civilization.
UPSC PYQ on Indus Valley Civilization
Q- Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelising water into connected reservoirs? (2022)
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The ancient city of Dholavira stands out as one of the most remarkable and exceptionally preserved urban settlements in South Asia, with origins dating back to the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
The site distinguishes itself through its unique attributes, including its sophisticated water management infrastructure, elaborate defensive fortifications, extensive utilization of stone in construction, and distinctive burial practices.
Dholavira boasts an intricate system designed for the collection and retention of rainwater, featuring numerous reservoirs. Planners of the ancient city ingeniously devised a comprehensive network of drains, dams, and tanks to effectively manage water resources.
Q- Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2019)
(a) Chanhudaro
(b) Kot Diji
(c) Sohgaura
(d) Desalpur
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Sohgaura is not associated with the Harappan civilization; instead, it is an Ashokan era copper plate inscription inscribed in Prakrit using the Brahmi script.
Q- With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)
(1) Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
(2) Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
(3) Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Rig Vedic Aryans utilized mail and helmets in warfare, as evidenced by historical records, while there is no indication that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization employed such equipment.
Additionally, Rig Vedic Aryans utilized swords, arrows, and bows in their military endeavors, as opposed to the Indus Valley people who left no evidence of their usage. It is correct to assert that the Rig Vedic Aryans domesticated horses, a fact not supported by evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization.
The Rig Vedic Aryans were familiar with gold, silver, copper, and iron, the Indus Valley people were acquainted with gold, copper, and bronze but lacked knowledge of iron.
Therefore, statement 1 correctly depicts the contrast in weaponry usage between the two cultures, statement 3 correctly highlights the domestication of horses by the Rig Vedic Aryans, but statement 2 is incorrect regarding the metals known to each civilization.
Practice answer writing and structure your answers well from here.
Q- Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of the Indus Valley Civilization? (2013)
- They possessed great palaces and temples
- They worshipped both male and female deities
- They employed horse-drawn chariots
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 only
c. 1, 2 and 3
d. None of the statements given above is correct
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
No definitive temple structures have been unearthed at any Harappan site, although the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro is speculated to have been used for ceremonial purposes, suggesting that statement 1 is incorrect.
The discovery of figurines resembling a female deity and a seal depicting a male figure in a posture reminiscent of Shiva, surrounded by animals, suggests a potential connection to Shiva worship among the Harappans, supporting statement 2 is correct.
However, statement 3 is incorrect as it suggests that a variety of animals, including goats, buffaloes, oxen, elephants, dogs, and camels, were domesticated based solely on Indus seals.
Q- Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: (2011)
- It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene,
- During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Belonging to the Bronze Age, the Harappan civilization possessed knowledge of crafting copper bronze tools, so statement 1 is correct. Worship in the Indus Valley Civilization encompassed reverence for trees and animals such as bulls, buffaloes, and tigers, with religion playing a less dominant role, thereby supporting statement 1. In 1929, archaeologists unearthed fragments of cotton textiles at Mohenjo-Daro, while cottonseeds discovered at the nearby Mehrgarh site have been dated back to 5000 BCE, corroborating statement 2.
Also read about UPSC PYQ on Gupta Period.