Microtheme: Indus Valley Civilization —
7 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns :
   I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.
   II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered.
   III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.
   Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements ?
   1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.
   2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
   3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.
   Select the answer using the code given below :
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
2. [2025] The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of:
   • (a) carnelian
   • (b) clay
   • (c) bronze
   • (d) gold
   Correct Answer: (C) bronze
3. [2021] 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 channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
   • (a) Dholavira
   • (b) Kalibangan
   • (c) Rakhigarhi
   • (d) Ropar
   Correct Answer: (A) Dholavira
4. [2019] Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?
   • (a) Chanhudaro
   • (b) Kot Diji
   • (c) Sohgaura
   • (d) Desalpur
   Correct Answer: (C) Sohgaura
5. [2017] With reference to .the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and
   Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?
   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
   Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
6. [2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
   (1). They possessed great palaces and temples.
   (2). They worshipped both male and female deities.
   (3). They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
   Select the correct the 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
   Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
7. [2011] Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
   1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
   2. 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
   Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2