Indus Valley Civilization MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. Cemeteries H and R 37 are associated with Harappa, where important burial sites were discovered, providing insights into Harappan burial practices. The dockyard is linked with Lothal, which was a prominent port city of the Indus Valley Civilization, and archaeological findings include a dockyard structure. The Pashupati Mahadev figure appears on a seal found at Mohenjodaro, often interpreted as a proto-Shiva figure. The copper chariot was unearthed at Daimabad, suggesting technological advancement and ceremonial practices of the late Harappan phase.

Sol. Manda, the northernmost site of the Indus Valley Civilization, is located on the right bank of the Chenab River in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. Excavations at Manda have revealed remains that confirm its connection to the Harappan culture, primarily indicating its role as a trade outpost or a wood collection center due to its proximity to forests. The presence of typical Harappan pottery and artifacts establishes its significance in expanding the geographical extent of the civilization.

Sol. The site of Harappa is situated on the left bank of the Ravi River in present-day Pakistan. Harappa was one of the major urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization and gave the civilization its name. The river played a crucial role in supporting agriculture, trade, and daily life in Harappa by providing a consistent water source. Archaeological findings from the site, such as granaries, seals, and burial sites, highlight its advanced urban planning and socio-economic organization.

Sol. The polity of the Harappan people, as interpreted from archaeological evidence, suggests a theocratic-unitary system. There are no clear signs of a monarchic rule, but the uniformity in town planning, weights and measures, and seals indicates centralized authority. The significant role of religion, inferred from seals depicting deities like the Pashupati figure, suggests that religious elites or priest-kings might have held political power. This combination of religious influence and centralized administration points towards a theocratic-unitary structure.

Sol. Iron was unknown to the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological findings from Harappan sites have revealed the extensive use of metals like gold, silver, and copper, which were utilized for making tools, ornaments, and utensils. However, iron technology had not yet been developed during the Harappan period; its widespread use in the Indian subcontinent began only later during the early Vedic age. The absence of iron artifacts clearly indicates that the Harappans relied mainly on copper and bronze for their metallic needs.

Sol. Wheat and barley were the two most important crops cultivated by the Harappan people, as revealed by archaeological findings including grain impressions and storage structures. The fertile floodplains of the Indus River supported the growth of these staple crops, forming the backbone of the Harappan diet and economy. Although other crops like cotton, peas, and sesame were also grown, wheat and barley were the principal cereals and are most frequently mentioned in the study of Harappan agriculture.

Sol. Large granaries in Harappan towns served multiple important functions. Since taxes were often collected in kind, granaries acted as public treasuries to store these contributions. They also housed the surplus agricultural produce from surrounding rural areas, ensuring food security for urban populations. Additionally, grain was a vital commodity for trade, both within the civilization and possibly with external regions, requiring systematic storage. Therefore, all the listed reasons collectively explain the necessity of large granaries in Harappan cities.

Sol. The scattered skeletal remains found at various Harappan sites, such as Mohenjodaro, suggest signs of violence like fractures and weapon injuries, leading to the interpretation that some form of military assault occurred. The disorderly positioning of skeletons and absence of formal burial practices at these sites support this conclusion. While theories of disease or ritual practices have been proposed, the physical evidence of trauma on the bones most strongly points towards violent conflict, likely caused by external invasions or internal warfare.

Sol. The unicorn motif, frequently found on Harappan seals, represents a mythical animal that has no direct continuation in later Hindu religious traditions. In contrast, figures like Pashupati Shiva and the concept of the Seven Mothers (Sapta Matrikas) find parallels in later Hindu worship practices. Compound creatures, although not common, also appear in Hindu mythology. The unicorn, however, seems unique to Harappan iconography and does not appear in the subsequent religious developments of the Indian subcontinent.

Sol. Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, is the Indus Valley site famous for having an ancient dockyard. Archaeological evidence, including a massive basin connected to the Gulf of Khambhat through a channel, suggests it served as a docking and loading area for boats. This dockyard highlights the Harappans’ advanced engineering skills and their involvement in maritime trade. Other sites like Kalibangan, Rangpur, and Harappa do not show evidence of such a maritime facility.

Sol. Bhimbetka, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its rock shelters that display a continuous succession of Paleolithic paintings spanning various periods. These paintings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily life, reflecting the evolution of human artistic expression from prehistoric times. The site offers invaluable insights into the cultural and social life of early humans, and its continuity over thousands of years makes it unique among prehistoric art sites.

Sol. Seals in the Indus Valley Civilization were primarily used to signify ownership of goods and property. They often featured animal motifs and inscriptions, and were likely pressed onto clay tags attached to goods, ensuring that ownership and authenticity could be verified during trade and storage. Although seals might have had secondary uses such as aiding in trade transactions or indicating social standing, their principal function, as evidenced by archaeological finds, was to mark and authenticate property.

Sol. In the Indus Valley Civilization, houses were designed for privacy and security, and typically had windows opening onto inner courtyards rather than onto the main streets. This architectural feature helped maintain privacy and shielded residents from dust and noise. The other statements are accurate: towns were systematically planned using a grid pattern, a fortified citadel usually occupied the western side with a lower town on the eastern side, and an advanced underground drainage system was a hallmark of Harappan urban engineering.

Sol. Kalibangan, located in present-day Rajasthan, provides archaeological evidence of mixed cropping during the Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations have revealed ploughed agricultural fields with crisscross furrows, indicating that two different types of crops—typically a rabi (winter) crop and a kharif (summer) crop—were cultivated together. This evidence highlights the agricultural sophistication of the Harappans and their ability to manage diverse crop patterns to optimize land use and ensure food security.

Sol. The first cereals cultivated by early humans were wheat and barley, particularly in regions like the Fertile Crescent and later in the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological evidence shows that these crops were among the earliest to be domesticated due to their adaptability, ease of storage, and nutritional value. Early agricultural societies relied heavily on these staples for their subsistence, which eventually led to the development of settled farming communities and the rise of early civilizations.

Sol. The use of lime and costly burnt bricks by the Indus Valley people for construction purposes reflects their advanced technological capabilities. Burnt bricks are more durable and water-resistant compared to sun-dried bricks, indicating that the Harappans had mastered techniques of firing bricks at high temperatures. This advancement enabled the construction of lasting structures, including houses, drainage systems, and granaries, demonstrating not only technological sophistication but also a deep understanding of engineering and material science.

Sol. The Indus Valley Civilization is classified under proto-history because it belongs to a period when a society had developed writing, but its script (the Harappan script) remains undeciphered. Therefore, while archaeological and material evidence provide substantial information about their culture and lifestyle, the absence of a fully understood written record keeps it from being classified as full history. It bridges the gap between prehistory, where no written records exist, and history, where written documents are available and understood.

Sol. The circular button-shaped seal, known as the Persian Gulf seal, has been discovered at Lothal, a prominent Harappan site in present-day Gujarat. Lothal was an important trade center with strong maritime links, and the finding of such a seal indicates active commercial relations between the Harappans and regions around the Persian Gulf. This seal’s unique design distinguishes it from the typical square Harappan seals and highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Lothal’s trade activities.

Sol. Cylindrical seals of Mesopotamian origin have been discovered at two important Harappan sites: Lothal and Kalibangan, providing strong evidence of long-distance trade between the Indus Valley Civilization and Mesopotamia. These seals, typically made of stone and engraved with intricate designs, were used in Mesopotamia to stamp ownership or authenticate documents. Their presence in Harappan settlements suggests not only commercial exchanges but also possible cultural interactions. Lothal, being a major port city, had maritime links, making it a natural hub for foreign goods. Kalibangan, though more inland, shows signs of contact through trade routes. These discoveries support historical records from Mesopotamia that mention trade with a region called Meluhha, widely believed to refer to the Indus Valley Civilization.

Sol.At Mohenjodaro, archaeologists have found evidence of various types of burials such as complete burials, fractional burials, and post-cremation burials, indicating diverse funerary practices. Complete burials involved burying the whole body, while fractional burials included only parts, possibly collected after exposure. Post-cremation burials, where ashes or charred remains were buried, suggest that cremation was also practiced. However, double burials, involving two individuals buried together in the same grave, have not been found at Mohenjodaro. This makes double burial the type not observed at this site. Such findings help us understand the complex belief systems of the Indus Valley people.

Sol. Dholavira, located in present-day Gujarat, is the largest excavated site among all the Indus Valley settlements after the partition of India and Pakistan. It spans about 120 hectares and is notable for its sophisticated town planning, including a unique water conservation system, massive fortifications, and a well-planned layout featuring a citadel, middle town, and lower town. Dholavira’s scale and urban design showcase the high level of architectural and administrative advancement achieved by the Harappans.

Sol. Mehrgarh, located in present-day Balochistan, Pakistan, provides the earliest evidence of settled agriculture in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to around 7000 BCE. Excavations at Mehrgarh have uncovered remains of domesticated wheat and barley, along with evidence of animal domestication and permanent houses made of mud bricks. This site marks the beginning of the Neolithic period in South Asia and represents a significant shift from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled agricultural economy.

Sol. Patliputra, located near modern-day Patna in Bihar, is not associated with the maritime activities of the Harappan people. It gained historical significance much later during the Mauryan period as a major political and administrative center. In contrast, sites like Lothal, Balakot, and Sokta Koh were important Harappan coastal settlements linked to maritime trade. These sites provide evidence such as dockyards, anchoring stones, and sea trade artifacts, underscoring the Harappans’ active engagement in overseas commerce.

Sol. Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, provides clear archaeological evidence of a dockyard, making it unique among the Indus Valley Civilization sites. Excavations revealed a large, artificially constructed basin connected to an ancient river channel, believed to have served as a dock for ships engaged in maritime trade. This discovery highlights the Harappans’ advanced understanding of hydraulics and their involvement in overseas commerce, particularly with regions such as Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf.

Sol. The majority of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization are believed to have belonged to the Mediterranean race. This classification is based on skeletal remains and archaeological studies that show features such as medium stature, long heads (dolichocephalic skulls), and narrow noses, typical of Mediterranean racial characteristics. The Mediterranean race was widespread across parts of South Asia, the Middle East, and southern Europe during ancient times. Other racial groups like Proto-Australoid were present in small numbers, but they were not predominant among the Indus Valley population.

Sol. The famous statue of the bearded man, often referred to as the “Priest-King,” was discovered at Mohenjo Daro, one of the principal urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. This sculpture is notable for its finely carved features, including a neatly trimmed beard, a patterned robe, and a contemplative expression, all of which suggest a figure of high status or possibly religious significance. The craftsmanship of the statue highlights the artistic skills of the people of Mohenjo Daro and provides important insights into their social structure and aesthetic values.

Sol. In matching the Harappan settlements with their corresponding rivers: Lothal was located near the Bhogaon river (option 5); Kalibangan was situated on the banks of the Ghaggar river (option 4); Ropar was an important site on the Sutlej river (option 2); Harappa itself was on the Ravi river (option 3); and Mohenjodaro was located on the Indus river (option 1). Understanding these associations is crucial because the river systems significantly influenced the prosperity, trade, and agricultural activities of these Harappan urban centers.

Sol. The script of the Indus Valley Civilization is often described as boustrophedon, meaning it was written in a style where the direction of the writing alternates with each line — left to right on one line, then right to left on the next. However, it is important to note that the Indus script remains undeciphered to this day, and this observation about writing direction is based on the analysis of inscriptions found on seals and tablets. The Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts developed much later, during the early historic period of India, and are not connected to the Indus script.

Sol. The early Aryans, during the Rigvedic period, primarily inhabited the region known as Sapta Sindhu, which included the areas around the Indus and its tributaries. Their geographical awareness was largely limited to the western part of the Indian subcontinent and did not extend beyond the Yamuna river initially. The Ganga and areas farther east were not prominently known to them during this early phase, indicating that their settlements and activities were concentrated mainly in the northwestern regions. Expansion towards the Ganga plain occurred much later during the later Vedic period.

Sol. The Great Bath at Mohenjo Daro is considered one of the most remarkable structures of the Indus Valley Civilization and was likely used for community bathing or religious rituals, suggesting a focus on cleanliness and ceremonial practices. The presence of a watertight brick structure with proper drainage supports this interpretation. However, it was not intended for the storage of water for droughts or emergencies, as its design and relatively small size would not have been practical for significant water storage needs. Large reservoirs and wells served the purpose of water storage in the Indus cities instead.

Sol. Dholavira, located in present-day Gujarat, is the only known Indus Valley Civilization site that provides clear evidence of a stadium-like structure. Excavations have revealed a large open area, interpreted as a stadium or arena, likely used for public gatherings, ceremonies, or sports activities. This feature distinguishes Dholavira from other major Harappan sites such as Harappa, Kalibangan, and Mohenjodaro, where no such stadium structures have been found. The urban planning of Dholavira was highly sophisticated, showcasing advanced knowledge of architecture and civic planning among the Harappans.

Sol. The influence of the Harappan Civilization is evident in certain aspects of modern urban life, such as house planning, water management, and the emphasis on bathing and sanitation, which have parallels in contemporary practices. Additionally, the basic technique of using the potter’s wheel, involving rotational motion for shaping clay, remains similar to the method used by Harappan potters. However, there is no evidence suggesting that the Harappans had an election system comparable to modern democratic practices; their political structure remains largely unknown and was likely more of a centralized or tribal nature.

Sol. The discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization is credited to Dayaram Sahni, who first excavated the site of Harappa in 1921 under the Archaeological Survey of India. His work revealed the existence of an advanced and previously unknown ancient civilization. Although R.D. Banerji also contributed significantly by discovering Mohenjodaro shortly afterward, and Cunningham had earlier noted some Indus seals without recognizing their significance, it was Dayaram Sahni’s excavation that formally established the civilization’s identity. Later, Wheeler further expanded the understanding of the civilization through systematic excavations.

Sol. The Harappan people followed a fairly uniform burial practice across various sites, which is evident from two main features: first, the dead were typically buried with their heads oriented towards the north; second, commonly used items such as pottery, ornaments, and tools were often placed in the graves alongside the deceased. These practices suggest a belief in an afterlife and highlight a shared cultural tradition among different Harappan settlements. Although burial in a sitting posture was found occasionally, it was not a widespread or defining feature of their burial system.

38′. Ans. (Growing wheat and cotton) Sol. The Harappan civilization made a significant contribution to agriculture by being among the earliest known societies to cultivate both wheat and cotton. Archaeological findings from sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa provide evidence of wheat grains and cotton seeds, indicating their knowledge of systematic farming. While other ancient civilizations also grew grains, the cultivation of cotton in the Harappan region is particularly noteworthy as it predates its use in other parts of the world. This early use of cotton for making textiles marked a major advancement in human material culture.

Sol. In the correct matching: Harappa is known for the discovery of workmen’s quarters, reflecting organized labor and urban planning; Lothal is associated with a dockyard, evidencing maritime trade and ship-building capabilities; Kalibangan is notable for revealing furrowed agricultural fields, indicating early ploughing methods; and Mohenjo Daro is famous for the bronze statue of the “Dancing Girl,” symbolizing the artistic and metallurgical skills of the Harappan people. These significant finds provide a clear picture of the socio-economic and cultural advancements of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Sol. The people of the Indus Valley Civilization used a variety of practical tools and implements made mainly of copper, bronze, and stone, such as needles, razors, sickles, ploughs, grinding stones, pestles, and querns. These tools were essential for their agricultural, domestic, and craft activities. However, there is no archaeological evidence suggesting the use of forks and spoons during that period. Their eating habits were more straightforward, often involving the use of hands rather than specialized utensils like forks and spoons, which became common in much later civilizations.

Sol. Indo-Aryan languages are a major branch of the Indo-European language family, including languages like Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali, and others. Avesta, though closely related, belongs to the Iranian group within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family. English, while a Germanic language, is also part of the Indo-European family. Persian, similarly, belongs to the Iranian group under Indo-Iranian. However, Arabic is a Semitic language, belonging to the Afro-Asiatic family, and is completely distinct from the Indo-European languages, making it the one that is not considered Indo-Aryan.

Sol. Several practices in modern Hinduism, such as Shakti worship, worship of Shiva as Pashupati (Lord of Animals), and the symbolic worship of Shiva-linga, trace their origins back to the religious traditions of the Harappan Civilization, as indicated by numerous seals and artifacts. However, the concept of dedicating grand temples exclusively to a specific deity evolved much later, particularly during the post-Vedic period and early historic times. The Harappan religious practices were more centered around nature worship and small cultic shrines rather than elaborate temple structures devoted to individual deities.

Sol. Matching the places with their respective excavators: Harappa was excavated by Daya Ram Sahni, marking the initial discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization. Chanhudaro was excavated by N.G. Majumdar, who conducted significant research on this site known for its craft specialization. Kalibangan was excavated by B.B. Lal and Kamlanand Ghose, who unearthed its early evidence of ploughed fields and fire altars. Mohenjodaro was excavated by Rakhal Das Banerjee, who played a key role in bringing this major urban center to light. These excavators contributed greatly to the understanding of the Harappan Civilization.

Sol. In the Harappan Civilization, the predominant use of burnt bricks instead of stone for building construction was mainly due to the scarcity of stone in the Indus Valley region. The natural environment provided ample supply of clay, making brick-making both practical and efficient. Although burnt bricks also offered durability and some protection against floods, the primary reason for their widespread use was the unavailability of good quality stone nearby. Additionally, without iron tools, working with stone would have been more challenging, but the decisive factor remained the easy access to clay resources.

Sol. Archaeological discoveries from Indus Valley sites have revealed the use of copper mirrors, ivory combs, and antimony rods, indicating a developed sense of personal grooming and cosmetic practices among the people. Copper mirrors reflect the advancement in metallurgy, ivory combs show skilled craftsmanship, and antimony rods were used for applying eye makeup. However, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that hair-dyes were commonly known or used by the Harappans, making it the cosmetic item not typically associated with their culture.

Sol. The Harappan Civilization is notably recognized for being among the earliest cultures to grow and utilize cotton, as confirmed by archaeological evidence such as cotton fibers found at sites like Mohenjodaro. Contrary to other options, the standard Harappan seals were typically made of steatite, not clay; the Harappans were well-versed in the use of copper and bronze for tools and ornaments; and the civilization was predominantly urban, with well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, rather than being solely rural.

Sol. In the religious life of the Indus Valley Civilization, considerable importance was given to nature worship, including reverence for trees like pipal and acacia. The tree of life frequently appears on seals, symbolizing fertility and life forces. Amulets and charms discovered at sites suggest that people believed in protecting themselves against evil spirits. However, unlike the Vedic period where male deities were dominant, the Indus civilization showed significant evidence of female figurines, often linked to mother goddess worship, indicating that female deities likely held a central position rather than male ones.

Sol. The seals found at Harappan sites served multiple purposes, combining both commercial and ritualistic functions. Commercially, they were likely used for trade and identification of goods, as suggested by the inscriptions and animal motifs, possibly indicating ownership or origin. Ritually, some seals depict deities, sacred symbols, and mythological scenes, suggesting their use in religious practices or as amulets. Their widespread discovery across various sites underscores their integral role in both economic transactions and spiritual or cultural expressions within the Harappan society.

Sol. The identification of South Russia/Central Asia as the original homeland of the Aryans is primarily based on philological evidence. Comparative study of Indo-European languages has shown strong linguistic similarities that point to a common origin in this region. By analyzing the evolution, spread, and interrelation of these languages, scholars have traced the movement of Aryan-speaking peoples from South Russia/Central Asia into different parts of Europe and Asia. Anthropological, racial, and archaeological evidence have supplemented these findings but are not the primary basis for this conclusion.

Sol. The towns and cities of the Harappan Civilization were systematically laid out in a grid pattern, dividing the settlements into large rectangular blocks. Streets crossed each other at right angles, creating well-organized residential and commercial areas. This advanced town planning reflects a high degree of civic organization and engineering skill. The use of rectangular blocks ensured better management of space, drainage, and movement within the urban centers, distinguishing Harappan cities from many other ancient settlements of the same period.

Sol. A seal showing the Mother Goddess with a plant emerging from her womb was discovered at Harappa, highlighting the agricultural and fertility aspects of Harappan religious beliefs. This depiction symbolizes the people’s reverence for fertility, growth, and nature, central themes in their spiritual life. The association of the Mother Goddess with vegetation also suggests that the Harappans viewed fertility as vital not only for human reproduction but also for agricultural prosperity, which was fundamental to their economy and sustenance.

Sol. The theory of the double invasion of India by the Aryans was proposed by Dr. Hoernle. According to this theory, the Aryan migration into India occurred in two distinct waves: the first group settled in the Punjab region, while the second group entered through the northwestern mountain passes like Gilgit and Chitral and eventually occupied the midland areas. This explanation attempted to account for the cultural and linguistic differences observed within the early Vedic communities. Dr. Hoernle’s theory reflects an early attempt to understand the complex patterns of Aryan movement and settlement in the Indian subcontinent.

Sol. The “Sapta Sindhu,” or the land of the Seven Rivers, refers to the region comprising the Indus and its principal tributaries—namely the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and the now-dried Saraswati river—along with the Indus itself. This area covered parts of present-day eastern Pakistan and northwestern India and served as the heartland of the early Aryan settlements during the Rigvedic period. It provided fertile plains ideal for agriculture and supported the growth of early Aryan society through its abundant water resources and rich soil.

Sol. Matching the sites with their respective excavators: Harappa was excavated by Daya Ram Sahni, who first uncovered the civilization’s existence in 1921; Mohenjodaro was excavated by Rakhaldas Banerji, who identified the significance of this site; Lothal was excavated by S.R. Rao, revealing its importance as a dockyard and trade center; and Kalibangan was excavated by Amalananda Ghosh, who brought to light evidence of early ploughed fields and ritualistic structures. This mapping correctly reflects the contributions of the respective archaeologists to the study of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Sol. The Indus Culture, or Harappan Civilization, originated in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, covering areas of present-day Pakistan and western India, thus making statement 1 correct. However, it is not older than the Chalcolithic cultures; in fact, the Harappan Civilization itself is classified as a Bronze Age culture, which developed after early Chalcolithic societies. Also, during the third and second millennium BC, although Harappan civilization was extensive, the statement about “third and second century BC” is inaccurate and misplaced chronologically. Furthermore, the Harappan Civilization was more advanced than the earlier Chalcolithic cultures in terms of urban planning, metallurgy, and socio-economic complexity.

Sol. Archaeological evidence from Harappan sites supports both statements. Thick layers of silt deposits have been found at Harappa, suggesting flooding or strong wind action that led to the accumulation of sand and silt, sometimes burying structures up to 30 feet. Additionally, human skeletons discovered lying in streets at sites like Mohenjo Daro indicate a sudden calamity or violence, contributing to theories about the civilization’s abrupt decline. These findings collectively point towards environmental, social, and possibly violent factors leading to the collapse of the Harappan Civilization.

Sol. The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro was a remarkable structure made with baked bricks, confirming statement 1. Its dimensions—approximately 12 meters in length, 7 meters in breadth, and 2.5 meters in depth—align with archaeological findings, validating statement 2. There is no evidence that the outer walls were plastered with Plaster of Paris; instead, they were coated with a thick layer of bitumen to make them watertight, making statement 3 incorrect. Statement 4 is correct, as rooms believed to be priests’ residences were situated around the Great Bath, suggesting that it was used for ritualistic bathing by a privileged group on special ceremonial occasions.

Sol. The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro had staircases leading into the tank from both the northern and southern sides. These stairs allowed people to descend into and ascend from the water easily, indicating careful architectural planning for ritualistic bathing practices. There is no archaeological evidence of stairways on the eastern or western sides of the tank. The presence of stairs on opposite sides suggests organized movement and possibly regulated entry and exit during ceremonial functions.

Sol. The Indus Valley Civilization is referred to as non-Aryan primarily because its cultural and religious practices, as well as its script, differed significantly from those of the later Vedic Aryans. The worship of the Mother Goddess indicates a fertility-based religious system, contrasting with the male-dominated pantheon of the Aryans. Additionally, the Indus script is pictographic, consisting of symbols and images rather than the alphabetic script used by the Aryans. Both these aspects underline the distinct, non-Aryan character of the Harappan culture.

Sol. The Indus Valley Civilization was among the earliest cultures to grow and use cotton, as evidenced by remains found at sites like Mohenjodaro. They also employed a highly sophisticated grid system in city planning, with streets intersecting at right angles, reflecting advanced urban design. However, regarding burial practices, while burial was common, there is also some evidence of cremation, making statement 2 not universally correct. Additionally, baked bricks, not stone, were the chief building material, due to the limited availability of good quality stone in the region, rendering statement 4 incorrect.

Sol. Several factors contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. The continuous fall in foreign trade weakened the economic base of the civilization, especially its trading links with Mesopotamia. Changing monsoon patterns leading to reduced rainfall caused agricultural difficulties, resulting in food scarcity and migration. Overgrazing by domesticated animals could have degraded the pasture lands, further affecting agriculture and settlement sustainability. There is no strong evidence to suggest that the rule of weak foreign powers directly caused the decline, making statement 3 incorrect.

Sol. A terracotta model of a plough was discovered at Banawali, an important site of the Harappan Civilization located in present-day Haryana. This finding highlights the agricultural practices of the Harappans and suggests that they were familiar with plough-based farming techniques. Although Kalibangan provides evidence of actual furrowed fields, the model plough itself was specifically found at Banawali, reflecting the civilization’s reliance on advanced farming tools for their agricultural economy.

Sol. The city of Dholavira, located in present-day Gujarat, was uniquely designed in the form of a large parallelogram and featured an elaborate system of fortifications around its divisions, confirming statement 1. At Kalibangan, archaeological excavations revealed a ploughed field with a distinct crisscross pattern of furrows outside the fortified town wall, providing early evidence of agricultural practices based on systematic field layout, thereby making statement 2 also correct. Both discoveries reflect the advanced planning and agricultural sophistication of the Harappan Civilization.

Sol. Lothal is famous for its dockyard, evidencing maritime activities, making it linked to option 2. Kalibangan revealed the presence of a ploughed field, an early instance of organized agriculture, corresponding to option 1. Dholavira is notable for an inscription comprising ten large-sized signs of the Harappan script, which is associated with option 4. Banawali yielded a terracotta replica of a plough, matching with option 3. These findings collectively illustrate the diverse advancements of various Harappan sites in trade, agriculture, script, and technology.