Static Quiz 26 November 2025 (Ancient History)

Q1. Which of the following were common to both Harappa and Mohenjo-daro?

1. Citadel and lower town
2. Great Bath
3. Granaries

How many are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three

Correct Answer: (a) Only one

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct
  • Both sites show distinct citadel (western mound) and lower town (eastern mound).
  • Standard feature of Harappan urban planning.
• 2 – Incorrect
  • Great Bath is found only at Mohenjo-daro.
  • No parallel structure attested at Harappa.
• 3 – Incorrect
  • Granary structures definitively identified only at Harappa.
  • At Mohenjo-daro, structures once called granaries are now considered doubtful due to lack of grain remains.

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Q2. The Harappan script

1. Is largely pictorial
2. Has been deciphered
3. Is written from right to left in most inscriptions

How many are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (a) Only one

Explanation:

• 1 – Incorrect
  • Script contains pictographs + linear signs; not “largely pictorial”. Majority of signs are abstract.
• 2 – Incorrect
  • Script remains undeciphered; no bilingual text discovered.
• 3 – Correct
  • Directionality confirmed by:
    • Indented final sign,
    • Overlapping symbols,
    • Short inscriptions showing right-to-left flow.

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Q3. Which of the following materials were used by Harappans for crafts?

1. Lapis lazuli
2. Carnelian
3. Steatite
4. Shell

How many are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2, 3
(c) 2, 3, 4
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (d) All four

Explanation:

• Lapis lazuli → imported from Badakhshan (Afghanistan).
• Carnelian → bead-making centres at Lothal & Chanhudaro.
• Steatite → used for seals, beads, tokens.
• Shell → craft at Nageshwar & Balakot; used for bangles, ornaments.

All four materials widely attested across excavated sites.

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Q4. The famous “Dancing Girl” bronze figurine was found at:

(a) Harappa
(b) Mohenjo-daro
(c) Chanhudaro
(d) Lothal

Correct Answer: (b) Mohenjo-daro

Explanation:

• Bronze statue (~10.5 cm tall) created by lost-wax technique.
• Found in HR area of Mohenjo-daro.
• Indicative of advanced metallurgical skill and performing art tradition.

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Q5. Which of the following animals were NOT known to the Indus people?

1. Horse
2. Camel
3. Elephant
4. Tiger

How many are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Horse – Not known
  • Very rare, doubtful remains; no confirmed horse depiction in seals.
  • True domesticated horse culture absent.
• Camel – Not commonly used; limited evidence
  • Rare bones found but not part of main Harappan fauna → treated as “not known” in the question context.
• Elephant – Known
  • Multiple seals depict elephants.
• Tiger – Known
  • Seals showing tigers found at Harappa, Mohenjo-daro.

Hence only horse and camel fit the “not known” category.

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