Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the latest excavations at Lothal (2025–26):
- The renewed scientific exploration has yielded tiny gold particles, suggesting potential metal-working or high-value trade.
- Interdisciplinary research using fish remains (otoliths) is being used to determine the freshwater ecosystem of the Harappan era.
- Lothal is the only Harappan site to show evidence of a fortified citadel alongside a dockyard.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(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
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — Gold micro-particles indicate advanced metallurgy/trade networks.
- Statement 2: Correct — Otolith analysis helps reconstruct palaeo-environment and aquatic systems.
- Statement 3: Incorrect — Fortified citadels are common (e.g., Mohenjo-daro, Harappa); Lothal is not unique.
Q2. Which of the following Harappan sites is correctly matched with its unique archaeological finding?
(a) Banawali: Earliest evidence of a ploughed field
(b) Surkotada: Only site with remains of horse bones
(c) Dholavira: Evidence of a wooden coffin burial
(d) Chanhu-daro: A unique three-tier settlement
Correct Answer: (b) Surkotada
Explanation:
- (a) Incorrect — Ploughed field evidence is from Kalibangan.
- (b) Correct — Horse bone remains reported at Surkotada (though debated).
- (c) Incorrect — Coffin burial found at Harappa.
- (d) Incorrect — Three-tier town planning is a feature of Dholavira; Chanhu-daro lacked a citadel.
Q3. With reference to the “Pashupati Mahadeva” seal found at Mohenjo-daro, which of the following animals is NOT depicted on it?
(a) Elephant
(b) Tiger
(c) Rhinoceros
(d) Cow
Correct Answer: (d) Cow
Explanation:
- Seal depicts elephant, tiger, rhinoceros, buffalo, and deer.
- Cow is absent → important factual trap for Prelims.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding town planning in the Indus Valley Civilization:
- Streets were laid out in a grid pattern with right-angle intersections.
- Drainage systems were covered and connected to a larger sewage network.
- Houses were generally constructed using baked bricks with uniform proportions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
- All statements reflect advanced urban planning → hallmark of Harappan cities.
- Standardization (brick ratio 1:2:4) indicates centralised control or strong civic norms.
Q5. Which of the following statements regarding the Harappan script and communication systems is most accurate?
A. The script was primarily alphabetic, consisting of roughly 26 distinct characters used for administrative records.
B. Inscriptions were found exclusively on large stone pillars located at the entrance of major cities like Harappa.
C. The script has been fully deciphered by linguists, confirming it as a precursor to the Brahmi script.
D. The writing was typically Boustrophedon, meaning it was written from right to left in the first line and left to right in the next.
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — Script is not alphabetic; contains ~400–600 signs (logo-syllabic nature).
- B: Incorrect — Found on seals, tablets, pottery; not on monumental pillars.
- C: Incorrect — Still undeciphered; no confirmed link with Brahmi.
- D: Correct — Evidence suggests right-to-left writing, occasionally boustrophedon pattern.
