Indus Valley Civilization: Explore 40+ MCQs with Answers

Are you curious about history and the stories of people who lived long ago? In this article, we're going to explore the fascinating world of the Harappan and Indus Valley Civilization. It's like opening a time capsule to peek into the past. But we're going to make this journey of discovery easy and fun with a series of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

These questions are designed to be simple and straightforward, and also, we want to make sure that everyone, regardless of their background, can join in and enjoy learning about this ancient civilization.

So, get ready to take a step back in time with us and have some educational fun as we explore the Indus Valley Civilization. Let's start our learning adventure!

All important sites and findings of Indus valley civilization:

Site	Excavated by	Location	Important Findings
Harappa	First excavated by Sir Alexender Cunningham in 1872-73. Brief excavation started by Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahini in 1920	Ravi, Montgomery district, Punjab (Pakistan)	Sandstone statues, granaries, bullock carts
Mohenjodaro	R.D Banerjee in 1922	Indus, Larkana district, Punjab (Pakistan)	Great bath, granary, bronze dancing girl, seal of Pasupathi Mahadeva
Sutkagendor	Stein in 1929	Balochistan province, Pakistan, Dast river	Trade point between Harappa and Babylon
Chanhudaro	N.G Majumdar in March, 1931	Sindh, Indus river	Bead makers shop, footprint of a dog chasing a cat
Amri	N.G Majumdar in 1929	Bank of Indus river	Antelope evidence
Kalibangan	Ghose in 1953	Rajasthan, Ghaggar river	Fire altar, camel bones, wooden plough
Lothal	R. Rao in 1953	Gujarat, Bhogva river near Gulf of Cambay	First manmade port, dockyard, rice husk, fire altars, chess playing
Surkotada	J.P Joshi in 1964	Gujarat	Bones of horses, beads
Banawali	R.S Bisht in 1974	Hisar district, Haryana	Beads, barley, evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan culture
Dholavira	R.S Bisht in 1985	Gujarat, Rann of Kachchh	Water harnessing system, water reservoir

1. In which modern-day countries did the Indus Valley Civilization flourish?

[A] India and China

[B] Pakistan and Western India

[C] Egypt and Mesopotamia

[D] China and Mesopotamia

Answer: B) Pakistan and Western India 

Explanation: Indus Valley Civilization existed in modern-day Pakistan and Western India, in the western region of South Asia.

2. Who announced the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization to the world in 1924?

[A] Daya Ram Sahini

[B] R.D Banerjee

[C] John Marshall

[D] R.S Bisht

Answer: C) John Marshall 

Explanation:Explanation: John Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announced the discovery in 1924.

3. Which site in the Indus Valley had sandstone statues of human anatomy and granaries?

[A] Harappa

[B] Mohenjodaro

[C] Kalibangan

[D] Lothal

Answer: A) Harappa 

Explanation:Explanation: Harappa, excavated by Daya Ram Sahini in 1921, had sandstone statues and granaries.

4. What significant structure was found in Mohenjodaro, besides the Great Bath and Bronze dancing girl?

[A] Fire altar

[B] Rice husk

[C] Steatite statue of a bearded man

[D] Water harnessing system

Answer: C) Steatite statue of a bearded man 

Explanation:Explanation: Mohenjodaro had the Great Bath, Bronze dancing girl, and a steatite statue of a bearded man, among other findings.

5. Which phase of the Indus Valley Civilization is related to the Hakra Phase in the Ghaggar-Hakra River Valley?

[A] Early Harappan Phase

[B] Mature Harappan Phase

[C] Late Harappan Phase

[D] Kot Diji Phase

Answer: A) Early Harappan Phase 

Explanation:Explanation: The Hakra Phase, found in the Ghaggar-Hakra River Valley, is connected to the Early Harappan Phase.

6. Which Indus Valley site is known for its water harnessing system and water reservoir?

[A] Kalibangan

[B] Lothal

[C] Dholavira

[D] Chanhudaro

Answer: C) Dholavira 

Explanation:Explanation: Dholavira in Gujarat is known for its water harnessing system and water reservoir.

7. What river was Lothal in Gujarat situated on?

[A] Ganges

[B] Yamuna

[C] Bhogva

[D] Sarasvati

Answer: C) Bhogva 

Explanation:Explanation: Lothal in Gujarat was situated on the Bhogva river near the Gulf of Cambay.

8. Which Harappan site is associated with the evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan cultures?

[A] Banawali

[B] Surkotada

[C] Amri

[D] Mohenjodaro

Answer: A) Banawali 

Explanation:Banawali in Hisar district of Haryana is associated with evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan cultures.

9. During which phase did the Indus Valley Civilization enter into a mature stage, with large urban centers like Harappa and Mohenjodaro?

[A] Early Harappan Phase

[B] Mature Harappan Phase

[C] Late Harappan Phase

[D] Kot Diji Phase

Answer: B) Mature Harappan Phase 

Explanation:By 2600 BC, during the Mature Harappan Phase, the Indus Valley Civilization entered into a mature stage.

10. What crops were grown during the Early Harappan Phase?

[A] Wheat and barley

[B] Rice and chickpeas

[C] Millets and sesame seeds

[D] Peas and lentils

Answer: D) Peas and lentils 

Explanation:During the Early Harappan Phase, crops like peas, sesame seeds, dates, cotton, etc., were grown.

11. Which city represents the phase leading up to the Mature Harappan Phase?

[A] Kot Diji

[B] Amri

[C] Chanhudaro

[D] Kalibangan

Answer: A) Kot Diji 

Explanation: The period preceding the Mature Harappan Phase is represented by Kot Diji.

12. What signals indicated the Indus River Valley Civilization's slow downfall around 1800 BC?

[A] Invasion by Aryans

[B] Geological and climatic factors

[C] Shifts in river courses

[D] Drying up of rivers

Answer: B) Geological and climatic factors 

Explanation:The signs of decline are believed to be influenced by geological and climatic factors.

13. What characterized the town planning of Harappa and Mohenjodaro?

[A] Circular layout

[B] Grid system

[C] Radial arrangement

[D] Random distribution

Answer: B) Grid system 

Explanation:The cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro followed a grid system in their town planning.

14. What was below the citadel in Harappa and Mohenjodaro?

[A] Marketplaces

[B] Granaries

[C] Lower town with brick houses

[D] Temples

Answer: C) Lower town with brick houses 

Explanation: In every city, there was a lower town with brick homes where the common people lived beneath the citadel.

15. What was remarkable about the use of bricks in Harappan cities compared to contemporary buildings in Egypt?

[A] They were larger in size

[B] They were made of stone

[C] They were burnt bricks

[D] They were painted

Answer: C) They were burnt bricks 

Explanation:The Harappan cities used burnt bricks, while contemporary buildings in Egypt mainly used dried bricks.

16. Which Harappan city had an impressive drainage system?

[A] Harappa

[B] Mohenjodaro

[C] Lothal

[D] Kalibangan

Answer: B) Mohenjodaro 

Explanation:Mohenjodaro had a very impressive drainage system.

17. In which region were most Harappan villages situated?

[A] Mountainous regions

[B] Coastal areas

[C] Desert regions

[D] Near flood plains

Answer: D) Near flood plains 

Explanation: Since most Harappan villages were located close to river plains, there was an ample supply of foodgrains.

18. What crops were produced in Harappan villages?

[A] Rice and wheat

[B] Barley and rai

[C] Millets and chickpea

[D] Lentils and sesame

Answer: B) Barley and rai 

Explanation:Harappan villages produced crops like wheat, barley, rai, peas, sesame, lentil, chickpea, and mustard.

19. What animal was known and used for plowing in the Indus Valley Civilization?

[A] Horse

[B] Elephant

[C] Bull

[D] Tiger

Answer: C) Bull 

Explanation: It is evident from depictions on seals and terracotta sculpture that the bull was well-known and frequently utilized for plowing.

20. What trade networks were established during the Early Harappan Phase?

[A] Trade with Europe

[B] Trade with China

[C] Trade with Mesopotamia

[D] Trade with Africa

Answer: C) Trade with Mesopotamia 

Explanation:During the Early Harappan Phase, trade networks were established, including trade with Mesopotamia.

21. What evidence supports the belief that the Harappans practiced navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea?

[A] Boat-making

[B] Seals with uniform script

[C] Metal money

[D] Bead making

Answer: A) Boat-making 

Explanation: The Harappans were skilled boat builders, which suggests they were able to navigate the Arabian Sea coast.

22. In what part of northern Afghanistan did the Harappans establish their trading colony?

[A] Shortughai

[B] Banawali

[C] Surkotada

[D] Dholavira

Answer: A) Shortughai 

Explanation: At Shortughai, in northern Afghanistan, the Harappans established a trading colony.

23. What material was used for making metal objects like Bronze by the Harappans?

[A] Iron

[B] Gold

[C] Copper and Tin

[D] Silver

Answer: C) Copper and Tin 

Explanation:The Harappans were well acquainted with the manufacturing and use of Bronze, made from copper and tin.

24. What craft involved the production of glossy and shining pottery in the Harappan civilization?

[A] Metalworking

[B] Pottery

[C] Bead making

[D] Boat-making

Answer: B) Pottery 

Explanation:The Harappans produced their own characteristic glossy and shining pottery.

25. What important craft is suggested by the existence of huge brick structures in the Harappan civilization?

[A] Metalworking

[B] Pottery

[C] Brick-laying

[D] Seal-making

Answer: C) Brick-laying 

Explanation:Huge brick structures suggest that brick-laying was an important craft in the Harappan civilization.

26. What precious stones were used by the Harappan goldsmiths in making jewelry?

[A] Diamonds

[B] Sapphires

[C] Emeralds

[D] Lapis Lazuli

Answer: D) Lapis Lazuli 

Explanation:The Harappans carried on long-distance trade in lapis lazuli, which was used in making jewelry.

27. What is the significance of the presence of seals, uniform script, and regulated weights and measures in the Indus Valley Civilization?

[A] Sign of religious practices

[B] Sign of a centralized government

[C] Sign of technological advancements

[D] Sign of cultural diversity

Answer: B) Sign of a centralized government 

Explanation:The presence of seals, uniform script, and regulated weights and measures suggests a centralized government in the Indus Valley Civilization.

28. What has made the deciphering of the Indus script difficult for scholars?

[A] Lack of written materials

[B] Complexity of the script

[C] Erasure of inscriptions

[D] Lack of skilled linguists

Answer: A) Lack of written materials 

Explanation:Very few written materials have been discovered in the Indus Valley, making the deciphering of the script difficult.

29. What theory suggests that Harappan society had no rulers, and everyone enjoyed equal status?

[A] Aryan invasion theory

[B] Merchant ruling class theory

[C] Priest ruling theory

[D] Equal status theory

Answer: D) Equal status theory 

Explanation:Some archaeologists suggest that Harappan society had no rulers, and everyone enjoyed equal status.

30. Which deity is depicted in the Harappan religion as a seal with three horned heads and animals surrounding it?

[A] Shiva

[B] Vishnu

[C] Pushupati Mahadeva

[D] Durga

Answer: C) Pushupati Mahadeva 

Explanation: In the religion of the Harappans, the god depicted on a seal with three horned heads is known as Pushupati Mahadeva.

31. What is the significance of the one-horned unicorn in the Harappan religion?

[A] Fertility symbol

[B] Symbol of power

[C] Symbol of war

[D] Symbol of trade

Answer: A) Fertility symbol 

Explanation:The one-horned unicorn is considered a fertility symbol in the Harappan religion.

32. According to one theory, what tribe invaded and conquered the Indus Valley Civilization?

[A] Dravidians

[B] Aryans

[C] Persians

[D] Greeks

Answer: B) Aryans 

Explanation:One theory suggests that the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization was due to an invasion by the Aryans.

33. What natural factors are believed to have contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?

[A] Earthquakes

[B] Volcanic eruptions

[C] Meteor strikes

[D] Tornadoes

Answer: A) Earthquakes 

Explanation:Geological factors, including earthquakes, are believed to have contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

34. What is another natural reason suggested for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?

[A] Changes in patterns of rainfall

[B] Drought

[C] Floods

[D] Cyclones

Answer: A) Changes in patterns of rainfall 

Explanation:Changes in patterns of rainfall are suggested as another natural reason for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

35. What signals the Indus Valley Civilization's gradual but inevitable collapse?

[A] Invasion by Aryans

[B] Geological and climatic factors

[C] Trade disruptions

[D] Internal conflicts

Answer: B) Geological and climatic factors 

Explanation: The gradual but inevitable collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization is attributed to geological and climatic factors.

36. What material was predominantly used in the construction of buildings in the Indus Valley Civilization, making them different from contemporary Egyptian structures?

[A] Dried mud bricks

[B] Stone

[C] Wood

[D] Burnt bricks

Answer: D) Burnt bricks 

Explanation:The Indus Valley Civilization predominantly used burnt bricks for building construction, in contrast to contemporary Egyptian structures that mainly used dried mud bricks.

37. What river is associated with the Harappan site of Kalibangan in Rajasthan?

[A] Ganges

[B] Yamuna

[C] Ghaggar-Hakra

[D] Indus

Answer: C) Ghaggar-Hakra 

Explanation:Kalibangan in Rajasthan is associated with the Ghaggar-Hakra river.

38. Which of the following animals was NOT worshipped or considered sacred in the Harappan religion?

[A] Bull

[B] Rhinoceros

[C] Elephant

[D] Tiger

Answer: C) Elephant 

Explanation:While the bull, rhinoceros, and tiger were associated with the Harappan religion, there is no significant evidence of elephant worship.

39. What was the primary material used for making seals in the Indus Valley Civilization?

[A] Wood

[B] Copper

[C] Stone

[D] Terracotta

Answer: D) Terracotta 

Explanation:Terracotta was the primary material used for making seals in the Indus Valley Civilization.

40. What aspect of the Indus Valley Civilization's town planning is notable in sites like Dholavira and Lothal?

[A] Fortifications

[B] Circular layout

[C] Geometric road networks

[D] Monolithic temples

Answer: A) Fortifications 

Explanation:Sites like Dholavira and Lothal had fortifications, indicating the presence of walls for protection and security.

Reference

• Drishti IAS. Indus Valley Civilization

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