Indus Valley MCQs

Q31. Who, as Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, supervised major excavations and announced the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization to the world in the 1920s?

(A) Wheeler
(B) Marshall
(C) Cunningham
(D) Sahni
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Correct Answer: (B) Marshall
Notes: John Marshall led systematic excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro and formally announced the civilization in 1924. His work established its antiquity and urban character, making it a major discovery in Indian archaeology.

Q32. The elevated citadel area in cities of the Indus Valley Civilization was primarily reserved for which purpose?

(A) Residence
(B) Public buildings
(C) Farming
(D) Burial
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Correct Answer: (B) Public buildings
Notes: The citadel housed important public structures like granaries, assembly halls, and the Great Bath (at Mohenjo-daro). Its raised position suggests administrative, religious, or public functions rather than ordinary residential use.

Q33. The urban sanitation and drainage system of the Indus Valley Civilization is best described as:

(A) Poor
(B) Absent
(C) Advanced
(D) Temporary
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Correct Answer: (C) Advanced
Notes: Harappan cities had well-planned covered drains, soak pits, and house-to-street connections. Sites like Mohenjo-daro show systematic waste disposal, reflecting exceptional civic planning unmatched by many contemporary civilizations.

Q34. The Indus Valley Civilization site of Dholavira is especially noted for its advanced urban planning feature of:

(A) Seals
(B) Water system
(C) Weapons
(D) Trade
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Correct Answer: (B) Water system
Notes: Dholavira is famous for its sophisticated water conservation system, including reservoirs, stepwells, and channels. Located in a semi-arid region, it demonstrates the Harappans’ exceptional skill in rainwater harvesting and resource management.

Q35. The Indus Valley Civilization site of Banawali is located in which present-day Indian state?

(A) Gujarat
(B) Punjab
(C) Haryana
(D) Rajasthan
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Correct Answer: (C) Haryana
Notes: Banawali, situated in Haryana, is an important Harappan site showing both pre-Harappan and mature Harappan phases. Excavations reveal well-planned houses, fortifications, and artifacts, highlighting its role in regional urban development.

Q36. The Indus Valley Civilization site of Kalibangan is located in which present-day state?

(A) Punjab
(B) Gujarat
(C) Rajasthan
(D) UP
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Correct Answer: (C) Rajasthan
Notes: Kalibangan, situated on the banks of the Ghaggar River in Rajasthan, is known for its fire altars and ploughed field evidence. It provides crucial insights into Harappan agricultural practices and religious rituals.

Q37. Which of the following crops was NOT known to the people of the Indus Valley Civilization, based on archaeological evidence of agriculture?

(A) Wheat
(B) Barley
(C) Rice
(D) Maize
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Correct Answer: (D) Maize
Notes: Wheat and barley were staple crops, and rice is found at some later sites like Lothal. Maize, however, originated in the Americas and was introduced to the Indian subcontinent much later, making it unknown to the Harappans.

Q38. The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization, often bearing animal motifs and script, were primarily used for which purpose?

(A) Decoration
(B) Trade
(C) Religion
(D) Warfare
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Correct Answer: (B) Trade
Notes: Harappan seals were mainly used for trade and administrative purposes, such as marking goods, identifying ownership, and sealing cargo. Their standardized designs suggest a regulated system of commerce, possibly linked to long-distance trade networks.

Q39. Terracotta figurines discovered at sites of the Indus Valley Civilization are generally interpreted as representations of:

(A) Kings
(B) Daily life
(C) War
(D) Trade
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Correct Answer: (B) Daily life
Notes: These figurines depict humans, animals, and deities in simple forms, reflecting everyday activities, dress, and cultural practices. Many female figurines are linked to fertility beliefs, providing insight into social and religious aspects of Harappan life.

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