Class 6 Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation MCQs
1. What is one of the key characteristics of a civilization as defined in the text?
(A) A single leader
(B) Nomadic lifestyle
(C) Some form of government and administration
(D) Absence of trade
Answer
Answer: (C) Some form of government and administration
2. The Indus-Sarasvatī Civilization is also known as which of the following?
(A) Mohenjo-Daro Civilization
(B) Harappan Civilization
(C) Aryan Civilization
(D) Vedic Civilization
Answer
Answer: (B) Harappan Civilization
3. Around what year did the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization begin to develop urban settlements?
(A) 3000 BCE
(B) 4000 BCE
(C) 2500 BCE
(D) 2000 BCE
Answer
Answer: (A) 3000 BCE
4. Which river is primarily associated with the Harappan civilization?
(A) Ganges
(B) Sarasvatī
(C) Narmada
(D) Indus
Answer
Answer: (D) Indus
5. What did the author, B.B. Lal, suggest about the social structure of the Harappan civilization?
(A) It was highly exploitative
(B) It was characterized by glaring wealth disparities
(C) It exhibited mutual accommodation
(D) It was strictly hierarchical
Answer
Answer: (C) It exhibited mutual accommodation
6. What is one of the basic characteristics of a civilization as described in the text?
(A) Absence of trade
(B) Primitive farming
(C) Urbanism and town-planning
(D) Nomadic lifestyle
Answer
Answer: (C) Urbanism and town-planning
7. In which region did the Indus-Sarasvatī Civilization primarily develop?
(A) Western Ghats
(B) Northern Plains
(C) Northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent
(D) Eastern Coastal Plains
Answer
Answer: (C) Northwest region of the Indian Subcontinent
8. The Indus-Sarasvatī Civilization is known to have grown into cities around which year?
(A) 1500 BCE
(B) 500 BCE
(C) 2600 BCE
(D) 3200 BCE
Answer
Answer: (C) 2600 BCE
9. What was the primary reason the plains of Punjab and Sindh were favorable for agriculture during the Harappan period?
(A) Mountainous terrain
(B) Desert land
(C) The Indus River and its tributaries made the land fertile
(D) Forest cover
Answer
Answer: (C) The Indus River and its tributaries made the land fertile
10. What is the main reason the inhabitants of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization are called ‘Harappans’?
(A) Harappa was the first city to be discovered and excavated
(B) Harappa was the largest city
(C) They named themselves ‘Harappans’
(D) Harappa was their religious center
Answer
Answer: (A) Harappa was the first city to be discovered and excavated
11. Which civilization is referred to as the ‘First Urbanisation of India’?
(A) Aryan Civilization
(B) Vedic Civilization
(C) Indus-Sarasvatī or Harappan Civilization
(D) Gupta Civilization
Answer
Answer: (C) Indus-Sarasvatī or Harappan Civilization
12. Which city was the first to be discovered from the Harappan Civilization?
(A) Mohenjo-daro
(B) Harappa
(C) Dholavira
(D) Kalibangan
Answer
Answer: (B) Harappa
13. Why is the term ‘Indus Valley Civilization’ considered obsolete by some scholars?
(A) The civilization existed in the Ganges Valley
(B) It extended beyond the Indus Valley
(C) The civilization did not use the Indus River
(D) It was not a valley civilization
Answer
Answer: (B) It extended beyond the Indus Valley
14. Which of the following cities was part of the Sarasvatī basin?
(A) Lothal
(B) Harappa
(C) Rakhigarhi
(D) Mohenjo-daro
Answer
Answer: (C) Rakhigarhi
15. What were the two main parts of most Harappan cities?
(A) Upper and Lower town
(B) Inner and Outer town
(C) North and South town
(D) East and West town
Answer
Answer: (A) Upper and Lower town
16. What was a key feature of Harappan city planning?
(A) Circular street layout
(B) Fortified walls and organized streets
(C) Scattered settlements
(D) Wooden structures
Answer
Answer: (B) Fortified walls and organized streets
17. What was the purpose of the ‘Great Bath’ found in Mohenjo-daro?
(A) Religious rituals
(B) Public bathing
(C) Storage of water
(D) Defense
Answer
Answer: (A) Religious rituals
18. What material was used for waterproofing the ‘Great Bath’?
(A) Clay
(B) Cement
(C) Natural bitumen
(D) Stone
Answer
Answer: (C) Natural bitumen
19. Which aspect of Harappan civilization reflects a high degree of civic planning and organization?
(A) Rural settlements
(B) Individual houses
(C) Water management and drainage systems
(D) Military fortifications
Answer
Answer: (C) Water management and drainage systems
20. How did the Harappans ensure cleanliness in their cities?
(A) Using open drains
(B) Constructing complex drainage systems
(C) Avoiding waste disposal
(D) Burning waste materials
Answer
Answer: (B) Constructing complex drainage systems
21. What was one of the primary sources of water for the Harappans?
(A) Rivers and streams
(B) Rainwater harvesting
(C) Underground wells
(D) Glaciers
Answer
Answer: (A) Rivers and streams
22. Which city had one of the largest reservoirs, measuring 73 meters in length?
(A) Mohenjo-daro
(B) Harappa
(C) Dholavira
(D) Kalibangan
Answer
Answer: (C) Dholavira
23. What does the presence of many wells in Mohenjo-daro indicate?
(A) Deficiency of water
(B) Advanced water management techniques
(C) Seasonal water supply
(D) Isolation from other cities
Answer
Answer: (B) Advanced water management techniques
24. The Harappans were among the first to cultivate which crop?
(A) Wheat
(B) Rice
(C) Cotton
(D) Barley
Answer
Answer: (C) Cotton
25. Which of the following best describes the agricultural practices of the Harappans?
(A) Nomadic herding
(B) Primitive subsistence farming
(C) Advanced and diverse agricultural methods
(D) Reliance on wild gathering
Answer
Answer: (C) Advanced and diverse agricultural methods
26. What were the primary materials used for making tools and pots in the Harappan civilization?
(A) Wood and stone
(B) Copper and bronze
(C) Clay and gold
(D) Iron and clay
Answer
Answer: (B) Copper and bronze
27. Which of the following items was commonly traded by the Harappans?
(A) Silk
(B) Cotton
(C) Wheat
(D) Rice
Answer
Answer: (B) Cotton
28. Which Harappan settlement is noted for its large dockyard used for maritime trade?
(A) Mohenjo-daro
(B) Dholavira
(C) Lothal
(D) Harappa
Answer
Answer: (C) Lothal
29. What does the discovery of small seals in Harappan sites suggest?
(A) Religious practices
(B) Writing systems and trade activities
(C) Military presence
(D) Agricultural surplus
Answer
Answer: (B) Writing systems and trade activities
30. What was a significant aspect of the Harappan economy?
(A) Isolation from other cultures
(B) Strict self-sufficiency
(C) Active trade with distant regions
(D) Lack of craftsmanship
Answer
Answer: (C) Active trade with distant regions
31. What types of goods did the Harappans likely import?
(A) Timber and fish
(B) Copper and precious stones
(C) Grains and textiles
(D) Clay and ceramics
Answer
Answer: (B) Copper and precious stones
32. Which archaeological finding indicates the Harappans had a high degree of craftsmanship?
(A) Simple clay pots
(B) Copper tools
(C) Carnelian beads and intricate ornaments
(D) Wooden sculptures
Answer
Answer: (C) Carnelian beads and intricate ornaments
33. What was the significance of the dockyard discovered in Lothal?
(A) It was used for storage
(B) It facilitated maritime trade
(C) It was a religious site
(D) It was a military base
Answer
Answer: (B) It facilitated maritime trade
34. Which of the following best describes the Harappan trade system?
(A) Local exchange only
(B) Highly developed with international connections
(C) Barter-based without any organization
(D) No trade activities recorded
Answer
Answer: (B) Highly developed with international connections
35. What materials were commonly used to create Harappan seals?
(A) Clay
(B) Steatite
(C) Wood
(D) Metal
Answer
Answer: (B) Steatite
36. What were the primary agricultural products grown by the Harappans?
(A) Cereals, pulses, and cotton
(B) Fruits and spices
(C) Tobacco and sugarcane
(D) Rice and tea
Answer
Answer: (A) Cereals, pulses, and cotton
37. What does the presence of animal bones in Harappan excavations indicate?
(A) Strict vegetarianism
(B) Domestication and consumption of animals
(C) Ritual sacrifice
(D) No interaction with wildlife
Answer
Answer: (B) Domestication and consumption of animals
38. Which of the following objects suggests that Harappans had recreational activities?
(A) Bronze tools
(B) Terracotta whistles and games boards
(C) Cooking pots
(D) Sewing needles
Answer
Answer: (B) Terracotta whistles and games boards
39. The Harappan diet is believed to have included which of the following?
(A) Only cereals
(B) Cereals, dairy, and spices
(C) Exclusively fruits and vegetables
(D) Only meat
Answer
Answer: (B) Cereals, dairy, and spices
40. Which of the following best describes the Harappan trade relations?
(A) Isolated and limited to local villages
(B) Extensive with neighboring and distant regions
(C) Primarily focused on agriculture
(D) Limited to barter with no formal agreements
Answer
Answer: (B) Extensive with neighboring and distant regions
41. What evidence suggests that the Harappans had a sophisticated understanding of water management?
(A) Wells and reservoirs
(B) Only rivers
(C) Rainwater collection
(D) Water storage in pots
Answer
Answer: (A) Wells and reservoirs
42. Which major Harappan city is known for having a large dockyard?
(A) Harappa
(B) Mohenjo-daro
(C) Lothal
(D) Dholavira
Answer
Answer: (C) Lothal
43. What type of seals were used in the Harappan civilization primarily for trade?
(A) Metal seals
(B) Stone seals
(C) Wooden seals
(D) Clay seals
Answer
Answer: (B) Stone seals
44. What was one of the primary materials used to make Harappan ornaments?
(A) Plastic
(B) Glass
(C) Carnelian
(D) Silver
Answer
Answer: (C) Carnelian
45. Which of the following statements is true about the Harappan trade network?
(A) It was limited to local markets
(B) It included trade with Mesopotamia and Persia
(C) It was primarily agricultural
(D) It did not involve any exports
Answer
Answer: (B) It included trade with Mesopotamia and Persia
46. What likely caused the decline of the Harappan civilization around 1900 BCE?
(A) Warfare and invasions
(B) Climatic changes and drought
(C) Trade disruptions
(D) Population explosion
Answer
Answer: (B) Climatic changes and drought
47. Which river’s drying up contributed to the decline of cities like Kalibangan?
(A) Indus River
(B) Ganges River
(C) Sarasvatī River
(D) Yamuna River
Answer
Answer: (C) Sarasvatī River
48. What does the evidence suggest about the Harappans’ military capabilities?
(A) They had a large standing army
(B) They were known for their weapons
(C) They likely had no organized military forces
(D) They engaged in frequent wars
Answer
Answer: (C) They likely had no organized military forces
49. Which two factors are currently agreed upon as contributing to the Harappan decline?
(A) Economic collapse and social unrest
(B) Climate change and the drying of the Sarasvatī River
(C) Invasions and military conflicts
(D) Natural disasters and famine
Answer
Answer: (B) Climate change and the drying of the Sarasvatī River
50. Despite the decline, what aspect of Harappan culture continued to influence future Indian civilizations?
(A) Language and writing systems
(B) Urban planning and agricultural practices
(C) Religious beliefs
(D) Cultural traditions
Answer
Answer: (B) Urban planning and agricultural practices
51. What is one of the primary characteristics of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization mentioned in the text?
(A) Isolation from other cultures
(B) High levels of social inequality
(C) Planned cities with efficient water management
(D) Absence of trade
Answer
Answer: (C) Planned cities with efficient water management
52. How did the Harappan civilization contribute to agriculture?
(A) By introducing nomadic herding
(B) By developing sophisticated farming tools and techniques
(C) By relying solely on wild plants
(D) By abandoning agricultural practices
Answer
Answer: (B) By developing sophisticated farming tools and techniques
53. What role did climate play in the Harappan civilization’s decline?
(A) It led to abundant rainfall
(B) It caused severe flooding
(C) It resulted in drier conditions and reduced agricultural output
(D) It had no impact on agriculture
Answer
Answer: (C) It resulted in drier conditions and reduced agricultural output
54. What evidence supports the idea that the Harappans had a complex society?
(A) Lack of architectural structures
(B) Discovery of large-scale public baths and drainage systems
(C) Use of only natural materials
(D) Absence of written records
Answer
Answer: (B) Discovery of large-scale public baths and drainage systems
55. What aspect of Harappan culture continued to influence future Indian civilizations after their decline?
(A) Unique military strategies
(B) Innovations in urban planning and agriculture
(C) Religious texts and rituals
(D) Language and scripts
Answer
Answer: (B) Innovations in urban planning and agriculture
56. What was one of the key achievements of the Harappan civilization?
(A) Invention of iron tools
(B) Development of a writing system
(C) Urban planning and advanced drainage systems
(D) Creation of complex religious texts
Answer
Answer: (C) Urban planning and advanced drainage systems
57. What indicates the Harappans’ knowledge of metallurgy?
(A) Use of wooden tools
(B) Creation of bronze tools and ornaments
(C) Discovery of clay figurines
(D) Absence of any metal artifacts
Answer
Answer: (B) Creation of bronze tools and ornaments
58. How did the Harappan civilization demonstrate its artistic capabilities?
(A) Only through architecture
(B) Through pottery, seals, and sculptures
(C) By creating musical instruments
(D) By writing extensive literature
Answer
Answer: (B) Through pottery, seals, and sculptures
59. Which aspect of Harappan society is suggested by the presence of various crafts?
(A) Specialization in jobs and trade
(B) Uniformity in work
(C) Lack of economic diversity
(D) A focus solely on agriculture
Answer
Answer: (A) Specialization in jobs and trade
60. What is the significance of seals found in Harappan archaeological sites?
(A) They were used as currency
(B) They served as markers for land ownership
(C) They indicated trade relationships and possibly contained inscriptions
(D) They were purely decorative items
Answer
Answer: (C) They indicated trade relationships and possibly contained inscriptions
61. What is a significant reason for the Harappan civilization being considered advanced?
(A) Lack of trade networks
(B) Complex urban planning and water management
(C) Focus solely on agriculture
(D) Absence of specialized crafts
Answer
Answer: (B) Complex urban planning and water management
62. Which type of figurines found in Harappan sites indicates their understanding of metallurgy?
(A) Clay dolls
(B) Wooden carvings
(C) Bronze statuettes
(D) Stone sculptures
Answer
Answer: (C) Bronze statuettes
63. How did the Harappans likely ensure the quality of their crafts?
(A) By using only local materials
(B) Through trial and error
(C) By developing specialized skills and techniques
(D) By avoiding any form of trade
Answer
Answer: (C) By developing specialized skills and techniques
64. What type of goods did Harappan traders commonly exchange with other civilizations?
(A) Textiles and spices
(B) Ornaments and metals
(C) Agricultural produce only
(D) Wood and leather products
Answer
Answer: (B) Ornaments and metals
65. Which of the following best describes the extent of trade in the Harappan civilization?
(A) Limited to local regions
(B) Non-existent due to isolation
(C) Extensive, reaching as far as Mesopotamia and beyond
(D) Only involved barter within the civilization
Answer
Answer: (C) Extensive, reaching as far as Mesopotamia and beyond
66. What were the primary crops cultivated by the Harappans?
(A) Cotton and rice
(B) Wheat, barley, and pulses
(C) Tobacco and sugarcane
(D) Fruits and nuts
Answer
Answer: (B) Wheat, barley, and pulses
67. Which of the following indicates that Harappans had a diverse diet?
(A) Presence of only grains
(B) Discovery of animal bones and cooking pots with various ingredients
(C) Exclusively vegetarian remains
(D) Lack of any food-related artifacts
Answer
Answer: (B) Discovery of animal bones and cooking pots with various ingredients
68. What material did the Harappans use to make their garments?
(A) Silk
(B) Cotton
(C) Wool
(D) Leather
Answer
Answer: (B) Cotton
69. How did the geography of the Indus Valley contribute to the Harappan civilization?
(A) It was mostly desert land
(B) It provided abundant water for agriculture and trade routes
(C) It had few natural resources
(D) It was isolated from other civilizations
Answer
Answer: (B) It provided abundant water for agriculture and trade routes
70. What was a significant factor in the agricultural success of the Harappans?
(A) Nomadic herding
(B) Extensive use of fertilizers
(C) Fertile land due to river systems
(D) Dependence on rainfall only
Answer
Answer: (C) Fertile land due to river systems
71. Which of the following describes a common feature of Harappan houses?
(A) Thatched roofs
(B) Single-story structures
(C) Brick construction with flat roofs
(D) Wooden structures
Answer
Answer: (C) Brick construction with flat roofs
72. What does the presence of bathrooms in Harappan houses indicate?
(A) Lack of sanitation practices
(B) High civic sense and focus on hygiene
(C) Only the elite had access to baths
(D) Absence of water supply
Answer
Answer: (B) High civic sense and focus on hygiene
73. How did Harappan civilization manage waste disposal effectively?
(A) Open pits
(B) Advanced drainage systems
(C) Natural decomposition
(D) Burning waste
Answer
Answer: (B) Advanced drainage systems
74. What can be inferred from the discovery of various toys and games in Harappan sites?
(A) They had no leisure activities
(B) They valued entertainment and recreation
(C) They focused solely on agriculture
(D) They were a militaristic society
Answer
Answer: (B) They valued entertainment and recreation
75. Which of the following statements is true about the Harappan economy?
(A) It was solely agricultural
(B) It was based on a mix of agriculture, crafts, and trade
(C) It had no external trade
(D) It relied entirely on imports
Answer
Answer: (B) It was based on a mix of agriculture, crafts, and trade
76. What was a notable aspect of the trade practices of the Harappans?
(A) Exclusively local trade
(B) Lack of organized trade systems
(C) Extensive maritime trade with distant regions
(D) Reliance on barter only
Answer
Answer: (C) Extensive maritime trade with distant regions
77. What indicates that the Harappan civilization engaged in long-distance trade?
(A) Discovery of local artifacts only
(B) Presence of seals depicting animals
(C) Trade items found in far-off places like Mesopotamia
(D) Absence of any trade goods
Answer
Answer: (C) Trade items found in far-off places like Mesopotamia
78. Which material did the Harappans export as part of their trade?
(A) Textiles and wool
(B) Copper and tin
(C) Gold and silver
(D) Carnelian and cotton
Answer
Answer: (D) Carnelian and cotton
79. What does the existence of dockyards in Harappan cities suggest?
(A) Limited maritime activity
(B) Advanced shipbuilding and trade capabilities
(C) Focus solely on agriculture
(D) Isolation from coastal areas
Answer
Answer: (B) Advanced shipbuilding and trade capabilities
80. Which river facilitated the growth of the Harappan cities through trade?
(A) Yamuna
(B) Ganges
(C) Sarasvatī
(D) Indus
Answer
Answer: (D) Indus
81. What is one of the significant cultural artifacts found in Harappan sites?
(A) Pottery with simple designs
(B) Figurines depicting human and animal forms
(C) Textiles with intricate patterns
(D) Only functional tools
Answer
Answer: (B) Figurines depicting human and animal forms
82. Which of the following indicates that the Harappans had a complex belief system?
(A) Absence of figurines
(B) The discovery of seals with religious symbols
(C) Focus solely on practical items
(D) Lack of art and decoration
Answer
Answer: (B) The discovery of seals with religious symbols
83. What role did the Harappan seals play in their society?
(A) Used as money
(B) For religious ceremonies
(C) As identifiers for trade and ownership
(D) Purely decorative
Answer
Answer: (C) As identifiers for trade and ownership
84. What does the presence of various toys in Harappan sites suggest about their society?
(A) Lack of childhood activities
(B) Valued education and leisure for children
(C) No interest in recreation
(D) Focus only on adult activities
Answer
Answer: (B) Valued education and leisure for children
85. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Harappan civilization’s artistic expression?
(A) Art was limited to functional objects
(B) They lacked any form of artistic expression
(C) Art was an integral part of daily life, reflected in their crafts and artifacts
(D) Art was solely religious
Answer
Answer: (C) Art was an integral part of daily life, reflected in their crafts and artifacts
86. What type of trade did the Harappans engage in?
(A) Isolated trade with no connections
(B) Local barter only
(C) Extensive trade with neighboring civilizations
(D) No trade at all
Answer
Answer: (C) Extensive trade with neighboring civilizations
87. What evidence suggests that the Harappans had a highly organized economy?
(A) Presence of large farms only
(B) Discovery of standardized weights and measures
(C) Lack of trade artifacts
(D) Limited craft production
Answer
Answer: (B) Discovery of standardized weights and measures
88. Which of the following items is NOT typically associated with Harappan trade?
(A) Cotton textiles
(B) Precious stones
(C) Fur products
(D) Metallurgical goods
Answer
Answer: (C) Fur products
89. How did the Harappan civilization influence future Indian cultures?
(A) By isolating itself from other cultures
(B) By contributing agricultural techniques and urban planning
(C) By introducing warfare and military strategies
(D) By avoiding trade relations
Answer
Answer: (B) By contributing agricultural techniques and urban planning
90. Which geographic feature played a crucial role in facilitating trade for the Harappans?
(A) Mountains
(B) Rivers and coastlines
(C) Deserts
(D) Forests
Answer
Answer: (B) Rivers and coastlines
91. What factor is commonly believed to have contributed to the decline of the Harappan civilization?
(A) Increase in population
(B) Invasions by outside forces
(C) Climate change and reduced rainfall
(D) Technological advancements
Answer
Answer: (C) Climate change and reduced rainfall
92. Which of the following statements about the Harappan government is true?
(A) It was characterized by a powerful military dictatorship
(B) There is evidence of a centralized authority managing urban planning
(C) It had no form of governance
(D) It was a purely tribal system
Answer
Answer: (B) There is evidence of a centralized authority managing urban planning
93. What was the likely impact of the drying up of the Sarasvatī River on the Harappan cities?
(A) Increased agricultural productivity
(B) Abandonment of cities and a shift to rural living
(C) No significant impact
(D) Increased trade with distant regions
Answer
Answer: (B) Abandonment of cities and a shift to rural living
94. How did the Harappans demonstrate their understanding of urban planning?
(A) By building chaotic city layouts
(B) Through sophisticated drainage and water management systems
(C) By using only natural materials
(D) By avoiding the use of bricks
Answer
Answer: (B) Through sophisticated drainage and water management systems
95. Which of the following describes the general social structure of the Harappan civilization?
(A) Highly stratified with significant inequality
(B) Equally distributed wealth and resources
(C) Lack of social organization
(D) Dominated by a merchant class
Answer
Answer: (B) Equally distributed wealth and resources
96. What type of artifacts indicates the Harappans had advanced craftsmanship?
(A) Simple clay pots
(B) Elaborate jewelry and decorative items
(C) Only agricultural tools
(D) Basic wooden toys
Answer
Answer: (B) Elaborate jewelry and decorative items
97. Which city is known for its significant archaeological findings related to the Harappan civilization?
(A) Varanasi
(B) Lothal
(C) Delhi
(D) Agra
Answer
Answer: (B) Lothal
98. What was the primary function of the large dockyard discovered at Lothal?
(A) Storage of grains
(B) Transportation of goods via water
(C) Military defense
(D) Residential purposes
Answer
Answer: (B) Transportation of goods via water
99. How did the Harappans likely communicate and maintain trade relations?
(A) Through word of mouth only
(B) By using complex seals with inscriptions
(C) With no formal communication
(D) By relying on foreign translators
Answer
Answer: (B) By using complex seals with inscriptions
100. Which of the following best describes the economy of the Harappan civilization?
(A) Agriculture-based with little trade
(B) Primarily focused on textiles and crafts
(C) Complex and diversified with trade in multiple goods
(D) Isolated and self-sufficient without any external interactions
Answer
Answer: (C) Complex and diversified with trade in multiple goods
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{“A”: “Aryan Civilization”, “B”: “Vedic Civilization”, “C”: “Indus-Sarasvatī or Harappan Civilization”, “D”: “Gupta Civilization”},
“C”),
(“Which city was the first to be discovered from the Harappan Civilization?”,
{“A”: “Mohenjo-daro”, “B”: “Harappa”, “C”: “Dholavira”, “D”: “Kalibangan”},
“B”),
(“Why is the term ‘Indus Valley Civilization’ considered obsolete by some scholars?”,
{“A”: “The civilization existed in the Ganges Valley”, “B”: “It extended beyond the Indus Valley”, “C”: “The civilization did not use the Indus River”, “D”: “It was not a valley civilization”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following cities was part of the Sarasvatī basin?”,
{“A”: “Lothal”, “B”: “Harappa”, “C”: “Rakhigarhi”, “D”: “Mohenjo-daro”},
“C”),
(“What were the two main parts of most Harappan cities?”,
{“A”: “Upper and Lower town”, “B”: “Inner and Outer town”, “C”: “North and South town”, “D”: “East and West town”},
“A”),
(“What was a key feature of Harappan city planning?”,
{“A”: “Circular street layout”, “B”: “Fortified walls and organized streets”, “C”: “Scattered settlements”, “D”: “Wooden structures”},
“B”),
(“What was the purpose of the ‘Great Bath’ found in Mohenjo-daro?”,
{“A”: “Religious rituals”, “B”: “Public bathing”, “C”: “Storage of water”, “D”: “Defense”},
“A”),
(“What material was used for waterproofing the ‘Great Bath’?”,
{“A”: “Clay”, “B”: “Cement”, “C”: “Natural bitumen”, “D”: “Stone”},
“C”),
(“Which aspect of Harappan civilization reflects a high degree of civic planning and organization?”,
{“A”: “Rural settlements”, “B”: “Individual houses”, “C”: “Water management and drainage systems”, “D”: “Military fortifications”},
“C”),
(“How did the Harappans ensure cleanliness in their cities?”,
{“A”: “Using open drains”, “B”: “Constructing complex drainage systems”, “C”: “Avoiding waste disposal”, “D”: “Burning waste materials”},
“B”),
(“What was one of the primary sources of water for the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Rivers and streams”, “B”: “Rainwater harvesting”, “C”: “Underground wells”, “D”: “Glaciers”},
“A”),
(“Which city had one of the largest reservoirs, measuring 73 meters in length?”,
{“A”: “Mohenjo-daro”, “B”: “Harappa”, “C”: “Dholavira”, “D”: “Kalibangan”},
“C”),
(“What does the presence of many wells in Mohenjo-daro indicate?”,
{“A”: “Deficiency of water”, “B”: “Advanced water management techniques”, “C”: “Seasonal water supply”, “D”: “Isolation from other cities”},
“B”),
(“The Harappans were among the first to cultivate which crop?”,
{“A”: “Wheat”, “B”: “Rice”, “C”: “Cotton”, “D”: “Barley”},
“C”),
(“Which of the following best describes the agricultural practices of the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Nomadic herding”, “B”: “Primitive subsistence farming”, “C”: “Advanced and diverse agricultural methods”, “D”: “Reliance on wild gathering”},
“C”),
(“What were the primary materials used for making tools and pots in the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Wood and stone”, “B”: “Copper and bronze”, “C”: “Clay and gold”, “D”: “Iron and clay”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following items was commonly traded by the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Silk”, “B”: “Cotton”, “C”: “Wheat”, “D”: “Rice”},
“B”),
(“Which Harappan settlement is noted for its large dockyard used for maritime trade?”,
{“A”: “Mohenjo-daro”, “B”: “Dholavira”, “C”: “Lothal”, “D”: “Harappa”},
“C”),
(“What does the discovery of small seals in Harappan sites suggest?”,
{“A”: “Religious practices”, “B”: “Writing systems and trade activities”, “C”: “Military presence”, “D”: “Agricultural surplus”},
“B”),
(“What was a significant aspect of the Harappan economy?”,
{“A”: “Isolation from other cultures”, “B”: “Strict self-sufficiency”, “C”: “Active trade with distant regions”, “D”: “Lack of craftsmanship”},
“C”),
(“What types of goods did the Harappans likely import?”,
{“A”: “Timber and fish”, “B”: “Copper and precious stones”, “C”: “Grains and textiles”, “D”: “Clay and ceramics”},
“B”),
(“Which archaeological finding indicates the Harappans had a high degree of craftsmanship?”,
{“A”: “Simple clay pots”, “B”: “Copper tools”, “C”: “Carnelian beads and intricate ornaments”, “D”: “Wooden sculptures”},
“C”),
(“What was the significance of the dockyard discovered in Lothal?”,
{“A”: “It was used for storage”, “B”: “It facilitated maritime trade”, “C”: “It was a religious site”, “D”: “It was a military base”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following best describes the Harappan trade system?”,
{“A”: “Local exchange only”, “B”: “Highly developed with international connections”, “C”: “Barter-based without any organization”, “D”: “No trade activities recorded”},
“B”),
(“What materials were commonly used to create Harappan seals?”,
{“A”: “Clay”, “B”: “Steatite”, “C”: “Wood”, “D”: “Metal”},
“B”),
(“What were the primary agricultural products grown by the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Cereals, pulses, and cotton”, “B”: “Fruits and spices”, “C”: “Tobacco and sugarcane”, “D”: “Rice and tea”},
“A”),
(“What does the presence of animal bones in Harappan excavations indicate?”,
{“A”: “Strict vegetarianism”, “B”: “Domestication and consumption of animals”, “C”: “Ritual sacrifice”, “D”: “No interaction with wildlife”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following objects suggests that Harappans had recreational activities?”,
{“A”: “Bronze tools”, “B”: “Terracotta whistles and games boards”, “C”: “Cooking pots”, “D”: “Sewing needles”},
“B”),
(“The Harappan diet is believed to have included which of the following?”,
{“A”: “Only cereals”, “B”: “Cereals, dairy, and spices”, “C”: “Exclusively fruits and vegetables”, “D”: “Only meat”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following best describes the Harappan trade relations?”,
{“A”: “Isolated and limited to local villages”, “B”: “Extensive with neighboring and distant regions”, “C”: “Primarily focused on agriculture”, “D”: “Limited to barter with no formal agreements”},
“B”),
(“What evidence suggests that the Harappans had a sophisticated understanding of water management?”,
{“A”: “Wells and reservoirs”, “B”: “Only rivers”, “C”: “Rainwater collection”, “D”: “Water storage in pots”},
“A”),
(“Which major Harappan city is known for having a large dockyard?”,
{“A”: “Harappa”, “B”: “Mohenjo-daro”, “C”: “Lothal”, “D”: “Dholavira”},
“C”),
(“What type of seals were used in the Harappan civilization primarily for trade?”,
{“A”: “Metal seals”, “B”: “Stone seals”, “C”: “Wooden seals”, “D”: “Clay seals”},
“B”),
(“What was one of the primary materials used to make Harappan ornaments?”,
{“A”: “Plastic”, “B”: “Glass”, “C”: “Carnelian”, “D”: “Silver”},
“C”),
(“Which of the following statements is true about the Harappan trade network?”,
{“A”: “It was limited to local markets”, “B”: “It included trade with Mesopotamia and Persia”, “C”: “It was primarily agricultural”, “D”: “It did not involve any exports”},
“B”),
(“What likely caused the decline of the Harappan civilization around 1900 BCE?”,
{“A”: “Warfare and invasions”, “B”: “Climatic changes and drought”, “C”: “Trade disruptions”, “D”: “Population explosion”},
“B”),
(“Which river’s drying up contributed to the decline of cities like Kalibangan?”,
{“A”: “Indus River”, “B”: “Ganges River”, “C”: “Sarasvatī River”, “D”: “Yamuna River”},
“C”),
(“What does the evidence suggest about the Harappans’ military capabilities?”,
{“A”: “They had a large standing army”, “B”: “They were known for their weapons”, “C”: “They likely had no organized military forces”, “D”: “They engaged in frequent wars”},
“C”),
(“Which two factors are currently agreed upon as contributing to the Harappan decline?”,
{“A”: “Economic collapse and social unrest”, “B”: “Climate change and the drying of the Sarasvatī River”, “C”: “Invasions and military conflicts”, “D”: “Natural disasters and famine”},
“B”),
(“Despite the decline, what aspect of Harappan culture continued to influence future Indian civilizations?”,
{“A”: “Language and writing systems”, “B”: “Urban planning and agricultural practices”, “C”: “Religious beliefs”, “D”: “Cultural traditions”},
“B”),
(“What is one of the primary characteristics of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization mentioned in the text?”,
{“A”: “Isolation from other cultures”, “B”: “High levels of social inequality”, “C”: “Planned cities with efficient water management”, “D”: “Absence of trade”},
“C”),
(“How did the Harappan civilization contribute to agriculture?”,
{“A”: “By introducing nomadic herding”, “B”: “By developing sophisticated farming tools and techniques”, “C”: “By relying solely on wild plants”, “D”: “By abandoning agricultural practices”},
“B”),
(“What role did climate play in the Harappan civilization’s decline?”,
{“A”: “It led to abundant rainfall”, “B”: “It caused severe flooding”, “C”: “It resulted in drier conditions and reduced agricultural output”, “D”: “It had no impact on agriculture”},
“C”),
(“What evidence supports the idea that the Harappans had a complex society?”,
{“A”: “Lack of architectural structures”, “B”: “Discovery of large-scale public baths and drainage systems”, “C”: “Use of only natural materials”, “D”: “Absence of written records”},
“B”),
(“What aspect of Harappan culture continued to influence future Indian civilizations after their decline?”,
{“A”: “Unique military strategies”, “B”: “Innovations in urban planning and agriculture”, “C”: “Religious texts and rituals”, “D”: “Language and scripts”},
“B”),
(“What was one of the key achievements of the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Invention of iron tools”, “B”: “Development of a writing system”, “C”: “Urban planning and advanced drainage systems”, “D”: “Creation of complex religious texts”},
“C”),
(“What indicates the Harappans’ knowledge of metallurgy?”,
{“A”: “Use of wooden tools”, “B”: “Creation of bronze tools and ornaments”, “C”: “Discovery of clay figurines”, “D”: “Absence of any metal artifacts”},
“B”),
(“How did the Harappan civilization demonstrate its artistic capabilities?”,
{“A”: “Only through architecture”, “B”: “Through pottery, seals, and sculptures”, “C”: “By creating musical instruments”, “D”: “By writing extensive literature”},
“B”),
(“Which aspect of Harappan society is suggested by the presence of various crafts?”,
{“A”: “Specialization in jobs and trade”, “B”: “Uniformity in work”, “C”: “Lack of economic diversity”, “D”: “A focus solely on agriculture”},
“A”),
(“What is the significance of seals found in Harappan archaeological sites?”,
{“A”: “They were used as currency”, “B”: “They served as markers for land ownership”, “C”: “They indicated trade relationships and possibly contained inscriptions”, “D”: “They were purely decorative items”},
“C),
(“What is a significant reason for the Harappan civilization being considered advanced?”,
{“A”: “Lack of trade networks”, “B”: “Complex urban planning and water management”, “C”: “Focus solely on agriculture”, “D”: “Absence of specialized crafts”},
“B”),
(“Which type of figurines found in Harappan sites indicates their understanding of metallurgy?”,
{“A”: “Clay dolls”, “B”: “Wooden carvings”, “C”: “Bronze statuettes”, “D”: “Stone sculptures”},
“C”),
(“How did the Harappans likely ensure the quality of their crafts?”,
{“A”: “By using only local materials”, “B”: “Through trial and error”, “C”: “By developing specialized skills and techniques”, “D”: “By avoiding any form of trade”},
“C”),
(“What type of goods did Harappan traders commonly exchange with other civilizations?”,
{“A”: “Textiles and spices”, “B”: “Ornaments and metals”, “C”: “Agricultural produce only”, “D”: “Wood and leather products”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following best describes the extent of trade in the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Limited to local regions”, “B”: “Non-existent due to isolation”, “C”: “Extensive, reaching as far as Mesopotamia and beyond”, “D”: “Only involved barter within the civilization”},
“C),
(“What were the primary crops cultivated by the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Cotton and rice”, “B”: “Wheat, barley, and pulses”, “C”: “Tobacco and sugarcane”, “D”: “Fruits and nuts”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following indicates that Harappans had a diverse diet?”,
{“A”: “Presence of only grains”, “B”: “Discovery of animal bones and cooking pots with various ingredients”, “C”: “Exclusively vegetarian remains”, “D”: “Lack of any food-related artifacts”},
“B”),
(“What material did the Harappans use to make their garments?”,
{“A”: “Silk”, “B”: “Cotton”, “C”: “Wool”, “D”: “Leather”},
“B”),
(“How did the geography of the Indus Valley contribute to the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “It was mostly desert land”, “B”: “It provided abundant water for agriculture and trade routes”, “C”: “It had few natural resources”, “D”: “It was isolated from other civilizations”},
“B”),
(“What was a significant factor in the agricultural success of the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Nomadic herding”, “B”: “Extensive use of fertilizers”, “C”: “Fertile land due to river systems”, “D”: “Dependence on rainfall only”},
“C),
(“Which of the following describes a common feature of Harappan houses?”,
{“A”: “Thatched roofs”, “B”: “Single-story structures”, “C”: “Brick construction with flat roofs”, “D”: “Wooden structures”},
“C”),
(“What does the presence of bathrooms in Harappan houses indicate?”,
{“A”: “Lack of sanitation practices”, “B”: “High civic sense and focus on hygiene”, “C”: “Only the elite had access to baths”, “D”: “Absence of water supply”},
“B”),
(“How did Harappan civilization manage waste disposal effectively?”,
{“A”: “Open pits”, “B”: “Advanced drainage systems”, “C”: “Natural decomposition”, “D”: “Burning waste”},
“B”),
(“What can be inferred from the discovery of various toys and games in Harappan sites?”,
{“A”: “They had no leisure activities”, “B”: “They valued entertainment and recreation”, “C”: “They focused solely on agriculture”, “D”: “They were a militaristic society”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following statements is true about the Harappan economy?”,
{“A”: “It was solely agricultural”, “B”: “It was based on a mix of agriculture, crafts, and trade”, “C”: “It had no external trade”, “D”: “It relied entirely on imports”},
“B),
(“What was a notable aspect of the trade practices of the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Exclusively local trade”, “B”: “Lack of organized trade systems”, “C”: “Extensive maritime trade with distant regions”, “D”: “Reliance on barter only”},
“C”),
(“What indicates that the Harappan civilization engaged in long-distance trade?”,
{“A”: “Discovery of local artifacts only”, “B”: “Presence of seals depicting animals”, “C”: “Trade items found in far-off places like Mesopotamia”, “D”: “Absence of any trade goods”},
“C”),
(“Which material did the Harappans export as part of their trade?”,
{“A”: “Textiles and wool”, “B”: “Copper and tin”, “C”: “Gold and silver”, “D”: “Carnelian and cotton”},
“D”),
(“What does the existence of dockyards in Harappan cities suggest?”,
{“A”: “Limited maritime activity”, “B”: “Advanced shipbuilding and trade capabilities”, “C”: “Focus solely on agriculture”, “D”: “Isolation from coastal areas”},
“B”),
(“Which river facilitated the growth of the Harappan cities through trade?”,
{“A”: “Yamuna”, “B”: “Ganges”, “C”: “Sarasvatī”, “D”: “Indus”},
“D”),
(“What is one of the significant cultural artifacts found in Harappan sites?”,
{“A”: “Pottery with simple designs”, “B”: “Figurines depicting human and animal forms”, “C”: “Textiles with intricate patterns”, “D”: “Only functional tools”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following indicates that the Harappans had a complex belief system?”,
{“A”: “Absence of figurines”, “B”: “The discovery of seals with religious symbols”, “C”: “Focus solely on practical items”, “D”: “Lack of art and decoration”},
“B”),
(“What role did the Harappan seals play in their society?”,
{“A”: “Used as money”, “B”: “For religious ceremonies”, “C”: “As identifiers for trade and ownership”, “D”: “Purely decorative”},
“C”),
(“What does the presence of various toys in Harappan sites suggest about their society?”,
{“A”: “Lack of childhood activities”, “B”: “Valued education and leisure for children”, “C”: “No interest in recreation”, “D”: “Focus only on adult activities”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following statements is true regarding the Harappan civilization’s artistic expression?”,
{“A”: “Art was limited to functional objects”, “B”: “They lacked any form of artistic expression”, “C”: “Art was an integral part of daily life, reflected in their crafts and artifacts”, “D”: “Art was solely religious”},
“C),
(“What type of trade did the Harappans engage in?”,
{“A”: “Isolated trade with no connections”, “B”: “Local barter only”, “C”: “Extensive trade with neighboring civilizations”, “D”: “No trade at all”},
“C”),
(“What evidence suggests that the Harappans had a highly organized economy?”,
{“A”: “Presence of large farms only”, “B”: “Discovery of standardized weights and measures”, “C”: “Lack of trade artifacts”, “D”: “Limited craft production”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following items is NOT typically associated with Harappan trade?”,
{“A”: “Cotton textiles”, “B”: “Precious stones”, “C”: “Fur products”, “D”: “Metallurgical goods”},
“C”),
(“How did the Harappan civilization influence future Indian cultures?”,
{“A”: “By isolating itself from other cultures”, “B”: “By contributing agricultural techniques and urban planning”, “C”: “By introducing warfare and military strategies”, “D”: “By avoiding trade relations”},
“B”),
(“Which geographic feature played a crucial role in facilitating trade for the Harappans?”,
{“A”: “Mountains”, “B”: “Rivers and coastlines”, “C”: “Deserts”, “D”: “Forests”},
“B”),
(“What factor is commonly believed to have contributed to the decline of the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Increase in population”, “B”: “Invasions by outside forces”, “C”: “Climate change and reduced rainfall”, “D”: “Technological advancements”},
“C”),
(“Which of the following statements about the Harappan government is true?”,
{“A”: “It was characterized by a powerful military dictatorship”, “B”: “There is evidence of a centralized authority managing urban planning”, “C”: “It had no form of governance”, “D”: “It was a purely tribal system”},
“B”),
(“What was the likely impact of the drying up of the Sarasvatī River on the Harappan cities?”,
{“A”: “Increased agricultural productivity”, “B”: “Abandonment of cities and a shift to rural living”, “C”: “No significant impact”, “D”: “Increased trade with distant regions”},
“B”),
(“How did the Harappans demonstrate their understanding of urban planning?”,
{“A”: “By building chaotic city layouts”, “B”: “Through sophisticated drainage and water management systems”, “C”: “By using only natural materials”, “D”: “By avoiding the use of bricks”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following describes the general social structure of the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Highly stratified with significant inequality”, “B”: “Equally distributed wealth and resources”, “C”: “Lack of social organization”, “D”: “Dominated by a merchant class”},
“B”),
(“What type of artifacts indicates the Harappans had advanced craftsmanship?”,
{“A”: “Simple clay pots”, “B”: “Elaborate jewelry and decorative items”, “C”: “Only agricultural tools”, “D”: “Basic wooden toys”},
“B”),
(“Which city is known for its significant archaeological findings related to the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Varanasi”, “B”: “Lothal”, “C”: “Delhi”, “D”: “Agra”},
“B”),
(“What was the primary function of the large dockyard discovered at Lothal?”,
{“A”: “Storage of grains”, “B”: “Transportation of goods via water”, “C”: “Military defense”, “D”: “Residential purposes”},
“B”),
(“How did the Harappans likely communicate and maintain trade relations?”,
{“A”: “Through word of mouth only”, “B”: “By using complex seals with inscriptions”, “C”: “With no formal communication”, “D”: “By relying on foreign translators”},
“B”),
(“Which of the following best describes the economy of the Harappan civilization?”,
{“A”: “Agriculture-based with little trade”, “B”: “Primarily focused on textiles and crafts”, “C”: “Complex and diversified with trade in multiple goods”, “D”: “Isolated and self-sufficient without any external interactions”},
“C”)
]
Class 6 Chapter 6 The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation MCQs
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