UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions – Ancient History – Pre-Historic Age & IVC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Preliminary Examination is a pivotal step for aspirants seeking to pursue a career in the Indian civil services. Among the various subjects covered, Ancient History holds a significant portion, encompassing the vast chronicles of India’s rich past. Within this expansive domain, the segment dedicated to the Pre-Historic Age and the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) stands as a cornerstone, offering insights into the earliest human settlements and the remarkable urban civilization that thrived along the banks of the Indus River. Through a meticulous examination of UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions on this subject, aspirants embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of antiquity, exploring the origins of human civilization and the intricate societal structures that laid the foundation for the cultural tapestry of the Indian subcontinent.

Q1. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? (1988)

1. Lothal = Ancient Dockyard
2. Sarnath = First Sermon of Buddha
3. Rajgir = Lion Capital of Ashoka
4. Nalanda = Great seat of Buddhist Learning

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(b) 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

Ans. (c)

Pairs (1), (2), and (4) have been accurately identified. Lothal stands as the solitary port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), boasting the discovery of an ancient dockyard.

Sarnath holds significance as a pivotal Buddhist religious site, marking the location where Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon.

Nalanda flourished as the preeminent center of Buddhist education for an extensive period spanning nearly 700 years, from the 5th to the 12th centuries AD.

However, the correlation in Pair (3) is incorrect, as the Lion Capital of Ashoka was not situated in Rajgir. Rajgir served as the inaugural capital of the Magadha Kingdom. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, originally positioned atop the Ashoka Pillar, adorned the vicinity of Sarnath, near Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

Q2. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements. (2011)

1. It was predominantly a secular civilisation and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

Both statements (1) and (2) are accurate concerning the Indus Valley Civilization. The civilization was characterized by secularism, devoid of any discernible theocratic or organized religious practices. Nonetheless, inhabitants engaged in worship, particularly venerating trees and animals like bulls, buffaloes, and tigers.

Moreover, during this era, cotton played a significant role in textile production in India. In 1929, remnants of cotton textiles were unearthed at Mohenjo-daro, while cottonseeds were uncovered at Mehrgarh, highlighting the early utilization of cotton in the region’s textile industry.

Q3. Which of the following characterises/characterise the people of Indus Valley Civilisation? (2013)

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) Only 2

(c) All of these

(d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Statement (2) stands correct, as figurines resembling a female deity have been unearthed. Additionally, a seal depicting a male figure in a poised stance, adorned with trident-like headgear, and surrounded by animals bears striking resemblances to Lord Shiva.

However, statements (1) and (3) are inaccurate regarding the characteristics of the Indus Valley Civilization. No structures resembling buildings have been unearthed at any Harappan site.

Furthermore, there is no evidence of horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Nevertheless, based on Indus seals, it is inferred that a wide array of animals, including goats, buffalos, oxen, elephants, dogs, and camels, were domesticated during this era.

Q4. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)

1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilisation did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) Only 1

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (c)

Statements (1) and (3) accurately highlight the disparities between the cultural practices of the Rigvedic Aryans and the Indus Valley people. The Rigvedic Aryans utilized defensive gear such as coats of mail and helmets in warfare, and they had domesticated horses, whereas there is no evidence of the Indus Valley civilization employing such equipment or being familiar with horse domestication. The Indo-Aryans, during their migration from Central Asia around 3500 to 4000 years ago, introduced domesticated horses to India. In contrast, horses did not hold significant importance in the Harappan Civilization of the Indus Valley.

However, statement (2) is inaccurate. The Rigvedic Aryans were knowledgeable about various metals, including gold, silver, copper, and iron. Archaeological findings demonstrate the presence of numerous artifacts made from copper, lead, gold, and bronze, indicating advancements in metallurgy during their era. On the other hand, iron was not known to the Harappan people. While the Harappan Civilization made significant strides in metallurgy during the Bronze Age, they lacked familiarity with iron. Similarly, the Indus Valley people were acquainted with gold, copper, and bronze but not with iron.

Q5. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2019)

(a) Chanhudaro

(b) Kot Diji

(c) Sohgaura

(d) Desalpur

Ans. (c)

Sohgaura, contrary to popular belief, is not a Harappan site but is believed to be a Mauryan site, notable for the discovery of a copper plate inscription written in Prakrit.

On the other hand, Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, and Desalpur are indeed significant Harappan sites. Chanhudaro, located in Sindh, Pakistan, earned the moniker “Sheffield of India” by Colonel James Tod due to its rich findings, including beads, copper knives, spears, razors, tools, axes, vessels, and dishes.

Kot Diji, positioned near an ancient flood channel of the Indus River in Pakistan, boasts major Harappan discoveries such as tar and statues depicting a bull and mother goddess.

Desalpur, situated in Gujarat, yields artifacts like pottery ware adorned with lines of bluish-green pigment, Terracotta seals, and more, indicative of its Harappan heritage.

Q6. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelising water into connected reservoirs? (2021)

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibangan

(c) Rakhigarhi

(d) Ropar

Ans. (a)

Dholavira, an ancient settlement famed for its sophisticated water harvesting and management techniques, engineered an intricate network of dams and interconnected reservoirs. Situated on Kadir Island within the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, Dholavira stands out for its innovative approach to water resource management. In contrast, sites like Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, and Ropar lack evidence of comparable advanced water harvesting infrastructure.

Q7. With reference to the Indian history, Alexander Rea, AH Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with (2023)

(a) archaeological excavations

(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India

(c) establishment of Churches in Princely States

(d) construction of Railway in Colonial India

Ans. (a)

Alexander Rea, AH Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess, and Walter Elliot were notable figures involved in archaeological excavations across India. Their contributions were pivotal in the investigation, documentation, and conservation efforts pertaining to numerous historical sites and artifacts scattered throughout the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were the major characteristics of the Pre-Historic Age in the Indian subcontinent?

• Answer: The Pre-Historic Age in the Indian subcontinent is characterized by the presence of early human settlements, primarily hunter-gatherer communities. These societies were nomadic and relied on hunting, gathering, and rudimentary forms of agriculture. Archaeological evidence suggests the use of stone tools and the gradual development of simple pottery.

2. What is the significance of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) in ancient Indian history?

• Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, flourished around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. It was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, characterized by well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and a script that is yet to be fully deciphered. The civilization had extensive trade networks, as evidenced by artifacts found in Mesopotamia and other regions.

3. What were the main features of urban planning in the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?

• Answer: Urban planning in the Indus Valley cities was remarkable for its sophistication. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro featured well-planned grid layouts with wide streets running in a north-south and east-west direction, indicating a high level of municipal organization. Houses were made of baked bricks, and there were separate residential and industrial areas. The presence of public baths and granaries suggests a concern for public hygiene and efficient food storage.

4. What were the economic activities of the Indus Valley Civilization?

• Answer: The economy of the Indus Valley Civilization was primarily agrarian, with evidence of wheat, barley, and other crops being cultivated. Trade played a significant role, facilitated by the civilization’s strategic location along major trade routes. Archaeological findings indicate trade relations with Mesopotamia, Oman, Bahrain, and other regions. Craftsmanship was also advanced, with skilled artisans producing pottery, jewelry, and intricate seals.

5. What factors contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?

• Answer: The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization remains a subject of debate among historians. Some theories suggest environmental factors such as climate change, including shifts in river courses and drying up of Saraswati River, which may have led to agricultural stress. Others propose internal factors like social unrest, overpopulation, or external invasions. The absence of a deciphered script makes it challenging to interpret written records from the period, adding to the mystery surrounding its decline.

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