Question 1 of 5
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization 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
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Why: Both statements are correct. The Indus Valley Civilization showed minimal evidence of religious dominance, with no large temples or palaces, indicating a predominantly secular society, though elements like the Great Bath suggest some ritual practices. Additionally, archaeological evidence from sites like Mohenjo-Daro includes spindle whorls and cotton impressions, confirming cotton was cultivated and used for textiles, making it one of the earliest civilizations to do so.[1][2][5]
Question 2 of 5
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 channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
A
Dholavira
B
Kalibangan
C
Rakhigarhi
D
Ropar
Why: Dholavira is renowned for its advanced water management system, featuring a series of dams, reservoirs, and channels that collected and stored rainwater in interconnected reservoirs, demonstrating sophisticated urban planning in the arid environment of Kachchh, Gujarat. Other sites like Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, and Ropar do not have such elaborate systems documented.[2][4]
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
A
1 and 2
B
2 only
C
2 and 3
D
3 only
Why: Only statement 2 is correct. The Indus people worshipped both male (e.g., Pashupati seal) and female deities (terracotta figurines), indicating a mother goddess cult. However, no evidence exists of great palaces or temples; instead, large public baths and granaries are found. Horse remains are absent, and no horse-drawn chariots are evidenced, unlike later Vedic culture.[2][4][5]
Question 4 of 5
With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and iron whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and bronze.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there was no evidence of the horse having been known to Indus Valley people.
A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Why: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Rigvedic texts mention protective gear like mail and helmets, absent in IVC. IVC had no horse evidence or domestication, while Rigvedics did. Statement 2 is incorrect as IVC used gold, silver, copper, and bronze but not iron; Rigvedics knew gold and silver but iron appears later in Painted Grey Ware.[4]
Question 5 of 5
According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (yugas) is:
A
Krita ; Dvapara ; Treta ; Kali
B
Treta ; Dvapara ; Kali ; Krita
C
Krita ; Treta ; Dvapara ; Kali
D
Kali ; Dvapara ; Treta ; Krita
Why: The correct sequence of the four yugas according to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas is Krita (or Satya), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali. This order represents the declining moral and spiritual ages in a cycle, starting with the most virtuous Krita Yuga and ending with the most degenerate Kali Yuga. Option C matches this sequence exactly[2].
