Question 1 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
A
Dholavira
B
Kalibangan
C
Rakhigarhi
D
Ropar
Why: Dholavira in Gujarat is renowned for its sophisticated water management system, featuring a series of dams, reservoirs, and channels that collected and stored rainwater. This system demonstrates advanced urban planning in the Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations reveal ten large Harappan script signs, further highlighting its significance. Other sites like Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, and Ropar do not have such elaborate water harvesting features documented to this extent.[2]
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following characterizes/characterizes the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation? (1) They possessed great palaces and temples (2) They worshipped both male and female deities (3) They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
A
They possessed great palaces and temples
B
They worshipped both male and female deities
C
They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare
D
None of the above
Why: The people of the Indus Valley Civilisation worshipped both male and female deities, as evidenced by numerous terracotta figurines of mother goddesses and seals depicting a male deity possibly proto-Shiva (Pashupati). No evidence exists for great palaces or temples; instead, large public baths and granaries are found. Horse remains are absent, and chariots were not used; bullock carts were common.[4][7]
Question 3 of 5
With reference to ancient India (600–322 BC), consider the following pairs:
1. Nitivakyamrita — Somadeva Suri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Why: Nitivakyamrita is a work on polity by Somadeva, but it belongs to the medieval period (11th century CE), not ancient India (600–322 BC). Somadeva Suri is associated with Nitivakyamrita, but the pairing is incorrect for the given time frame as it falls outside 600–322 BC. Thus, neither pair is correctly matched for the specified period. Option D is correct.
Question 4 of 5
The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is?
A
A) Ganga
B
B) Sarasvati
C
C) Shutudri
D
D) Sindhu
Why: In early Vedic literature, particularly the Rigveda, the river **Sindhu** (Indus) is mentioned most frequently, appearing over 100 times. It was central to the geography and hymns of the Rigvedic Aryans settled in the northwest. Sarasvati is prominent but mentioned fewer times; Ganga and Shutudri (Sutlej) appear less. Option D is correct.
Question 5 of 5
Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells?
A
A) Rig Veda
B
B) Atharvaveda
C
C) Samaveda
D
D) Yajurveda
Why: The **Atharvaveda** is distinct from the other three Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur) as it includes hymns, spells, charms, and incantations for healing, protection against evil, and magical rituals. It reflects folk traditions and practical aspects of Vedic life. The Rigveda focuses on hymns to gods, Samaveda on melodies, and Yajurveda on rituals. Option B is correct.
