Q1. Which of the following crops was NOT grown by the Harappans?
- Wheat
- Rice
- Sugarcane
- Barley
Correct Option: 3. Sugarcane
Explanation: Harappans were primarily agriculturists, cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, peas, sesame, and mustard. Rice was grown in regions like Lothal and Rangpur, where rice husks and spikelets have been found. However, sugarcane has no archaeological evidence in the Harappan context. Its cultivation became more prominent in later historical periods. The absence of sugarcane, despite the presence of other grains and pulses, helps us understand crop patterns and regional variations in Harappan agriculture.
Q2. What is the shape of the standard Harappan weight unit?
- Cylindrical
- Cubical
- Pyramidical
- Spherical
Correct Option: 2. Cubical
Explanation: The Harappans used cubical stone weights made of materials like chert for trade and commercial activities. These weights followed a binary system—1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and so on, showing a deep understanding of mathematics and standardization. Some spherical weights have been found, but cubical ones were the standard and widely used. The presence of weighing scales and standardized weights is further evidence of organized trade and governance.
Q3. Which animal is most controversially associated with the Harappans due to lack of clear evidence?
- Elephant
- Horse
- Bull
- Rhinoceros
Correct Option: 2. Horse
Explanation: The presence of the horse in the Harappan Civilization is controversial and debated among historians and archaeologists. While bones resembling those of horses were found at Surkotada, their identification is uncertain. Moreover, no Harappan seal clearly depicts the horse. This is significant because the Rigvedic Aryans, who came later, are strongly associated with horse culture. The lack of horses in Harappan art and remains is often used to argue that the Harappan and Vedic cultures were distinct in origin.
Q4. Which Harappan site is considered a major port city?
- Lothal
- Mohenjodaro
- Banawali
- Kalibangan
Correct Option: 1. Lothal
Explanation: Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, is considered a major port city of the Harappan Civilization. It had a dockyard, warehouse, and evidence of maritime trade with Mesopotamia. The city was also a hub for bead-making, metallurgy, and shell working. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) enabled it to function as an important link between inland and overseas trade networks.
Q5. Which feature was common in most Harappan houses, showing concern for hygiene?
- Private wells
- Underground cellars
- Separate bathrooms and toilets
- Fireplaces in every room
Correct Option: 3. Separate bathrooms and toilets
Explanation: One of the most remarkable aspects of Harappan urban life was its concern for cleanliness and sanitation. Most houses, regardless of size, had dedicated bathing areas and toilets, which were connected to the city’s well-planned drainage system. The drains were covered and led wastewater away from the houses. This level of public hygiene infrastructure was unparalleled in contemporary ancient civilizations like Egypt or Mesopotamia, highlighting the sophistication of Harappan engineering and daily life practices.