Q1. Which of the following scholars estimated the highest number of pictorial signs in the Harappan script?
- G.R. Hunter
- A.H. Dani
- Asko Parpola
- Mortimer Wheeler
Correct Option: 2. A.H. Dani
Explanation: The script of the Harappan Civilization remains undeciphered, and scholars have debated the number of unique signs or symbols used in it. These signs are pictographic in nature, meaning they use images or symbols to represent objects or ideas, not alphabetic letters.
• G.R. Hunter (1932) proposed that the script had 149 signs,
• Asko Parpola (1973), a Finnish Indologist, suggested 396 signs,
• A.H. Dani (1963), a Pakistani archaeologist, recorded the highest number of 537 signs.
This variation arises due to different interpretations of what constitutes a “unique” sign and the fragmented nature of inscriptions.
Q2. Which Harappan site provides evidence of coffin burials?
- Mohenjo-Daro
- Kalibangan
- Harappa
- Dholavira
Correct Option: 3. Harappa
Explanation: Coffin burial refers to a funerary practice where the deceased is placed inside a wooden or clay coffin before burial.
At Harappa, archaeologists discovered burials where coffins were used — a unique practice among Indus Valley sites.
This suggests a special burial tradition and may indicate differences in status, beliefs, or foreign cultural influences. Such a finding enhances our understanding of the social and ritual diversity within the Harappan Civilization.
This practice is not seen at Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, or Dholavira.
Q3. Which site is known for the first man-made dockyard in the world?
- Sutkagendor
- Kalibangan
- Banawali
- Lothal
Correct Option: 4. Lothal
Explanation: Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, is one of the most important port cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations revealed a man-made dockyard, considered by many historians and archaeologists as the world’s first known dockyard.
• It connected the city to the Gulf of Cambay via a canal, allowing ships to trade with distant regions, possibly even Mesopotamia.
• This reveals the advanced maritime engineering and trading capabilities of the Harappans.
Lothal also had warehouses, bead-making factories, and other industrial areas, showing it was a hub of commercial and maritime activity.
Q4. What form of government did the Harappan Civilization likely follow?
- Monarchy
- Tribal republic
- City-states
- Theocracy
Correct Option: 3. City-states
Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization did not leave behind evidence of kings, palaces, or temples, which are typical indicators of monarchies or theocracies.
Instead, the cities were:
• Highly organized, with uniform city planning, standard weights and measures, and advanced drainage systems.
• This suggests that they were likely governed as independent city-states with some form of centralized but non-monarchical authority, possibly a merchant or elite ruling class.
The concept of city-states is supported by the fact that each major site (Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, etc.) functioned autonomously, though they shared cultural similarities.
Q5. The famous “Dancing Girl” statue made of bronze was discovered at which site?
- Harappa
- Lothal
- Dholavira
- Mohenjo-Daro
Correct Option: 4. Mohenjo-Daro
Explanation: The Dancing Girl is a small (around 10.5 cm tall) bronze statue found at Mohenjo-Daro in 1926.
• She is depicted in a confident pose, with her hand on her hip and a series of bangles adorning her arms.
• Her pose and expression exude grace and confidence, indicating a developed sense of art and aesthetics.
• The statue reflects advanced metal casting techniques, particularly the lost-wax method, which is still used today.
This artifact reveals not just technical skill, but also the presence of dance and entertainment in Harappan society.