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Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the northwestern region of South Asia from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. Its mature period is generally dated between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE. It was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, alongside ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.  


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> Discovery and Archaeological Sites 
> Chronology and Extent 
> Urban Planning and Architecture 
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i) Discovery and Archaeological Sites

  IVC question 1:

  IVC question 1:

  The Indus Valley Civilization was first discovered at which site?​

SSC CGL 2017, SSC CHSL 2019, CUET UG 2022  
1. Mohenjodaro 
2. Harapppa
3. Dholavira
4. Kalibangan

Answer:- 2. Harrapa.


Explanation:- Harappa, located in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, was the first site of the Indus Valley Civilization to be discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni. This marked the beginning of systematic archaeological exploration of the civilization.

  IVC question 2:

  IVC question 2:

  Who is credited with the discovery of Harappa?

SSC CGL 2017, SSC CHSL 2019, CUET UG 2022  
1. Sir John Marshall

2. Dayaram Sahni

3. R.D. Banerjee

4. Sir Mortimer Wheeler

Answer:- 2. Dayaram Sahani. 

Explanation:- Dayaram Sahni, an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India, led the first major excavation at Harappa in 1921, bringing the site to global attention.

  IVC question 3:

  IVC question 3:

  Mohenjodaro is located in which present-day country?

CLAT 2019, AILET 2021, JMI Entrance 2022 
1. India

2. Afghanistan

3. Pakistan

4. Iran

Answer:- 3. Pakistan . 

Explanation:- Mohenjodaro, one of the most significant IVC sites, is situated in Sindh province, Pakistan, on the banks of the Indus River.

  IVC question 4:

  IVC question 4:

  Mohenjodaro is located in which present-day country?

UPSC Prelims 2021,  CUET UG 2023
1. Mohenjodaro 
2. Harapppa
3. Dholavira
4. Banawali

Answer:- 3. Dholavira. 

Explanation:- Dholavira, discovered in 1967 and excavated by R.S. Bisht, is located in Kutch district, Gujarat, and is renowned for its advanced water management system.

  IVC question 5:

  IVC question 5:

  The site of Kalibangan is located in which Indian state?

UPSC Prelims 2018, UGC NET 2020 
1. Gujarat
2. Haryana
3. Punjab
4. Rajasthan

Answer:- 4. Rajasthan. 

Explanation:- Kalibangan, found in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, is notable for its fire altars and evidence of ploughed fields, indicating early agricultural practices.

ii)   Choronolo​gy & Extent. 

  IVC question 6:

  IVC question 6:

  The Indus Valley Civilization flourished during which period?

UPSC Prelims 2019, UGC NET 2021
1. 3300–1300 BCE
2. 2500–1500 BCE
3. 1500–500 BCE
4. 3000–2000 BCE

Answer:- 1. 3300–1300 BCE . 

Explanation:-  The civilization spanned from the Early Harappan (3300–2600 BCE) to the Late Harappan (1900–1300 BCE), representing one of the world's earliest urban cultures.

  IVC question 7:

  IVC question 7:

  The mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization is dated to:

UPSC Prelims 2022, CUET PG 2023
1. 3300–2600 BCE
2. 2600–1900 BCE
3. 1900–1300 BCE
4. 2000–1000 BCE

Answer:- 2. 2600–1900 BCE​. 

Explanation:- The Mature Harappan phase (2600–1900 BCE) saw peak urbanization, standardized weights, and extensive trade networks.

  IVC question 8:

  IVC question 8:

  The Indus Valley Civilization extended from Balochistan to:

SSC CHSL 2021, CUET UG 2022
1. Delhi
2. Gujarat 
3. Maharastra
4. Madhya Pradesh

Answer:- 2.Gujarat. 

Explanation:- The civilization's expanse stretched from Balochistan in the west to Gujarat in the east, covering over 1.5 million sq km.

iii) Urban Planning and Architecture

  IVC question 9:

  IVC question 9:

  The most distinctive feature of Indus Valley urban planning was:

UPSC Prelims 2017, NDA/CDS 2020
1. Circular cities
2. Grid pattern streets
3. Pyramid structures

4. Fortified walls only

Answer:- 2. Grid pattern streets. 

Explanation:- Cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa were laid out in a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles, reflecting advanced urban planning.

  IVC question 10:

  IVC question 10:

  The Great Bath was discovered at which site?

UPSC Prelims 2016, CLAT 2021
1. Harappa
2. Mohenjodaro
3. Dholavira

4. Lothal

Answer:- 2. Mohenjodaro. 

Explanation:- The Great Bath, a large public water tank measuring about 12m × 7m × 2.4m, was found at Mohenjodaro and is believed to have had ritual significance.

  IVC question 11:

  IVC question 11:

  The famous "Priest-King" statue was found at:

AILET 2022, JMI Entrance 2023 
1. Harappa
2. Kalibangan
3. Dholavira

4. Mohenjodaro

Answer:- 4. Mohenjodaro. 

Explanation:- The "Priest-King" is a limestone bust discovered at Mohenjodaro, representing the artistic excellence of the civilization.

  IVC question 12:

  IVC question 12:

  Which Indus Valley site is famous for its water management system?​

UPSC Prelims 2021, CUET UG 2023 
1. Harappa
2. Mohenjodaro

3. Dholavira

4. Surkotada

Answer:- 3. Dholavira. 

Explanation:- Dholavira is renowned for its sophisticated water harvesting and management systems, including reservoirs and channels.

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