CBSE Class 12 Humanities History · Ch 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones – The Harappan Civilisation

Topics in this test

Difficulty: 3 easy · 9 medium · 18 hard

Sample questions with answers

The first 5 questions of this free test.

1. Q1. The Mature Harappan phase is generally dated between about 2600 BCE and about 1900 BCE. Based on these dates, for approximately how long did the Mature Harappan culture flourish?

   • A. About 900 years
   • B. About 1900 years
   • C. About 500 years
   • D. About 700 years
   Solution

   Subtracting 1900 BCE from 2600 BCE gives a span of about 700 years for the Mature Harappan phase.

2. Q2. At which Harappan site was an unusual inscription found, made up of large-sized signs that may have been publicly displayed like a signboard?

   • A. Harappa
   • B. Dholavira
   • C. Kalibangan
   • D. Lothal
   Solution

   Dholavira is unique for an inscription made of large signs, possibly used as a kind of public signboard, unlike the tiny script found on most seals.

3. Q3. The early excavations at Harappan sites were not always carefully recorded. Who among the following archaeologists insisted on following the stratigraphy of the mound rather than digging along uniform horizontal layers?

   • A. John Marshall
   • B. Alexander Cunningham
   • C. R.E.M. Wheeler
   • D. Daya Ram Sahni
   Solution

   R.E.M. Wheeler recognised that a mound must be excavated by following its natural stratigraphy, correcting the earlier method of digging along regular horizontal units.

4. Q4. Identify the 'odd one out' from the following Harappan settlements on the basis of its size and function.

   • A. Dholavira
   • B. Harappa
   • C. Mohenjodaro
   • D. Chanhudaro
   Solution

   Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Dholavira were major cities, whereas Chanhudaro was a tiny settlement almost exclusively devoted to craft production such as bead-making, shell-cutting and metal-working.

5. Q5. Consider the following statements about Harappan burial practices: (i) The dead were generally laid in pits. (ii) Some graves contained pottery and ornaments, perhaps indicating a belief in an afterlife. (iii) Jewellery has been found in the burials of both men and women. (iv) The Harappans buried their dead in grand pyramid-like structures. Which of the statements are correct?

   • A. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
   • B. (i), (ii) and (iv)
   • C. (i), (ii) and (iii)
   • D. (i), (iii) and (iv)
   Solution

   Harappan burials were relatively simple pit burials with some pottery and jewellery; unlike the Egyptians, they did not build grand pyramids, so statement (iv) is wrong.

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