Indus Valley Civilization MCQ – Top 50 MCQs Solved

Indus Valley Civilization MCQ practice is the most critical step for aspirants targeting UPSC, SSC CGL, and Railways. In this comprehensive guide, we cover the 50 most expected questions to help you score high. This top-rated mock test ensures you master the ancient history concepts quickly and effectively.

Indus Valley Civilization MCQ

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Indus Valley Civilization MCQ – Top 50 MCQs Solved (50 MCQs Test)

Q 1 / 50
According to Radiocarbon Dating (C-14), which of the following is the most accepted timeframe for the Mature Harappan Phase of the Indus Valley Civilization?
A 3500 BC – 2600 BC
B 2500 BC – 1750 BC
C 1800 BC – 1000 BC
D 500 BC – 200 BC
Who among the following archaeologists was the first to discover the ruins of Harappa in 1921?
A R.D. Banerji
B Sir John Marshall
C Dayaram Sahni
D A. Cunningham
Consider the following pairs of Harappan sites and the rivers they are situated on:
1. Harappa — Indus
2. Mohenjodaro — Ravi
3. Lothal — Bhogava
4. Kalibangan — Ghaggar
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A 1 and 2 only
B 3 and 4 only
C 1, 3 and 4 only
D 2, 3 and 4 only
Which of the following statements regarding the geographical extent of the Indus Valley Civilization is/are correct?
1. The northernmost site is Manda (Jammu & Kashmir).
2. The southernmost site is Daimabad (Maharashtra).
3. The easternmost site is Alamgirpur (Uttar Pradesh).
A 1 only
B 1 and 2 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following major Indus Valley Civilization sites is NOT located within the present-day territory of India?
A Dholavira
B Rakhigarhi
C Chanhudaro
D Lothal
Identify the incorrect statement regarding the materials and metals known to the Indus Valley people:
A They were aware of Copper and Bronze.
B They used Gold and Silver for ornaments.
C They had extensive knowledge of Iron weaponry.
D They used semi-precious stones like Lapis Lazuli.
Consider the following statements regarding urbanization:
Assertion (A): The Indus Valley Civilization is classified as an urban civilization.
Reason (R): The civilization was characterized by systematic town planning, drainage systems, and the use of burnt bricks.
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C A is true, but R is false
D A is false, but R is true
Scenario: An archaeologist discovers a site in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The site is unique because it is divided into three parts (Citadel, Middle Town, Lower Town). It also features a highly advanced water harnessing system. Which site is being described?
A Surkotada
B Dholavira
C Rangpur
D Lothal
The local name of which among the following Indus Valley Civilization sites means “Mound of the Dead”?
A Harappa
B Mohenjodaro
C Lothal
D Kalibangan
The Indus Valley people were the first to produce which of the following crops, which the Greeks called ‘Sindon’?
A Wheat
B Barley
C Cotton
D Rice
Match the following Harappan sites with their unique archaeological findings:
1. Lothal — Dockyard
2. Kalibangan — Ploughed Field
3. Banawali — Terracotta replica of a Plough
4. Surkotada — Horse Remains
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A 1 and 2 only
B 1, 2 and 3 only
C 2 and 4 only
D 1, 2, 3 and 4
The famous ‘Pashupati Mahadeva’ seal found at Mohenjodaro depicts a yogi surrounded by animals. Which of the following animals is NOT depicted on this seal?
A Elephant
B Tiger
C Rhinoceros
D Cow
Identify the correct statement regarding the Town Planning of the Indus Valley Civilization:
A The streets were laid out in a haphazard, organic manner.
B The main streets ran from North to South, intersected by smaller streets at 90 degrees (Grid System).
C The entrance to houses usually opened onto the main street.
D There was no system of covered drainage.
Which of the following statements regarding the Indus Script is/are incorrect?
1. It is a pictographic script.
2. It was written in Boustrophedon style (Right to Left, then Left to Right).
3. It has been fully deciphered by modern historians.
A 1 only
B 2 only
C 3 only
D 1 and 3
Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): The Indus Valley Civilization is distinct from the contemporary civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt regarding construction materials.
Reason (R): The Indus people used standardized burnt bricks on a massive scale.
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C A is true, but R is false
D A is false, but R is true
Scenario: You are excavating a major Industrial centre of the Harappan civilization. You find factories for bead-making, shell-cutting, and seal-making. Surprisingly, this is the only major city that does not have a fortified Citadel. Which site are you at?
A Lothal
B Chanhu-daro
C Kalibangan
D Ropar
The “Great Bath,” a massive tank used for ritual bathing, was found at which of the following Indus Valley sites?
A Harappa
B Mohenjodaro
C Kalibangan
D Ropar
The famous statue of the “Dancing Girl,” a masterpiece of Harappan art, is made of which material?
A Terracotta
B Steatite
C Bronze
D Red Limestone
In the ancient Mesopotamian texts (Sumerian), the Indus Valley Civilization was referred to by which name?
A Dilmun
B Magan
C Meluha
D Bahrain
Which of the following statements about the Weights and Measures of the Indus Valley Civilization is/are correct?
1. They used a standardized binary system of weights (1, 2, 4, 8, 16…).
2. The ratio/base unit for weights was 16.
3. They used foot-scales made of shell and ivory.
A 1 only
B 1 and 2 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3
Regarding the religious practices of the Indus Valley Civilization, which of the following features has NOT been found?
A Worship of Mother Goddess
B Worship of Trees (Peepal) and Animals
C Construction of Grand Temples for worship
D Worship of Lingam and Yoni (Phallus worship)
Which Harappan site has yielded evidence of a burial practice where a dog was buried along with a human in an oval pit?
A Ropar
B Lothal
C Harappa
D Alamgirpur
Consider the following statements about Harappan craftsmanship:
Assertion (A): The Harappan civilization had a highly developed aesthetic sense.
Reason (R): They employed the ‘Cire Perdue’ or ‘Lost Wax’ technique for casting metal statues.
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C A is true, but R is false
D A is false, but R is true
Scenario: You are examining a seal from the Indus Valley. It is square in shape, made of a soft stone, and features an animal carving with a script above it. What is the most likely material of this seal?
A Copper
B Steatite
C Iron
D Gold
Which among the following structures is the largest building found at Mohenjodaro?
A The Great Bath
B The Great Granary
C The Assembly Hall
D The College of Priests
Archaeological evidence of “Fire Altars” (suggesting ritualistic fire worship) has been found at which of the following sites?
A Harappa and Mohenjodaro
B Kalibangan and Lothal
C Dholavira and Surkotada
D Ropar and Alamgirpur
Regarding the burial practices of the Harappan people, which of the following statements is NOT typical?
A Bodies were generally placed in a North-South orientation.
B They practiced complete cremation and preserved the ashes in urns (Urn Burial).
C Evidence of “Double Burial” (Male and Female together) was found at Lothal.
D Bodies were buried with jewelry and pottery.
Who among the following historians/archaeologists propounded the theory that the “Aryan Invasion” was the cause of the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?
A Sir John Marshall
B Mortimer Wheeler
C G.F. Dales
D Alexander Cunningham
The stone sculpture of the “Bearded Priest” or “Priest King,” wearing a trefoil-patterned shawl, was found at:
A Harappa
B Mohenjodaro
C Chanhudaro
D Lothal
Which of the following animals was most frequently depicted on the seals of the Indus Valley Civilization?
A Horse
B Lion
C Unicorn (One-horned mythical animal)
D Cow
Match the following sites with their primary excavators/archaeologists:
1. Harappa — Dayaram Sahni
2. Mohenjodaro — R.D. Banerji
3. Lothal — S.R. Rao
4. Dholavira — J.P. Joshi / R.S. Bisht
Select the correct option:
A 1 and 2 only
B 3 and 4 only
C 1, 2 and 3 only
D All 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct
Scenario: Excavations at this site yielded a unique terracotta model of a ship, indicating its maritime importance. It also had a dedicated bead-making factory and is located near the Gulf of Khambhat. Which site is this?
A Dholavira
B Lothal
C Bet Dwarka
D Rangpur
Match the following raw materials imported by the Indus people with their source regions:
1. Copper — Khetri Mines (Rajasthan)
2. Lapis Lazuli — Shortughai (Afghanistan)
3. Gold — Kolar (Karnataka)
4. Tin — Afghanistan/Iran
Select the correct option:
A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1, 3 and 4 only
D All 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct
While Wheat and Barley were the main crops, evidence of Rice cultivation (Rice Husks) has been found at which of the following pairs of sites?
A Harappa and Mohenjodaro
B Lothal and Rangpur
C Kalibangan and Banawali
D Dholavira and Surkotada
Consider the following statements regarding society:
Assertion (A): The nature of the Indus Valley society is believed to be Matriarchal.
Reason (R): Terracotta figurines of the Mother Goddess have been found in large numbers across many sites.
A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C A is true, but R is false
D A is false, but R is true
The origin of which common Indian religious symbol can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization?
A Om
B Swastika
C Lotus
D Trishul
Which of the following observations regarding the decline of Mohenjodaro is/are correct?
1. The city shows evidence of being destroyed and rebuilt at least seven times.
2. The primary cause for these destructions is attributed to massive flooding of the Indus river.
A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2
A hoard of bronze goods, including a famous “Bronze Chariot” driven by a man with two bullocks, was found at which site (often considered the southernmost outpost)?
A Daimabad
B Bhagatrav
C Rojdi
D Desalpur
“Faience,” a material commonly found in Indus sites used to make beads and small vessels, is best described as:
A A naturally occurring soft stone like Steatite.
B An artificially produced material made of ground sand/silica mixed with gum and fired.
C A type of low-grade iron ore.
D A distinct form of red clay pottery.
Scenario: An archaeologist finds a site in Haryana. The site is significant because it yielded high-quality barley grains and a terracotta replica of a plough, but strangely, the town planning lacked the strict “Grid System”. Which site is this?
A Banawali
B Rakhigarhi
C Mitathal
D Kalibangan
The characteristic pottery of the Indus Valley Civilization is best described as:
A Painted Grey Ware (PGW)
B Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP)
C Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)
D Red and Black Ware (Red ware with black painted designs)
Which among the following is currently recognized as the largest Indus Valley Civilization site located within the territory of India?
A Dholavira
B Rakhigarhi
C Lothal
D Kalibangan
Regarding the Political Organization of the Indus Valley Civilization, which statement is most widely accepted by historians?
A It was ruled by a powerful Priest-King similar to Mesopotamia.
B It was a highly centralized empire ruled by a military dictator.
C There is no clear evidence of a single monarch; it was likely ruled by a class of merchants.
D It was a democratic republic.
The name of the site “Kalibangan” (Rajasthan) literally translates to:
A Mound of the Dead
B Black Bangles
C Garden of Sindh
D City of Lakes
While the Indus people relied on flood irrigation, evidence of a developed Canal Irrigation system has been found at only one distant trading outpost. Which site is this?
A Harappa
B Shortughai
C Sutkagen Dor
D Manda
Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): The Indus Valley seals were primarily used as coins or currency for trade.
Reason (R): The seals were made of valuable metals like Gold and Silver.
A Both A and R are true
B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C A is true, but R is false
D Both A and R are false
Which of the following statements characterizes the religious outlook of the Indus Civilization?
1. It was a secular civilization where the religious element was present but not dominant.
2. The society was intolerant of other practices.
A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2
Scenario: Excavations at this specific site provided evidence of a massive Earthquake (the earliest recorded in history) which likely forced the people to abandon the settlement around 2600 BC. Which site is this?
A Dholavira
B Kalibangan
C Lothal
D Harappa
Among the following animals, which one has not been found depicted on the Harappan seals or terracotta art, suggesting it was likely unknown to them?
A Tiger
B Rhinoceros
C Elephant
D Lion
The division of most Harappan cities into a fortified “Citadel” (Upper Town) and a “Lower Town” is a strong indicator of:
A A Caste-based society.
B Social Stratification and Hierarchy.
C A society constantly at war with neighbors.
D A purely egalitarian society.

Quick Revision: Key Facts for Indus Valley Civilization MCQ

Time Period: Mature Phase dates from 2500 BC – 1750 BC (C-14 Dating).
First Site: Harappa was discovered in 1921 by Dayaram Sahni.
Largest Site: Rakhigarhi (Haryana) is the largest site in India.
Great Bath: Found at Mohenjodaro, used for ritual bathing.
Dockyard: Lothal (Gujarat) was the main port city.
Metals: They knew Copper, Bronze, Gold, Silver, but NOT Iron.
Script: Pictographic and undeciphered; written Boustrophedon style.
Crops: Main crops were Wheat and Barley; First to produce Cotton.
Animals: Unicorn is the most common animal on seals; Lion and Cow are absent.
External Reference: For official archaeological data, visit ASI Official Website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Indus Valley Civilization MCQ important for UPSC?
It is a high-yield topic in Ancient History. Questions on sites, findings, and town planning appear frequently in Prelims.
Which is the largest Indus Valley site?
Mohenjodaro is traditionally the largest, but Rakhigarhi (India) is now considered the largest by many recent excavations.
Did the Indus people use Iron?
No, the Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization. They did not have knowledge of Iron.
What is the best source to study these MCQs?
NCERT textbooks (Class 11 Ancient India) are the primary source, followed by previous year questions from UPSC and SSC.
Is the Indus script deciphered?
No, the script remains undeciphered. It is a pictographic script used on seals.

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