India Harappan Civilization Quiz
Use questions in this quiz to prep for your Unit Lesson quiz on India's Harappan Civilization Quiz. .
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Harappan civilization existed at about the same time as what two other civilizations?
- A.
Egypt and Persia.
- B.
Greece and Rome.
- C.
Mesopotamia and Egypt.
- D.
Rome and Egypt.
Correct Answer
C. Mesopotamia and Egypt.Explanation
The Harappan civilization existed at about the same time as the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. This is supported by archaeological evidence that shows trade and cultural interactions between these regions during the Bronze Age. The Indus Valley, where the Harappan civilization flourished, had extensive trade networks with Mesopotamia and Egypt, as evidenced by the discovery of Mesopotamian and Egyptian artifacts in Harappan sites. Additionally, similarities in urban planning, writing systems, and agricultural practices between these civilizations further indicate their contemporaneity.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Where did most people of Mohenjo Daro live?
- A.
In the lower city.
- B.
In the citadel.
- C.
On their rooftops.
- D.
Near their farms outside the city walls.
Correct Answer
A. In the lower city.Explanation
Most people of Mohenjo Daro lived in the lower city because it was the main residential area of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. The lower city was a densely populated area, characterized by well-planned streets, houses, and public buildings. It was the center of economic and social activities, with houses made of baked bricks and various amenities like public baths and wells. The citadel, on the other hand, was a fortified area that housed important structures like the Great Bath and the Granary but was not where the majority of the population resided.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following statements show that Indus Valley cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro were well planned?
- A.
Their workshops were made of mud bricks
- B.
Indus Valley cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro are nearly identical to one another.
- C.
Their streets were laid out in a grid pattern.
- D.
Their stone seals were found as far away as Mesopotamia.
- E.
Some of their houses were larger than others.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Indus Valley cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro are nearly identical to one another.
C. Their streets were laid out in a grid pattern.Explanation
The statement "Indus Valley cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro are nearly identical to one another" suggests that these cities were well planned. The fact that they have similar layouts and structures indicates that there was a deliberate and organized approach to city planning. Additionally, the statement "Their streets were laid out in a grid pattern" further supports the idea of careful planning, as a grid pattern is a common characteristic of well-planned cities.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Why do many historians believe that the people of the Indus Valley were ruled by a strong leader?
- A.
All of the towns in the Indus Valley were heavily armed.
- B.
The ancient texts repeat one name over and over again.
- C.
Hundreds of Harappan cities, spread across a vast area, share a similar design.
- D.
Archaeologists found an ancient clay statue that shows a strong ruler.
Correct Answer
C. Hundreds of Harappan cities, spread across a vast area, share a similar design.Explanation
The fact that hundreds of Harappan cities in the Indus Valley share a similar design suggests that there was a centralized authority or strong leader who imposed a standardized urban planning and architectural style. This indicates a level of organization and control over a large territory, supporting the belief that the people of the Indus Valley were ruled by a strong leader.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which feature(s) of Indus Valley cities made them different from other cities of the time?
- A.
Homes made of bricks.
- B.
Streets paved with bricks.
- C.
High walls around the city.
- D.
An advanced sewer system.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Streets paved with bricks.
D. An advanced sewer system.Explanation
The Indus Valley cities were different from other cities of the time because they had streets paved with bricks and an advanced sewer system. These features were not common in other cities during that period. The paved streets made transportation easier and more organized, while the advanced sewer system showed a high level of urban planning and sanitation.Rate this question:
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- 6.
People of the Indus valley placed important public structures on the citadel because the citadel protected them from enemies and...
- A.
Disease.
- B.
Nomads.
- C.
The wrath of the gods.
- D.
Flood waters.
Correct Answer
D. Flood waters.Explanation
The people of the Indus valley placed important public structures on the citadel because the citadel provided protection from flood waters. The Indus River, which flowed through the valley, was prone to flooding, and building on higher ground ensured that the structures would be safe from the destructive force of the floods. This strategic placement allowed the people to safeguard their important public buildings and maintain their functionality even during times of heavy rainfall and flooding.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What may have happened to the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro that caused them to be abandoned around 1500 BCE?
- A.
Earthquake.
- B.
Invasion.
- C.
Monsoon.
- D.
Tornado.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Earthquake.
B. Invasion.Explanation
The cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro may have been abandoned around 1500 BCE due to a combination of factors, including both earthquakes and invasions. Earthquakes could have caused significant damage to the infrastructure and structures of the cities, making them uninhabitable. Additionally, invasions by outside forces could have led to the destruction and abandonment of the cities as well. It is likely that a combination of these two factors, along with other possible reasons, contributed to the decline and abandonment of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Archaeologists working at Mohenjo Daro found a large structure that was 39 feet long and 8 feet deep. Nearby was a well and a drain ran along one side of the sturcture. Because of those features, arcaeologists believe that the structure was used as...
- A.
A fighting pit matching gladiator-like warriors against one another.
- B.
A public bath.
- C.
A place to store grain.
- D.
A place to make and store wine.
Correct Answer
B. A public bath.Explanation
Based on the given information, archaeologists found a large structure near a well and with a drain running along one side. These features are commonly associated with public baths, where people could access water for bathing and cleaning purposes. Therefore, the archaeologists believe that the structure was used as a public bath.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What evidence shows how people of the Indus Valley might have dressed?
- A.
Pictographs.
- B.
Archaeologists have found written descriptions.
- C.
Ancient clay statues.
- D.
Remains of an old robe.
Correct Answer
C. Ancient clay statues.Explanation
Ancient clay statues provide evidence of how people of the Indus Valley might have dressed. These statues were created by the people of that time and depict various individuals wearing different types of clothing. By studying these statues, archaeologists can gain insights into the clothing styles and fashion trends of the Indus Valley civilization. This evidence helps researchers understand the cultural practices and social norms of the people living in that region during that period.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is Sanskrit for "mound of the dead?"
- A.
Harappa.
- B.
Citadel.
- C.
Mohenjo Daro.
- D.
Deccan.
Correct Answer
C. Mohenjo Daro.Explanation
Mohenjo Daro is the correct answer because it is an ancient city in the Indus Valley civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. The name "Mohenjo Daro" translates to "mound of the dead" in the Sindhi language, which is derived from Sanskrit. The city is known for its well-planned layout, advanced drainage system, and the discovery of many archaeological remains, including a large number of human burials.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What was a new technology used in Mohenjo Daro?
- A.
Stone seals.
- B.
Sewer system.
- C.
Grain surplus.
- D.
Taxes.
Correct Answer
B. Sewer system.Explanation
The correct answer is "sewer system" because archaeological evidence suggests that Mohenjo Daro had a highly advanced and sophisticated drainage system. The city had a complex network of interconnected drains and sewage systems, with covered drains running beneath the streets. This indicates that the people of Mohenjo Daro had developed a new technology to manage their wastewater and maintain sanitation in the city.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which nickname does NOT apply to early Indian civilization?
- A.
Hindu Kush civilization.
- B.
Harappan civilization.
- C.
Indus-Saraswati civilization.
- D.
Indus Valley civilization.
Correct Answer
A. Hindu Kush civilization.Explanation
The nickname "Hindu Kush civilization" does not apply to early Indian civilization because the term "Hindu Kush" refers to a mountain range in present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is geographically separate from the Indus Valley region where the early Indian civilizations flourished. The other three options, Harappan civilization, Indus-Saraswati civilization, and Indus Valley civilization, all refer to the ancient civilizations that existed in the Indus Valley region.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What was the economy of the early Indian civilization based on?
- A.
Shipbuilding.
- B.
Agriculture only.
- C.
Agriculture and trade.
- D.
Warfare, conquest, and tribute.
Correct Answer
C. Agriculture and trade.Explanation
The early Indian civilization was based on agriculture and trade. Agriculture played a crucial role in their economy as it provided food and resources for the population. Additionally, trade was an important aspect of their economy as it allowed them to exchange goods and services with other regions, leading to the growth of commerce and economic development. This combination of agriculture and trade formed the foundation of the early Indian civilization's economy.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How does the following list of words relate to Indus Valley civilization: Invaders, Floods, Earthquakes
- A.
Reasons that the Harappans needed a strong leader.
- B.
Problems with living near a river.
- C.
Theories about the decline of Indus Valley civilization.
- D.
Reasons that Indus Valley civilization began.
Correct Answer
C. Theories about the decline of Indus Valley civilization.Explanation
The list of words "Invaders, Floods, Earthquakes" relates to the Indus Valley civilization because they are all factors that have been suggested as possible reasons for the decline of the civilization. Theories propose that the civilization may have been invaded by outside forces, such as the Aryans. Additionally, the region experienced frequent floods and earthquakes, which could have caused significant damage to the infrastructure and disrupted the way of life for the Harappan people. These factors, among others, are considered as potential explanations for the decline of the Indus Valley civilization.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Harappa and Mohenjo Darro developed in the...
- A.
Indus River Valley.
- B.
Western Ghats.
- C.
Ganges River Valley.
- D.
Himalayas.
Correct Answer
A. Indus River Valley.Explanation
The correct answer is Indus River Valley. Harappa and Mohenjo Daro were two of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500-1900 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. These cities were located along the banks of the Indus River, which provided a reliable water source for agriculture and facilitated trade and transportation. The Indus River Valley was a fertile region that supported the development of complex urban societies, characterized by advanced city planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and a writing system that has yet to be fully deciphered.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 03, 2016Quiz Created by
SAASHistory6
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