Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
101
There is no archaeological evidence supporting the cultivation of which crop at Indus Valley sites?
Answer:
Sugarcane
The Harappans cultivated wheat, barley, peas, and even rice (found at Lothal and Rangpur), but there is no concrete evidence suggesting they cultivated or used sugarcane. Sugarcane cultivation appears in the Indian subcontinent much later.
102
At which ancient site was the first potential astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization discovered?
Answer:
Dholavira
Dholavira is unique for its complex water management and architectural layout. Archaeologists have identified structures there that may have functioned as an astronomical observatory, reflecting the civilization's advanced understanding of celestial cycles.
103
What was the primary function of the intaglio seals made of carved and fired steatite used by the Harappans?
Answer:
To mark goods and property
While seals may have had religious significance, their primary practical use was commercial. They were pressed into soft clay tags attached to bundles of goods to certify the contents and ownership, acting as a tamper-proof signature.
104
Which major Indus Valley site is situated in the Larkana District of Pakistan on the banks of the Indus River?
Answer:
Mohenjo-daro
Mohenjo-daro, meaning 'Mound of the Dead', is located in the Larkana District of Sindh, Pakistan. It is one of the largest and most significant settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization, situated directly on the Indus river plain.
105
What are the primary reasons the Indus Valley script remains undeciphered?
Answer:
All of the above
The decipherment of the Indus script is hindered by three main factors: the inscriptions are typically very short (averaging 5 symbols), the underlying language family is unknown (though often hypothesized to be Dravidian), and no bilingual inscription (like the Rosetta Stone) has been found to act as a key.
106
Which site provides evidence suggesting that the inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization possessed knowledge of tides?
Answer:
Lothal
Lothal features a massive brick-lined tank interpreted as a dockyard. Its engineering included a lock-gate system to manage water flow during high and low tides, indicating a sophisticated understanding of tidal movements for maritime trade.
107
Archaeological records suggest that the earliest recorded earthquake occurred at which site?
Answer:
Kalibangan
Kalibangan provides evidence of an earthquake that occurred around 2600 BC, which likely contributed to the end of the Early Harappan settlement at the site before the Mature Harappan phase began.
108
Which Harappan site is notable for the distinct absence of Mother Goddess figurines, which are common elsewhere?
Answer:
Rangpur
While Mother Goddess worship was widespread in many Indus Valley centers, figurines depicting the goddess are conspicuously absent at Rangpur, a site in Gujarat. This suggests regional variations in religious practices.
109
The earliest evidence of a 'ploughed field' in the world was discovered at which Indus Valley site?
Answer:
Kalibangan
Excavations at Kalibangan in Rajasthan revealed a ploughed field surface dating back to the Early Harappan phase. The field showed a grid of furrows, suggesting the practice of mixed cropping.
110
Which two Harappan settlements were established along the banks of the Ghaggar River?
Answer:
Kalibangan and Banwali
Kalibangan (Rajasthan) and Banwali (Haryana) are situated along the ancient course of the Ghaggar-Hakra river system. This river is often identified with the lost Saraswati river mentioned in Vedic texts.