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
111
Which of the following assertions regarding the geography of the Indus Valley Civilization is historically accurate?
Answer:
Both Surkotada and Dholavira are located in the Kutch region of Gujarat.
Surkotada and Dholavira are indeed significant Harappan sites located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. In contrast, Harappa is on the Ravi river, not the Indus; Chanhudaro is in Sindh (Pakistan), not Rajasthan; and Lothal is located near the Bhogavo river, a tributary of the Sabarmati.
112
Archaeological evidence of 'pit-dwellings' has been primarily unearthed at which pair of ancient sites?
Answer:
Burzahom and Gufkaral
Pit-dwellings are a characteristic feature of the Neolithic culture in the Kashmir valley. Specifically, the sites of Burzahom and Gufkaral have yielded evidence of these subterranean structures, which likely provided protection against harsh cold weather conditions.
113
Which was the first metal tool used by humans, also extensively utilized by the Harappans?
Answer:
Copper
Copper was the first metal used by humans for making tools, marking the transition from the Stone Age. The Harappans used copper for a wide range of implements, weapons, and vessels before discovering how to alloy it into bronze.
114
Which statement accurately describes the Harappan civilization's knowledge of textiles?
Answer:
They grew and used cotton.
The Harappans are credited with being among the earliest people in the world to cultivate cotton and process it into fabric. Archaeological finds, such as fabric traces on silver jars, confirm their advanced knowledge of cotton textiles.
115
The 'Great Granary' is a massive structure discovered at which Indus Valley site?
Answer:
Mohenjo-Daro
The Great Granary is the largest building found at Mohenjo-Daro. It was a massive brick structure with ventilation channels, designed for the storage of grain, which likely served as a form of state currency or tax reserve.
116
Which of the following agricultural products has NOT been found in the archaeological remains of the Indus Civilization?
Answer:
Sugarcane
While the Harappans cultivated a variety of crops including barley, mustard, sesamum, and cotton, there is no archaeological evidence to suggest they cultivated sugarcane. The knowledge of sugarcane likely came later.
117
From where did the Harappan people likely source the semi-precious stone Lapis Lazuli?
Answer:
Afghanistan
The Harappans established a trading outpost at Shortugai in modern-day Afghanistan specifically to access local mines. This region was the primary source of Lapis Lazuli, a highly valued blue gemstone used in beads and jewelry.
118
Evidence of a ploughed field, indicating early agricultural practices, was found at which Harappan site?
Answer:
Kalibangan
Excavations at Kalibangan in Rajasthan revealed the world's earliest known ploughed field. The grid pattern of the furrows suggests that two different crops were grown simultaneously, a practice that continues in the region today.
119
The seals found at Mohenjo-Daro show significant similarities to seals found in which other ancient civilization?
Answer:
Sumeria (Mesopotamia)
Seals from the Indus Valley have been found in Sumerian cities, and Sumerian texts refer to trade with 'Meluhha' (the Indus region). The stylistic similarities and physical presence of these seals confirm extensive trade links between the Indus and Mesopotamian civilizations.
120
The standard weights and measures of the Indus Valley Civilization followed a binary system with a dominant multiple of which number?
Answer:
16
The Harappan system of weights was highly standardized and largely binary. The weights proceeded in a series (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.), with 16 being a dominant unit that influenced traditional Indian measurements (like 16 annas in a rupee) for millennia.