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
141
Based on the lack of grand palaces and royal tombs, how is the Harappan social system often characterized?
Answer:
Fairly egalitarian
Unlike the distinct hierarchy seen in Egypt (Pharaohs), the Indus cities show a relatively uniform standard of living and lack obvious royal residences, suggesting a more egalitarian society, perhaps governed by a merchant class or oligarchy.
142
Archaeological evidence confirms that the Harappans maintained trade relations with which civilization?
Answer:
Mesopotamia
Cuneiform records from Mesopotamia refer to trade with 'Meluhha', which is identified as the Indus Valley. Indus seals and weights have been found in Mesopotamian sites like Ur and Kish.
143
Which type of artifact serves as the primary indicator of the commercial and economic development of the Indus Valley?
Answer:
Seals
Seals were essential for trade. They were pressed into wet clay to tag sacks of goods, ensuring the integrity of the package and identifying the owner. Their widespread discovery validates the civilization's complex commercial network.
144
The organic connection between the ancient Indus culture and modern Hinduism is best illustrated by the worship of?
Answer:
Pashupati and the Mother Goddess
The discovery of the 'Proto-Shiva' (Pashupati) seal and numerous terracotta figurines of the Mother Goddess suggests a direct lineage to later Hindu practices of worshipping Shiva and Shakti (female energy).
145
The seals excavated from Mohenjo-daro share thematic and stylistic similarities with seals from which region?
Answer:
Sumeria (Mesopotamia)
Harappan seals have been found in Mesopotamian cities (Sumeria), and motifs like a hero fighting two tigers (similar to the Sumerian Gilgamesh epic) appear on Indus seals, indicating strong cultural and trade links.
146
Which animal motif is most frequently depicted on the steatite seals of the Indus Valley?
Answer:
The Unicorn (Unihorn bull)
The 'Unicorn'—a mythical creature resembling a bull with a single horn—is the most common figure found on Indus seals. It possibly represented a specific clan or governing authority.
147
Where was the granary at Harappa specifically located?
Answer:
Near the River Ravi
The granary at Harappa (distinct from the one at Mohenjo-daro) was located on Mound F, close to the river Ravi. This location likely facilitated the transport of grain by boat.
148
Which architectural feature has notably NOT been found during excavations of Harappan sites?
Answer:
Temple with Shikhar
The 'Shikhar' is a feature of later Hindu temple architecture. No structural temples have been excavated in the Indus Civilization; their spiritual life likely focused on nature, water (Great Bath), and figurines.
149
Which Harappan city is unique for lacking a fortified citadel?
Answer:
Chanhudaro
Unlike other major cities that were divided into a fortified 'Citadel' (upper town) and a 'Lower Town', Chanhudaro was a single unfortified area, primarily serving as an industrial center for artisans.
150
What is the literal translation of the Sindhi name 'Mohenjo-daro'?
Answer:
Mound of the Dead
The name is derived from the Sindhi language, where 'Mohen' refers to Krishna (or a name) and 'daro' means mound, but it is universally interpreted in archaeology as the 'Mound of the Dead Men' due to the layers of habitation found there.