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
151
Despite high standardization in weights and bricks, the Harappan Civilization showed a lack of uniformity in which area?
Answer:
Burial practices
Harappan burial customs varied significantly across regions. While extended burial in pits was common, other methods like urn burials, pot burials, and joint burials (found at Lothal) show a lack of strict uniformity compared to their standardized weights.
152
Which sequence correctly represents the chronological order of excavation for these major Indus sites?
Answer:
Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Chanhudaro, Lothal
Harappa was the first to be excavated (1921 by Daya Ram Sahni), followed by Mohenjo-Daro (1922 by R.D. Banerji), Chanhudaro (1931 by N.G. Majumdar), and Lothal much later (1957 by S.R. Rao).
153
Harappan weaponry and tools were primarily manufactured from which materials?
Answer:
Stone, Copper, and Bronze
The Harappans belonged to the Bronze Age. They used tools made of copper and bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). However, stone tools (lithic blades) continued to be used alongside metal ones. Iron was unknown to them.
154
Which of the following claims about Harappan religious practices is incorrect?
Answer:
They placed their gods in temples.
Unlike ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, no distinct temple structures have been found in the Indus Valley. Worship appears to have been private or conducted in open areas/bathing pools rather than in monumental temples housing idols.
155
Which of the following groups of cereals were cultivated by the Harappan civilization?
Answer:
Wheat, Rice, and Millet
Wheat and barley were the staple crops. However, evidence suggests they also cultivated millets (especially in Gujarat) and, to a lesser/debated extent, rice (found in Lothal and Rangpur), making 'All of the above' or the combination the inclusive answer.
156
Which structure is identified as the largest building within the Mohenjo-daro complex?
Answer:
The Granary
Although the Great Bath is the most famous, the Granary is the largest building in Mohenjo-daro. It was a massive brick structure likely used for storing grain, which was a form of currency and tax.
157
What was the primary material used by the Indus Valley people to craft everyday utensils?
Answer:
Clay
While the Harappans knew metallurgy, the vast majority of everyday utensils were made of pottery (clay). Wheel-turned, heavy, and utilitarian terracotta pots were used for cooking and storage.
158
In which present-day Indian state is the Kalibangan archaeological site located?
Answer:
Rajasthan
Kalibangan is located in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, on the southern banks of the Ghaggar-Hakra river. The site is famous for its plowed fields and fire altars.
159
The major cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were situated on the banks of which rivers, respectively?
Answer:
Ravi and Indus
The city of Harappa was located near the River Ravi in Punjab, while Mohenjo-daro was situated to the west of the River Indus in Sindh. This river-based location was crucial for agriculture and transport.
160
What was the earliest metal to be utilized by humans, as evidenced by archaeological findings?
Answer:
Copper
Copper (Cu) was the first metal used by humans, marking the transition from the Stone Age to the Chalcolithic (Copper-Stone) Age. The Harappans used copper extensively for tools and weapons long before the advent of iron.