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
201
What is the most distinguishing feature that sets the Harappan Civilization apart from its contemporaries?
Answer:
Underground drainage system
While the Harappans had excellent town planning, their underground drainage system was unique in the ancient world. Almost every house was connected to street drains, which were covered, paved with bricks, and equipped with manholes for cleaning, showing an unparalleled focus on sanitation.
202
Which statement best describes the religious architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer:
There is no conclusive proof of temples.
Unlike Mesopotamia or Egypt, the Indus Valley Civilization lacks evidence of monumental temples, palaces, or clear public places of worship. Religion appears to have been a more private matter, or rituals were performed in places like the Great Bath rather than temple structures.
203
Which was the first city to be discovered, lending its name to the entire civilization?
Answer:
Harappa
Harappa was the first city excavated (circa 1921) and discovered in this region. Although the civilization had roots in earlier cultures like Mehrgarh, the discovery of the great urban center at Harappa defined the civilization, which is why it is academically called the Harappan Civilization.
204
At which site was the famous 'Great Bath' discovered?
Answer:
Mohenjo-daro
The Great Bath is one of the most iconic structures of the Indus Valley Civilization, located at Mohenjo-daro in Sindh, Pakistan. It is a large public water tank likely used for ritualistic bathing/cleansing.
205
Who led the first extensive excavations at the site of Harappa?
Answer:
Daya Ram Sahni
Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni started the first extensive excavations at Harappa in 1920–21. This work preceded the excavations at Mohenjo-daro by R.D. Bannerji, leading to the naming of the culture as the 'Harappan Civilization'.
206
The inhabitants of the Indus Valley were the earliest known people to produce which commodity?
Answer:
Cotton
Farmers in the Indus Valley were the first to spin and weave cotton. Fragments of cotton textiles dated between 3250 and 2750 BCE have been recovered at Mohenjo-daro, and cotton seeds found at Mehrgarh date back even further to 5000 BCE.
207
Which Harappan town is considered a specialized center for artists and craftsmen?
Answer:
Chanhudaro
Chanhudaro is identified as a major industrial center of the Indus Civilization, famous for bead-making, shell-working, and seal-making. It is often referred to as a town of craftsmen, though excavations there have been less frequent in recent times.
208
The ruins of the city of Harappa are situated on the banks of which river?
Answer:
Ravi
Harappa is located in the Montgomery District of Punjab (Pakistan) on the banks of the River Ravi. This is distinct from Mohenjo-daro, which is located on the banks of the River Indus in Sindh.
209
Which ancient civilization was NOT contemporary with the Harappan Civilization?
Answer:
Chinese
The Harappan Civilization flourished alongside the Mesopotamian, Sumerian, and Egyptian civilizations, with evidence of trade contacts between them. The Chinese civilization developed largely in isolation during this specific period and is not considered a direct contemporary associate in the same trade sphere.
210
Which prominent Harappan site is protected by flood barriers with funding aid from UNESCO?
Answer:
Mohenjo-daro
Mohenjo-daro, located on the bank of the Indus River, faces significant threats from water damage and salinity. It has been the focus of conservation efforts involving flood barriers to protect its ruins, supported by UNESCO funds.