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
81
Remains of horse bones have been reported from which Indus Valley site, sparking debate among archaeologists?
Answer:
Surkotada
Surkotada in Gujarat is significant because archaeologists have reported finding horse remains there dating to around 2000 BCE. This is controversial and significant because the horse is generally considered absent from the Harappan civilization.
82
Which set of metals was known and used by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer:
Copper, bronze, silver, gold but not iron
The Harappans were a Bronze Age civilization. They had mastered the metallurgy of copper, bronze, lead, gold, and silver. However, the use of iron was unknown to them and appeared much later in the Iron Age.
83
Which of the following deities was NOT part of the Harappan religious pantheon?
Answer:
Vishnu
The worship of Vishnu is a later development associated with Vedic and Puranic Hinduism. Harappan religion focused on the Mother Goddess, a Proto-Shiva figure, and nature worship (trees like Peepal, animals).
84
Which site provides the earliest evidence of settled agriculture in the Indian Subcontinent?
Answer:
Mehrgarh
Mehrgarh, located in Balochistan (Pakistan), dates back to around 7000 BCE. It provides the earliest known evidence of farming (wheat and barley) and herding (cattle, sheep, goats) in South Asia.
85
What is the most frequently occurring motif on Indus Valley seals?
Answer:
Unicorn
The 'Unicorn'—a mythical creature resembling a bull with a single long horn—is the most common image found on Indus seals. While the Zebu bull is also famous, the unicorn motif appears in the highest frequency.
86
Which Harappan city is unique for being divided into three distinct parts (Citadel, Middle Town, and Lower Town)?
Answer:
Dholavira
Unlike most Harappan cities which are divided into two parts (the Citadel and the Lower Town), Dholavira is unique for its tripartite division: a Citadel, a Middle Town, and a Lower Town.
87
According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India, which modern city marks the site of the ancient capital Hastinapur?
Answer:
Meerut
Hastinapur, the legendary capital of the Kuru Kingdom in the Mahabharata, is identified with a site in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.
88
Which site provides clear evidence of maritime trade during the Harappan era?
Answer:
Lothal
Lothal is the only Indus city with a confirmed artificial dockyard. The presence of this dock, along with seals of Persian Gulf origin found there, confirms its role as a major center for maritime trade.
89
The 'Pashupati Seal' found at Mohenjo-daro depicts a figure with which characteristics?
Answer:
Surrounded by animals and in a yogic posture
The Pashupati seal shows a three-faced figure seated in a yogic position (often identified as Mulabandhasana) on a low throne. The figure is surrounded by animals—an elephant, a tiger, a rhino, and a buffalo—leading scholars to identify it as 'Proto-Shiva' or the Lord of Animals.
90
The ancient trading depot known as Bharukaccha is located in which present-day Indian state?
Answer:
Gujarat
Bharukaccha, known today as Bharuch, is an ancient port city located in Gujarat. It served as a critical trading hub connecting India with the West across the Arabian Sea.