Explanation: Only Statement II is true. Drainage System of Harappan cities: There were covered drains on both sides of the streets. Streets with drains were laid out first and then houses built along them. If domestic wastewater had to flow into the street drains, every house needed to have at least one wall along a street.

Explanation: Only Statement I is true. The Harappan civilization was one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It flourished in the Indus River Valley region from around 2500 – 1500 BC. Harappan civilization: Excavated by – Daya Ram Sahni in 1921. Location – Situated on the bank of river Ravi in Punjab (Pakistan). Important Findings – Granaries, Bullock carts, Coffin burial, Mother goddess.

Explanation: Kalibangan and Lothal. Findings of different Indus valley civilization sites: Kalibangan – Lower fortified town, Boustrophedon style, Wooden drainage, Copper Ox, Evidence of earthquake, Wooden plough, Camel’s bone. Lothal – Port Town, Evidence of Rice, Graveyard, Ivory scale, Copper dog. Mohenjo-Daro – Prepared Garments, Temple-like Palace, Pashupati seal, Statue of a dancing girl, The Great Bath, The Great Granary etc.

Explanation: Mohenjo Daro is an archaeological site in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The meaning of Mohenjo Daro is The mound of the dead. It was discovered in 1922 by RD Banerjee. It was developed around 3000 BCE and it was the largest city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Explanation: Indus river. List of Harappan civilisation and its location on River: Harappa (Ravi river), Lothal (Bhogava river), Kalibangan (Ghaggar River), Amri (Indus river), Chanhudaro (Indus river), Suktagendor (Dast river).

Explanation: “Great bath” is a public water tank located in Mohenjo Daro (Pakistan). It was a large rectangular tank in a courtyard surrounded by a corridor on all four sides. There were two flights of steps on the north and south leading into the tank, which was made watertight by setting bricks on edge and using a mortar of gypsum. There were rooms on three sides, in one of which was a large well.

Explanation: Harappa. The Indus valley civilization (Bronze Age) is also called the Harappan culture. Other Important Sites : Harappa (river Ravi) – Excavated by Daya Ram Sahini in 1921, Mohenjodaro (Mound of Dead, river Indus) – Excavated by R.D Banerjee in 1922; Sutkagendor (Dast river, Balochistan); Chanhudaro (Pakistan, Indus river); Kalibangan (Rajasthan, Ghaggar river); Lothal (Gujarat, Bhogva river); Alamgirpur (Meerut, Hindon river).

Explanation: Bronze. The Iron Age is the final period of the three-age division of the prehistory of humanity. It was introduced after the Stone Age (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic) and the Bronze Age.

Explanation: Burnt. Lothal is located near the Gulf of Cambay/ Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat, on the bank of river Bhogavo, tributary of Sabarmati.

Explanation: Neolithic. Pottery has been discovered in the early villages of Mehrgarh. The Palaeolithic (the first and longest part of the Stone Age) was a period of prehistory when humans made stone tools. Mesolithic (microliths) was the period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods of the Stone Age.

Explanation: Old stone age. Old stone age also known as the Paleolithic Period. Tools – handaxes, choppers and cleavers. The earliest lower Palaeolithic site – Bori (Maharashtra). Mesolithic age – Sites – Gujarat (Langhnaj), Rajasthan (Bhilwara, Bagor), Uttar Pradesh (Damdama, Chopani Mando), Madhya Pradesh (Pachmarhi, Bhimbetka), Karnataka (Sanganakallu). New stone age also known as Neolithic age. Tools – Weapons made of bones – needles, arrowheads, etc. Sites – Burzahom (Kashmir), Chirand (Bihar), Mehrgarh (Balochistan).

Explanation: Gujarat. Dholavira : It was discovered in 1968 by J.P. Joshi in Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat. It is situated on the banks of river Luni. It has a fortified citadel, and a lower town with walls made of sandstone or limestone. The first astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization is located in Dholavira.

Explanation: 3000 years. A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a pre – historic structure or monument. Type – Clairn Circles type of Megalith (grave/memorial) were the stone pieces set in a circular shape around the grave. Menhir (standing stone), Capstone (Single megaliths placed horizontally over burial chambers), Dolmen (A large capstone on two or more support stones creating a chamber). Megalith Sites – Nilaskal (Karnataka), Hanamsagar (Karnataka), Junapani (Maharashtra), Hire Benakal (Karnataka), etc.

Explanation: Mehrgarh – It is a Neolithic Archeological Site, located on the Bolan river (bolan pass) in Balochistan (Pakistan), Discovered by – French Archaeologist Jean Francois Jarrige (1974). Findings: The earliest known center of agriculture in South Asia; First evidence of Cotton; Early Beadmakers; Shell Trade and Shell Working. Hunsgi – It is a Paleolithic Site, Located in Yadgir (Karnataka). Hallur – It belongs to the earliest Iron Age Site (Neolithic), Location – Bank of River Tungabhadra (Karnataka). Inamgaon – It is a post -Harappan agrarian village and archaeological site located in Maharashtra (situated on Ghod river).

Explanation: Indus Valley civilization. Mohenjo-Daro (Mound of the Dead Men) – Excavated by R. D Banerjee in 1922. Evidence – Great bath, Granary, Unicorn Seals (Most numbers of it in here), Bronze dancing girl statue, Pashupati Seals, Steatite statue of beard man. Important Sites in India : Rajasthan (Kalibangan), Gujarat (Lothal, Dholavira, Rangpur, Surkotada), Haryana (Banawali), Punjab (Ropar). In Pakistan – Harappa (on river Ravi), Mohenjodaro (on the bank of the Indus River in Sindh), and Chanhudaro (in Sindh).

Explanation: 7000 years ago. It is the oldest agricultural settlement in the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation: Dholavira. Discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi. Fifth largest metropolis of Indus Valley Civilization, 40th Indian site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Surkotada: Discovered in 1964-68 by Jagat Pati Joshi, located in northeast Bhuj in Gujarat. Chanhudaro: Discovered in 1931 by N. G. Majumdar, located in Sindh, Pakistan. Sotka koh – Discovered by George F. Dales, located on the Makran coast, near the city of Pasni, Balochistan (Pakistan).

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh. Bhimbetka Rock Paintings (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2003) is located in the Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh. It was discovered by V. S. Wakankar in 1957. The paintings at Bhimbetka belong to the Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, early historic, and medieval periods. The complex is surrounded by the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.

Explanation: Uttarakhand. Harappan sites – Gujarat (Lothal, Dholavira, Babar Kot, Bhagatrav, Desalpur, Gola Dhoro, Kaj, Kanjetar, Khirasara, Kotada Bhadli, Kuntasi, Loteshwar, etc), Rajasthan (Baror, Kalibangan, and Karanpura), Haryana (Balu, Rakhigarhi, Banawali, Bhirrana, Farmana, Hisar mound, Jogna Khera, Kunal, Mitathal, Tigrana, etc).

Explanation: Palaeolithic age. Large quantities of ostrich egg shells found at Patne, Maharashtra.

Explanation: Daojali Hading – A neolithic site in Dima Hasao District of Assam. Situated near Brahmaputra valley close to routes leading into China and Myanmar. Artifacts found – Jadeite stone (must have been transported from China). 4 types of ceramic – cord-marked, incised, stamped, and plain fine red ware.

Explanation: Neolithic. Catal Huyuk site located near the modern city of Konya in south central Turkey. Features – substantial size and great longevity of the settlement, distinctive layout of back-to-back houses with roof access. Neolithic sites in India – Marakdola, Daojali Hading and Sarutaru in Assam.

Explanation: Citadel. Chanudaro was the only Harappan city without a Citadel. Important Excavations : Harappa (by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921), Chanhudaro (by NG Majumdar in 1931) and Surkotada (by JP Joshi in 1964).

Explanation: Copper was the first metal used in Indus Valley (Bronze Age civilization) to make tools, utensils, and other objects. Other metals used were lead, gold, bronze and silver.

Explanation: Karnataka. Gold ornaments are found at both Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Harappa – Bullock cart, Granaries, Coffin burials (Only founded in Harappa), Terracotta figurines. Chanhudaro (only city without a citadel) – Bangle factory, Inkpot.

Explanation: Square or rectangle. Major findings at Mehrgarh are evidence of animal bones and the remains of houses. Mehrgarh was discovered in 1974 by Jean-Francois Jarrige. It is the first place where people started growing barley and wheat, reared the sheep and goat as it was one of the oldest villages.

Explanation: Sindhu (the local name of Indus). Other names of India: Bharat, Aryavarta, Hindustan, Tenjiku, and Jambudweep.

Explanation: 12000, 10000. The Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age) is the earliest Holocene culture. Feature: Microliths, technological innovations (bow and arrow for hunting, querns, grinders, etc.), Excavated sites (Tilwara, Bagor, Tarsang, Morkhana, Lekhahia, Birbhanpur, etc.). Paleolithic age (old stone age): Period – (500,000 – 10,000 BCE), Neolithic age (new stone age): Period – (7000 – 1000 BCE).

Explanation: A citadel is the core fortified area of a town. Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization or Bronze Age civilization), lasted from 2600 –1900 BCE was divided into the citadel and lower town. Rakhigarhi (Haryana) is the largest Harappan site in India.

Explanation: Rectangular. Findings of Mohenjo-Daro: Prepared Garments, Temple-like Palace, Pashupati seal, Statue of a dancing girl, Ivory weight balance, The Great Bath, The Great Granary, and Priest-king statue.

Explanation: Steatite (a kind of soft stone). Some seals were also made of terracotta, gold, agate, chert, ivory, and faience. Two important seals were the Pashupati seal and the Unicorn seal.

Explanation: a tool. The term Neolithic Period refers to the last stage of the Stone Age. Three different periods: Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age). The Neolithic period is significant for its megalithic architecture, the spread of agricultural practices, and the use of polished stone tools.

Explanation: Stone tools. The microliths were used in spear points and arrowheads. These tools were used to cut, pound, crush, and access new foods—including meat from large animals.

Explanation: Hunasagi is a palaeolithic site of archaeological importance in India. Some Old Stone Age stone-cutting equipment has been found and kept in the Hunasagi Gram Panchayat office.

Explanation: Shortughai. Shortugai was a trading post of Harappan times and it seems to be connected with lapis lazuli mines located in the surrounding area. It also might have connections with Tin trade (found in Afghanistan) and camel trade, along with other Afghan valuables.

Explanation: Ropar is situated on the banks of the Sutlej River. Features – It was identified by excavations such as the steatite seal and marks on charred clay. Copper implements, as well as terracotta beads and bangles, were discovered.

Explanation: Chenab. Ancient names of Indian Rivers – Vitastata (Jhelum), Purushni (Ravi), Shatudri (Satluj), Vipasha (Beas), Sadanira (Gandak), Drishdvati (Ghaghara).

Explanation: Rigveda. There are 1028 mantras in the Rigveda which include the unpromising Valakhilia hymns. They were composed in an archaic language (evolved into classical Sanskrit). The Rig Veda is the earliest of the four Vedas and one of the most important texts of the Hindu tradition. It is a large collection of hymns in praise of the gods, which are chanted in various rituals. Other Vedas:- Samaveda (The earliest reference for singing), Yajurveda (It is also called the book of prayers), Atharvaveda (The book of magic and charms).

Explanation: Yajurveda: Notable Upanishads of Yajurveda – Brihadaranyaka, Isha, Taittriya, Katha, and Maithri. The Rigveda – It also includes the famous Gayatri mantra and the Purusha Sukta. Atharva Veda (‘Book of magic spells’) – Has 730 hymns (Suktas), and 20 books (Khandas).

Explanation: Indra is the Vedic god of thunder, lightning, rain, and war. Rig Veda contains about 250 hymns in praise of Indra, and was also considered as chief god in it. Varuna is the Vedic god of the ocean, cosmic order, and law.

Explanation: Vitasta. Sapta Sindhu rivers and their ancient/alternate names – Indus (Sindhu, Singi Khamban), Jhelum (Hydaspes), Chenab (Asikini, Chandrabhaga), Ravi (Parushni, Airavati), Beas (Vipasha, Hyphasis), Sutlej (Sutudri, Zarodros) and the Saraswati river. Punjab was known as ‘Sapta Sindhu’ in the Vedic literature.

Explanation: Gomat. Early Vedic Period (1500 – 1000 BC), also known as Rig Vedic Period. Later Vedic Period (1000 – 600 BC). Other Terminologies during Vedic Period: Rajan (Chief) was called Janasya Gopati or Gopa (Protector of Cows), Gavisthis or Gavenshana (Battle for Cows), Purohit (Chief priest and Minister), Senani (Leader of the Army), Samiti (General Assembly of people) and Sabha (Council of elders), Kula (Family),Kulapa (Head of the family), Visu (The group of villages commanded by ‘Vishayapati’), Gana (Assembly).

Explanation: Rigveda (Book of Mantras) – The oldest of all Vedas (around 1500 BC); Has 10552 mantras, 1028 hymns and 10 mandalas (Mandalas 1 and 10 are the youngest and the longest books).

Explanation: Vaishya. Vedic Age (1500-600 BC): Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) were composed in this period. Four Varnas : Brahmans (priests and teachers of law), Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators), Vaishyas (merchant-traders), Shudras (artisans and laborers).

Explanation: Jana (Tribes). Gana – Tribal or clan based assemblies, Parishad – A small body similar to Samitis/sabhas consisting exclusively of Brahmins, Rajan – A kind of Chief or King. Other terms used by Aryans : Ayas – Terms used for metals (copper/bronze), Kula – Family, Kulapas – Head of a family, Gramanis – Head of the village (Grama), Sangrihitri – Treasurer.

Explanation: Atharva Veda (‘Book of magic spells’) – Has 730 hymns/suktas, 5987 mantras, and 20 books (Khandas). Sama Veda (‘Book of Chant’) – The earliest reference for singing; 1875 verses. Yajur Veda (‘Book of Rituals’) – Has two types, Krishna (or black) and Shukla (or white). These four Vedas are also ‘Samhitas’ (a collection).

Explanation: Jaimini. Purva Mimansa (‘Prior Study’) also known as Dharma Mimamsa and Karma Mimamsa (‘Study of Actions’). The six principal Hindu darshans are Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Badarayana – Author of Brahma Sutra or Vedanta Sutra. Patanjali – Philosophy of Yoga sutra. Kapila – Philosophy of Sankhya. Vyasa – Author of the Mahabharata, Vedas and Puranas.

Explanation: Rig Veda. Indra is the chief deity. Gayatri mantra (dedicated to Savitri) taken from Rig-Veda. Mahabhashya – Patanjali. Arthashastra – Chanakya. In 2007, 30 Rig Veda manuscripts dating from 1800 to 1500 BC were included in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

Explanation: Rigveda. There are 1028 Suktas in 10 Mandals (Chapters). Mandalas – 1st and 10th mandals are the newest mandals. Chaturvarna (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) is mentioned for the first time in Purusha Sukta of 10th Mandal.

Explanation: Parmarth. Ashram (A stage of life): There were four stages in which the lives of people were divided – Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sanyasa. Men (Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya) were allowed to follow the stages of the Ashram. Women were not allowed to study the Vedas, and they had to follow the ashramas chosen by their husbands.