Ancient History & Harappan — Set 11
Gujarat GK · प्राचीन इतिहास और हड़प्पा · Questions 101–110 of 200
The Harappan civilization is believed to have had which type of political organization?
Correct Answer: D. Trading oligarchy or city-state government
The exact political organization of the Harappan civilization is unknown, but scholars believe it may have been a form of city-state government or trading oligarchy. There is no clear evidence of palaces, royal tombs, or standing armies suggesting warrior kings. The uniformity of weights, bricks, and town planning suggests some form of centralized authority.
Which Harappan site in Gujarat has the longest continuous excavation history?
Correct Answer: C. Dholavira
Dholavira has had the longest continuous excavation history among Gujarat Harappan sites, with R.S. Bisht leading excavations from 1989 to 2005. The site has yielded extensive and well-documented evidence of Harappan urban life. The thoroughness of these excavations contributed to Dholavira earning UNESCO status in 2021.
The Girnar rock inscription of Ashoka is important because it is one of the earliest surviving examples of?
Correct Answer: B. Written Brahmi script on stone in Western India
The Girnar inscription is one of the earliest surviving examples of written Brahmi script on stone in Western India. It dates to around 250 BCE and represents the spread of literacy and royal communication in the Mauryan period. The edicts were placed at strategic locations to reach maximum population.
Which river is associated with the Harappan site of Lothal?
Correct Answer: A. Sabarmati
Lothal is located near the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, which provided fresh water to the ancient city. The proximity to both the river and the Gulf of Khambhat made Lothal ideal for a maritime trading port. The local geography supported both agriculture and sea trade.
The term Mahakshatrapa used for Western Kshatrapa rulers means?
Correct Answer: B. Great Satrap (governor)
Mahakshatrapa means Great Satrap (governor), with Maha meaning great and Kshatrapa being the Indianized form of Satrap (Persian for governor). These rulers used both Mahakshatrapa and Kshatrapa titles, with Mahakshatrapa being the senior title. The nomenclature reveals the Persian administrative influence on these Central Asian rulers.
Vikramaditya is a title associated with which Gupta ruler who defeated the Western Kshatrapas?
Correct Answer: C. Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II adopted the title Vikramaditya (Sun of Valor) after his victories, including the defeat of the Western Kshatrapas. His conquest of Gujarat and western India was one of the greatest achievements of the Gupta dynasty. The Vikramaditya legend associated with Ujjain also refers to this ruler.
The Harappan people are known to have first cultivated which crop in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Cotton
Cotton was cultivated by the Harappan people of Gujarat, and Lothal provides the earliest evidence of cotton use in the world. Cotton threads and seeds found at Lothal date to around 2500 BCE. This established India as the birthplace of cotton cultivation and the cotton textile industry.
Which medieval port city of Gujarat was a major center for horse trade from Arabia?
Correct Answer: C. Ghogha
Ghogha in Bhavnagar district was historically known as a major import point for Arabian horses during the medieval period. Arab traders brought horses from Arabia and the Persian Gulf to Gujarat for sale to kingdoms across India. The horse trade was extremely lucrative given the military importance of cavalry.
The Maitraka dynasty patronized which religion most prominently?
Correct Answer: B. Buddhism prominently but also Hinduism
The Maitraka dynasty primarily patronized Buddhism, supporting the famous Valabhi university and numerous Buddhist monasteries. However, they also patronized Shaivism and Brahmanical Hinduism, demonstrating religious tolerance. This broad religious patronage made Valabhi a cosmopolitan cultural center.
The Solanki dynasty of Gujarat had its origins from which caste group?
Correct Answer: B. Kshatriya (Rajput)
The Solankis were Rajputs (Kshatriyas) who claimed descent from the fire sacrifice (agnikunda) at Mount Abu. They were one of the four Agnikula (fire-born) Rajput clans. Their Rajput identity gave them martial legitimacy as rulers of Gujarat.