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Themes in Indian History, Part I

Class 12 · History

Theme 1 · Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation

Real UPSC Prelims questions from 2016–2026, linked to this book. Try each one first, then open the answer. 2026 answers follow UPSC's provisional answer key.

Prelims 2019 · Q7

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

(a)Chanhudaro
(b)Kot Diji
(c)Sohgaura
(d)Desalpur

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 7 Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), Ch 5 (The Rise of Empires); Class 12 Themes in Indian History, Part I, Theme 1 (Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 12 Themes in Indian History, Part I, Theme 1 (Map 1), shows Kot Diji and Chanhudaro as Harappan sites. Class 7 Exploring Society (Part 1), ch 5, names Sohgaura (Uttar Pradesh) as the find-spot of a 4th–3rd century BCE inscription. That is Mauryan times, about 1,500 years after the Harappans. Answer (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2019), question 7 ↗

Prelims 2026 · Q8

Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:

I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.

II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered.

III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.

Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

1.Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.
2.Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
3.Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

UPSC's provisional answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 Themes in Indian History, Part I, Theme 1 (Bricks, Beads and Bones: The Harappan Civilisation).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 12 Themes in Indian History, Part I, Theme 1: Harappan weights followed binary and decimal systems, a sign of precise measurement (2). Every house had its own bathroom and many had wells — private homes, not common property (3 false). Answer (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2026), question 8 ↗

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