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The Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization: Unraveling the Mysteries

Description: The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's earliest civilizations, flourished in the Indian subcontinent from around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE. However, towards the end of the 2nd millennium BCE, the civilization began to decline, eventually leading to its abandonment. This quiz explores the various theories and factors that contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indus valley civilization decline factors theories
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The Indus Valley Civilization was centered around which two major cities?

  1. Mohenjo-daro and Harappa

  2. Mehrgarh and Kot Diji

  3. Kalibangan and Lothal

  4. Dholavira and Rakhigarhi


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were the two largest and most important cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Around what period did the Indus Valley Civilization begin to decline?

  1. 2000 BCE

  2. 1900 BCE

  3. 1800 BCE

  4. 1700 BCE


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is generally believed to have begun around 1900 BCE.

Which of the following is NOT a proposed factor contributing to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Climate change

  2. Overexploitation of resources

  3. Invasion by Aryans

  4. Natural disasters


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

While climate change, overexploitation of resources, and natural disasters are all considered potential factors in the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, there is no evidence to support the theory of an Aryan invasion.

What was the primary economic activity of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Agriculture

  2. Trade

  3. Manufacturing

  4. Mining


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Agriculture was the primary economic activity of the Indus Valley Civilization, with wheat, barley, and cotton being some of the main crops cultivated.

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Indus Valley Civilization architecture?

  1. Use of mud bricks

  2. Planned city layout

  3. Underground drainage system

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Indus Valley Civilization architecture is known for its use of mud bricks, planned city layout, and underground drainage system.

What was the primary writing system used by the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Cuneiform

  2. Hieroglyphics

  3. Brahmi

  4. Indus script


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Indus script, also known as the Harappan script, was the primary writing system used by the Indus Valley Civilization.

Which of the following is NOT a major river associated with the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Indus River

  2. Ganges River

  3. Ravi River

  4. Sutlej River


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Indus River, Ravi River, and Sutlej River are all major rivers associated with the Indus Valley Civilization, while the Ganges River is not.

What was the approximate population of the Indus Valley Civilization at its peak?

  1. 1 million

  2. 5 million

  3. 10 million

  4. 15 million


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The approximate population of the Indus Valley Civilization at its peak is estimated to have been around 5 million.

Which of the following is NOT a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Mohenjo-daro

  2. Harappa

  3. Mehrgarh

  4. Taxila


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Mehrgarh are all major archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, while Taxila is not.

What was the primary material used for making tools and weapons in the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Copper

  2. Bronze

  3. Iron

  4. Stone


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Copper was the primary material used for making tools and weapons in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Which of the following is NOT a major craft practiced in the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Pottery

  2. Weaving

  3. Metalworking

  4. Shipbuilding


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Pottery, weaving, and metalworking were major crafts practiced in the Indus Valley Civilization, while shipbuilding is not known to have been a significant craft.

What was the primary mode of transportation in the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Bullock carts

  2. Horses

  3. Camels

  4. Boats


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Boats were the primary mode of transportation in the Indus Valley Civilization, as the region was crisscrossed by rivers and waterways.

Which of the following is NOT a major deity worshipped in the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. Shiva

  2. Vishnu

  3. Indra

  4. Mother Goddess


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Vishnu, Indra, and Mother Goddess were major deities worshipped in the Indus Valley Civilization, while Shiva is not known to have been a significant deity.

What was the approximate lifespan of the Indus Valley Civilization?

  1. 500 years

  2. 1000 years

  3. 1500 years

  4. 2000 years


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Indus Valley Civilization lasted for approximately 1500 years, from around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE.

Which of the following is NOT a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization located in present-day Pakistan?

  1. Mohenjo-daro

  2. Harappa

  3. Mehrgarh

  4. Dholavira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Mehrgarh are all major archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization located in present-day Pakistan, while Dholavira is located in present-day India.

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