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Decoding the Indus Script: A Linguistic Enigma

Description: Decoding the Indus Script: A Linguistic Enigma
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indus valley civilization indus script linguistics archaeology
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In which year was the Indus Script first discovered?

  1. 1856

  2. 1921

  3. 1931

  4. 1946


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Indus Script was first discovered in 1921 at the archaeological site of Harappa in the Punjab region of British India (now in Pakistan).

Who is credited with the initial decipherment of the Indus Script?

  1. John Marshall

  2. R.E.M. Wheeler

  3. Asko Parpola

  4. Iravatham Mahadevan


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Iravatham Mahadevan, an Indian epigraphist and linguist, is credited with the initial decipherment of the Indus Script in the 1970s.

How many symbols are there in the Indus Script?

  1. 400

  2. 600

  3. 800

  4. 1000


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Indus Script consists of approximately 400 symbols, including both signs and logograms.

What is the primary writing direction of the Indus Script?

  1. Left to right

  2. Right to left

  3. Top to bottom

  4. Bottom to top


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Indus Script is typically written from right to left, although some exceptions have been found.

What type of language is the Indus Script believed to represent?

  1. Dravidian

  2. Indo-Aryan

  3. Munda

  4. Sino-Tibetan


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Indus Script is believed to represent a Dravidian language, based on linguistic and archaeological evidence.

What is the most common type of text found in the Indus Script?

  1. Religious texts

  2. Historical records

  3. Economic transactions

  4. Personal letters


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The most common type of text found in the Indus Script is believed to be related to economic transactions, such as receipts and records of goods.

Which Indus Valley site yielded the largest number of inscribed artifacts?

  1. Harappa

  2. Mohenjo-daro

  3. Ganeriwala

  4. Lothal


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mohenjo-daro, one of the largest and most important Indus Valley sites, has yielded the largest number of inscribed artifacts, including tablets, seals, and pottery.

What is the primary material used for Indus Script inscriptions?

  1. Stone

  2. Metal

  3. Clay

  4. Wood


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The primary material used for Indus Script inscriptions is clay, in the form of tablets and seals.

What is the significance of the Indus Script in the context of world history?

  1. It is the oldest known written script.

  2. It provides insights into ancient trade networks.

  3. It reveals the existence of a sophisticated civilization.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Indus Script is significant because it is one of the oldest known written scripts, provides insights into ancient trade networks, and reveals the existence of a sophisticated civilization in the Indus Valley.

Which Indus Valley site is known for its unique script, distinct from the Indus Script?

  1. Harappa

  2. Mohenjo-daro

  3. Ganeriwala

  4. Dholavira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Dholavira, an Indus Valley site in Gujarat, India, is known for its unique script, which is distinct from the Indus Script and has not yet been deciphered.

What is the main challenge in deciphering the Indus Script?

  1. Lack of bilingual texts

  2. Absence of a known related language

  3. Incomplete understanding of the script's structure

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The main challenge in deciphering the Indus Script is the lack of bilingual texts, the absence of a known related language, and the incomplete understanding of the script's structure.

Which Indus Valley site yielded a seal with a depiction of a unicorn?

  1. Harappa

  2. Mohenjo-daro

  3. Ganeriwala

  4. Chanhudaro


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Chanhudaro, an Indus Valley site in Sindh, Pakistan, yielded a seal with a depiction of a unicorn, which is a unique and iconic artifact from the Indus Valley Civilization.

What is the significance of the Indus Script in the context of Indian history?

  1. It provides evidence of early literacy in India.

  2. It reveals the existence of a sophisticated urban civilization.

  3. It sheds light on the cultural and religious beliefs of the Indus Valley people.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Indus Script is significant in the context of Indian history because it provides evidence of early literacy, reveals the existence of a sophisticated urban civilization, and sheds light on the cultural and religious beliefs of the Indus Valley people.

Which Indus Valley site yielded a seal with a depiction of a bull?

  1. Harappa

  2. Mohenjo-daro

  3. Ganeriwala

  4. Kalibangan


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Kalibangan, an Indus Valley site in Rajasthan, India, yielded a seal with a depiction of a bull, which is a significant symbol in ancient Indian culture.

What is the current status of the Indus Script decipherment efforts?

  1. The script has been fully deciphered.

  2. Significant progress has been made, but full decipherment is still elusive.

  3. Only a few symbols have been deciphered.

  4. Decipherment efforts have been abandoned.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

While significant progress has been made in deciphering the Indus Script, full decipherment is still elusive, and many aspects of the script remain unknown.

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