NCERT Class 12 History Chapter 1 Bricks, Beads and Bones Important Questions

1. What is another name for the Harappan Civilisation?

2. Which phase is known as the urban phase of the Harappan Civilisation?

3. Which was the first Harappan site to be excavated?

4. Which science studies ancient plant remains?

5. Which crop was relatively rare in the Harappan Civilisation?

6. At which Harappan site has a ploughed field been discovered?

7. Which Harappan site shows evidence of irrigation canals?

8. Which city is regarded as the best example of Harappan town planning?

9. Into which two parts was Mohenjodaro divided?

10. What was the standard Harappan brick ratio?

11. Which feature is considered the most distinctive characteristic of Harappan cities?

12. Around what were Harappan houses generally built?

13. Approximately how many wells existed in Mohenjodaro?

14. Name the famous public structure at Mohenjodaro.

15. The Great Bath was probably used for what purpose?

16. Which archaeological evidence helps identify social differences?

17. Which semi-precious stone was widely used for making beads?

18. Which Harappan site was famous for bead-making?

19. Which sites were famous for shell-working?

20. Which material was commonly used for Harappan seals?

21. What is the present status of the Harappan script?

22. Which civilisation traded extensively with the Harappans?

23. What was the Mesopotamian name for the Harappan region?

24. Copper was mainly imported from which region?

25. Which system was followed for smaller Harappan weights?

26. Which system was followed for larger Harappan weights?

27. Which famous sculpture was discovered at Mohenjodaro?

28. Around which year did the Mature Harappan phase decline?

29. Name one possible reason for the decline of the Harappan Civilisation.

30. Who is known as the Father of Indian Archaeology?

31. Who excavated Harappa in 1921?

32. Who excavated Mohenjodaro in 1922?

33. Who introduced stratigraphic excavation methods in Harappa?

34. Which latest Harappan site is associated with archaeogenetic research?

35. What is the study of ancient DNA called?

Question 1

Assertion (A): The Mature Harappan phase represents the urban stage of the civilisation.

Reason (R): Most well-planned cities were developed during this phase.

Question 2

Assertion (A): The Harappan Civilisation is named after Harappa.

Reason (R): Harappa was the first site to be excavated.

Question 3

Assertion (A): Rice was the principal crop of the Harappans.

Reason (R): Rice remains are found in abundance at all Harappan sites.

Question 4

Assertion (A): Evidence of a ploughed field has been discovered at Kalibangan.

Reason (R): Kalibangan provides direct evidence of agricultural practices.

Question 5

Assertion (A): Mohenjodaro is regarded as the best example of Harappan town planning.

Reason (R): It has a well-planned drainage system and standardized architecture.

Question 6

Assertion (A): Harappan baked bricks followed a standard ratio.

Reason (R): Standardization reflects centralized planning and uniformity.

Question 7

Assertion (A): The drainage system was one of the most distinctive features of Harappan cities.

Reason (R): Almost every house was connected to covered street drains.

Question 8

Assertion (A): The Great Bath was probably used for ritual purposes.

Reason (R): It was carefully waterproofed and located in the Citadel.

Question 9

Assertion (A): Archaeologists study burials to understand social differences.

Reason (R): Burial goods often indicate differences in status.

Question 10

Assertion (A): Chanhudaro was an important bead-making centre.

Reason (R): Evidence of unfinished beads and drills has been discovered there.

Question 11

Assertion (A): Harappan seals were mainly made of steatite.

Reason (R): Steatite becomes harder after firing.

Question 12

Assertion (A): The Harappan script has been completely deciphered.

Reason (R): Long inscriptions have been discovered.

Question 13

Assertion (A): Mesopotamian records mention trade with Meluhha.

Reason (R): Meluhha is generally identified with the Harappan region.

Question 14

Assertion (A): Harappan weights followed standardized units.

Reason (R): Standard weights facilitated trade and commerce.

Question 15

Assertion (A): The Priest-King sculpture proves that Harappan rulers were kings.

Reason (R): Archaeologists have conclusively identified the figure as a king.

Question 16

Assertion (A): Writing disappeared during the Late Harappan phase.

Reason (R): Many urban features also gradually declined.

Question 17

Assertion (A): The decline of the Harappan Civilisation can be explained by a single cause.

Reason (R): Archaeologists believe multiple factors contributed to its decline.

Question 18

Assertion (A): Alexander Cunningham ignored many Harappan remains during his surveys.

Reason (R): His primary interest was the Early Historic period and Buddhist sites.

Question 19

Assertion (A): R.E.M. Wheeler emphasized stratigraphy during excavations.

Reason (R): Stratigraphy helps determine the chronological sequence of occupation.

Question 20

Assertion (A): Archaeogenetic research at Rakhigarhi has contributed to understanding Harappan ancestry.

Reason (R): Ancient DNA provides additional evidence beyond traditional archaeology.

Question 21

Assertion (A): Standardised bricks indicate planned urban development.

Reason (R): Uniform brick sizes simplify construction across settlements.

Question 22

Assertion (A): Harappan cities lacked proper civic planning.

Reason (R): Streets intersected at right angles and drains were carefully planned.

Question 23

Assertion (A): Craft production was highly specialised in Harappan society.

Reason (R): Specific settlements were dedicated to specialised crafts such as bead-making and shell-working.

Question 24

Assertion (A): Trade played an important role in the Harappan economy.

Reason (R): Archaeological and Mesopotamian evidence confirms long-distance trade.

Question 25

Assertion (A): Archaeology alone provides complete information about Harappan society.

Reason (R): Archaeological interpretations often change with new discoveries and scientific techniques.

Very Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5–8 Marks)

SOURCE-BASED / CASE-BASED QUESTIONS

MAP / LOCATION-BASED QUESTIONS

DIRECT NCERT BOOK-BACK QUESTIONS

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