Comprehension

Although Harappa was the first site to be discovered, it was badly destroyed by brick robbers. As early as 1875, Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, often called the father of Indian archaeology, noted that the amount of bricks taken from the ancient site was enough to lay bricks for ”about 100 miles” of the railway line between Lahore and Multan. Thus, many of the ancient structures at the site were damaged. In contrast, Mohenjodaro was far better preserved.

Question: 1

Who was often addressed as the father of Indian Archaeology?

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Alexander Birmingham
  • Alexander Cunningham
  • Alexander Hopkins
  • Sir Thomas Moore
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Approach Solution - 1

Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, is known as the father of Indian Archaeology.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Approach Solution -2

Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, is known as the father of Indian Archaeology. He played a significant role in the development of archaeology as a formal discipline in India. Cunningham's extensive surveys and excavations in places like Sarnath and Taxila laid the foundation for the study of ancient Indian history, culture, and architecture.

He is particularly famous for his work on identifying and preserving ancient monuments, and his efforts helped in understanding India's rich archaeological heritage. Cunningham's contributions were crucial in shaping the archaeological landscape of India, leading to many significant discoveries about the country's past, which continue to be relevant to this day.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2

Which of the following was the first site to be discovered?

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Rakhigarhi
  • Mohenjodaro
  • Harappa
  • Lothal
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Approach Solution - 1

Harappa was the first site of the Indus Valley Civilization to be discovered.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Approach Solution -2

Harappa was the first site of the Indus Valley Civilization to be discovered, in 1921 by the archaeologist Daya Ram Sahni. It is located in present-day Pakistan, and its excavation revealed the advanced urban planning and culture of one of the world's earliest civilizations. Harappa, along with Mohenjo-Daro, is considered a major center of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The city's layout, with well-planned streets, advanced drainage systems, and large public baths, showcased a highly developed society. Harappa also yielded numerous artifacts, including seals, pottery, and tools, which provide important insights into the daily life, economy, and trade practices of the Indus people. This discovery significantly contributed to the understanding of ancient South Asian history.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3

Who was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • B.B. Lal
  • Alexander Cunningham
  • M.S. Vats
  • James Fergusson
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Approach Solution - 1

Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the ASI, known for his work in Indian archaeology.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Approach Solution -2

Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a position he held from 1861 to 1885. He is regarded as the father of Indian archaeology due to his pioneering efforts in cataloging and preserving the ancient sites across the Indian subcontinent. Cunningham played a critical role in the discovery and excavation of several important archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Sanchi and the ruins of the Mauryan empire. His work laid the foundation for systematic archaeological surveys in India, contributing significantly to the study and conservation of India's rich cultural heritage. Cunningham’s contributions extended beyond the excavation of ancient ruins; he also made extensive efforts in documenting and analyzing inscriptions and ancient monuments. His work remains a cornerstone in the field of archaeology in India, inspiring generations of scholars to further explore and preserve India's archaeological history.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 4

Who destroyed the Harappan site?

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Brick Robbers
  • British discoverers of the site
  • Archaeological Survey of India
  • Mughals
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Approach Solution - 1

The Harappan site was significantly damaged by brick robbers, who removed bricks for modern construction.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Approach Solution -2

The Harappan site, one of the most important ancient civilizations in the Indus Valley, faced significant damage over the years due to brick robbers. These robbers, in search of high-quality bricks for modern construction, removed bricks from the ruins of the ancient city. This practice of brick robbery resulted in the degradation of many Harappan structures, leaving the site vulnerable to further deterioration.

As a result, many archaeological features, including well-planned streets, drainage systems, and even the remains of buildings, were compromised. This damage delayed further excavation and research efforts. Despite the setbacks caused by brick robbers, modern-day archaeologists have worked tirelessly to uncover the mysteries of the Harappan civilization, making it one of the most significant archaeological findings in history.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 5

Harappan civilization bricks were used for the laying of railway line between:

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Peshawar and Lahore
  • Kabul and Kandahar
  • Bombay and Thane
  • Lahore and Multan
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

The bricks from the Harappan site were used to lay the railway line between Lahore and Multan.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Approach Solution -2

The bricks from the Harappan site were infamously used to lay the railway line between Lahore and Multan during the British colonial period. Due to the large availability of bricks at these ancient sites and the lack of preservation efforts at the time, the British authorities took advantage of these resources for infrastructure projects.

This practice led to further degradation of the Harappan archaeological remains, as the bricks were removed from important structures, including walls and buildings, to construct the railway line. It was only much later that the significance of these ancient sites was recognized, and preservation efforts began, but by then much of the archaeological heritage had been lost due to such exploitation.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0