The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 MCQ

R
RBSEGuide
· Apr 10, 2026 · Reviewed & updated Oct 01, 2026 · 5 min read

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 MCQ

The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation Class 6 MCQ


Question 1.

What was a significant factor contributing to the decline of the Harappan civilisation?

(а) Invasion by foreign armies

(b) Climatic changes

(c) Internal conflicts

(d) Slump

Answer:

(b) Climatic changes

Explanation: The decline of the Harappan civilisation is attributed to climatic changes that led to reduced rainfall and a drier environment, making agriculture difficult.


Question 2.

Which river was important for the development of the Harappan civilisation?

(a) Ganga

(b) Yamuna

(c) Indus

(d) Brahmaputra

Answer:

(c) Indus

Explanation: The Indus River provided plenty of water for drinking, agriculture, and navigational activities.


Question 3.

What type of governance is suggested to have existed in the Harappan civilisation?

(a) Monarchy

(b) Democracy

(c) Local authority with municipal administration

(d) Military dictatorship

Answer:

(c) Local authority with municipal administration

Explanation: The organization of labor for large projects like reservoirs indicates some form of local governance and municipal administration.


Question 4.

What was one of the major agricultural products first cultivated by the Harappans?

(a) Onion

(b) Cotton

(c) Maize

(d) Potatoes

Answer:

(b) Cotton

Explanation: The remains of clothes show that Harappans grew cotton crops.


Question 5.

Which of the following best describes the social structure of the Harappan civilisation?

(a) Highly stratified with clear class divisions

(b) Balanced with very few differences between the rich and the poor

(c) Feudal system

(d) Nomadic tribes

Answer:

(b) Balanced with very few differences between the rich and the poor

Explanation: The Harappan society was characterized by mutual accommodation rather than exploitation, indicating a more balanced social structure.


Question 6.

What evidence suggests that the Harappans had advanced urban planning?

(а) Presence of large palaces

(b) Planned cities with efficient water management

(c) Extensive military fortifications

(d) Large temples

Answer:

(b) Planned cities with efficient water management

Explanation: The Harappans had well-developed town planning and a sewage system.


Question 7.

What was the primary reason for the abandonment of cities like Kalibangan and Banawali?

(a) Invasion by neighbouring tribes

(b) Drought due to the drying up of the Sarasvati River

(c) Economic collapse

(d) Natural disasters

Answer:

(b) Drought due to the drying up of the Sarasvati River

Explanation: The drying up of the Sarasvati River led to the abandonment of cities in its basin due to reduced agricultural viability.


Question 8.

Which of the following artifacts is commonly associated with the Harappan civilisation?

(а) Stone tools

(b) Bronze weapons

(c) Terracotta figurines

(d) Gold jewellery

Answer:

(c) Terracotta figurines

Explanation: Many of the terracotta figurines have been found at various Harappan sites. These were dried and baked soil figurines.


Question 9.

What was the primary mode of trade for the Harappans?

(a) Barter system

(b) Currency-based trade

(c) Trade through military conquest

(d) Trade with nomadic tribes

Answer:

(a) Barter system

Explanation: The Harappans were engaged in trade primarily through a barter system, as there was no standardized currency at that time.


Question 10.

What does the presence of numerous wells in Mohenjo-Daro indicate?

(a) Abundant water resources

(b) Advanced engineering and civic planning

(c) A nomadic lifestyle

(d) Military fortifications

Answer:

(b) Advanced engineering and civic planning

Explanation: These were developed crossroads and a sewage system that indicate their high level of civic planning and advanced engineering.


Case-Study

Read the sources given below and answer the following questions:

I. The Harappans created many of their settlements along the banks of large or small rivers. This is a logical choice, not just for easy access to water, but also for agriculture, since rivers enrich the soil around them. Archaeological findings have shown that the Harappans grew cereals like barley, wheat, some millets, and sometimes rice, in addition to pulses and a variety of vegetables. They were also the first in Eurasia to grow cotton, which they used to weave into clothes.

Question 1.

Why did the Harappans choose to settle near rivers?

(a) For trade purposes

(b) For easy access to water and fertile soil

(c) To avoid invasions

(d) For recreational activities

Answer:

(b) For easy access to water and fertile soil


Question 2.

Which of the following crops did the Harappans NOT grow?

(a) Barley

(b) Wheat

(c) Corn

(d) Cotton

Answer:

(c) Corn


Question 3.

What was significant about the Harappans in relation to cotton?

(a) They were the first to cultivate it in the world.

(b) They used it only for trade.

(c) They did not grow cotton.

(d) They imported it from other civilisations.

Answer:

(a) They were the first to cultivate it in the world.


Question 4.

What type of agricultural products did the Harappans cultivate?

(а) Only cereals

(b) Only vegetables

(c) A variety of cereals, pulses, and vegetables

(d) Only fruits

Answer:

(c) A variety of cereals, pulses, and vegetables


Question 5.

What role did rivers play in Harappan agriculture?

(a) They were used for fishing only.

(b) They provided a source of transportation.

(c) They enriched the soil and provided irrigation.

(d) They were a barrier to farming.

Answer:

(c) They enriched the soil and provided irrigation.


II. Archaeologists have unearthed many objects made and used by Harappans. Objects of daily use include a bronze mirror, a terracotta pot, a games board engraved on a stone, and a terracotta whistle. Harappans designed many games and toys to keep both adults and children amused!

Question 1.

What types of objects have archaeologists found from the Harappan civilisation?

(а) Only tools

(b) Only decorative items

(c) Objects of daily use, games, and toys

(d) Only agricultural tools

Answer:

(c) Objects of daily use, games, and toys


Question 2.

What material was used to make the mirror found by archaeologists?

(a) Terracotta

(b) Bronze

(c) Wood

(d) Stone

Answer:

(b) Bronze


Question 3.

What purpose did the games and toys serve in Harappan society?

(a) They were used for religious rituals.

(b) They were primarily for decoration.

(c) They were designed for amusement for both adults and children.

(d) They were used for trade.

Answer:

(c) They were designed for amusement for both adults and children.


Question 4.

Which of the following items was NOT mentioned as being found by archaeologists?

(a) Bronze mirror

(b) Terracotta pot

(c) Wooden toys

(d) Terracotta whistle

Answer:

(c) Wooden toys


Question 5.

What does the discovery of games and toys suggest about Harappan culture?

(a) They were a warrior society.

(b) They valued leisure and entertainment.

(c) They had no time for recreation.

(d) They were focused solely on agriculture.

Answer:

(b) They valued leisure and entertainment.