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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2013
Indus Valley Civilization
Question No. 13Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q13. Which of the following characterise/characterize the people of the Indus Civilization? 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshiped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below

Which of the following characterise/characterize the people of the Indus Civilization?

  1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
  2. They worshiped both male and female deities.
  3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2013 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is incorrect: Unlike Egypt and Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley Civilization lacked grandiose palaces, monarchical monuments, or structural temples.

Statement 2 is correct: Evidence from terracotta figurines (Mother Goddess) and seals (such as the proto-Shiva/Pashupati seal) shows veneration of both male and female deities.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Horse-drawn chariots used in warfare were characteristic of the later Vedic/Aryan culture, not the Harappan civilization.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

The absence of large temples and monumental royal palaces is one of the definitive characteristics of the Indus Valley Civilization compared to other bronze age civilizations.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2013 (Q13)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → Indus Valley Civilization
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 2 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2013 Q13

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2013 GS Paper I Question 13 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2013 Ancient History (Indus Valley Civilization) question is Option (B): "2 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2013 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "Indus Valley Civilization". You can explore all repeated questions from Indus Valley Civilization in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Indus Valley Civilization UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

The absence of large temples and monumental royal palaces is one of the definitive characteristics of the Indus Valley Civilization compared to other bronze age civilizations.

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