Question of the Day – INDUS VALLEY SCRIPT
QOTD April3,2026
Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Valley Script:
- It is a fully deciphered script similar to brahmi.
- It is generally written from right to left.
- It uses pictographic symbols.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
It remains undeciphered till date
Statement 2 is correct
It is generally written from right to left
Statement 3 is correct
It uses pictographic symbols
Why in news–
The Indus Valley Script has recently been in news due to new research using artificial intelligence and computational analysis attempting to decode its symbols and structure. Ongoing debates among historians and linguists regarding whether it represents a full language or a system of symbols have also kept it relevant.
News-Latest News on Indus Valley Civilisation: Get Indus Valley Civilisation News Updates along with Photos, Videos and Latest News Headlines | The Indian Express
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements:
- It is found mainly on seals and pottery.
- It contains long inscriptions similar to egyptian hieroglyphs.
- It has more than 400 distinct symbols.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
It is found mainly on seals and pottery
Statement 2 is incorrect
Most inscriptions are short
Statement 3 is correct
It has more than 400 symbols
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding indus valley civilization:
- It had contacts with mesopotamia.
- Decipherment has revealed a dravidian language.
- Seals depict animals and figures.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
It had trade contacts with mesopotamia
Statement 2 is incorrect
The script is undeciphered
Statement 3 is correct
Seals depict animals like bull and unicorn
PQ3. Consider the following statements regarding features of indus script:
- It is alphabetic in nature.
- It shows uniformity across sites.
- Bilingual inscriptions have been found.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
Its nature is not alphabetic
Statement 2 is correct
It shows uniformity across sites
Statement 3 is incorrect
No bilingual inscriptions have been found
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Consider the following statements regarding indus valley civilization:
- It was primarily an urban civilization.
- It had a well-planned drainage system.
- Iron was widely used.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
It was an urban civilization
Statement 2 is correct
It had advanced drainage system
Statement 3 is incorrect
Iron was not used