Ancient India is an important part of History syllabus for IAS Prelims Exam. Most of the questions related to Art and Culture have been appearing from this section in IAS Prelims Exam. Candidates are advised to go through previous year questions to fully understand the nature of questions from Ancient History section.These questions are also useful for State PCS Prelims Exams.
IAS Prelims Ancient India Multiple Choice Questions are as follows.
1. In Sanskrit dramas, written during the Gupta period, women and Sudras spoke
a. Sanskrit
b. Prakrit
c. Pali
d. Sauraseni
Ans: b
Explanation: In Sanskrit plays, written during the Gupta period, women and Sudras spoke Prakrit whereas the males of upper three Varnas spoke Sanskrit language.
2. Consider the following statements
1. Vikram Era started in 78 AD.
2. Saka Era started in 58 BC.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both
d. None
Ans: d
Explanation: Vikram Era started in 58 BC whereas Saka Era started in 78 AD.
3. The name by which Ashoka is generally referred to in his inscriptions is
a. Chakravarti
b. Dharmadeva
c. Dharmakirti
d. Priyadasi
Ans: d
Explanation: Ashoka is generally referred to as Priyadasi and Devanampriya in his inscriptions.
4. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by
a. Mahayana Buddhism
b. Hinayana Buddhism
c. Jainism
d. Lokayukta School
Ans: c
Explanation: The five cardinal principles of Jainism, if followed by a monk, is called Mahavrata and if observed by a lay follower, then it is called Anuvrata.
5. Consider the following statements
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authorities of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals
4. Non-injury to animal life
Which of the above were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?
a. 1, 2, 3 and 4
b. 2, 3 and 4
c. 1, 3 and 4
d. 1 and 2
Ans: b
Explanation: Buddhism advocated middle path that is avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. On the other hand Jainism advocated extreme penance and asceticism.
6. Which of the following statement regarding Ashokan stone pillars is incorrect?
a. These are highly polished
b. These are monolithic
c. The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
d. These are part of architectural structures
Ans: d
Explanation: Ashokan stone pillars are stand-alone structures. They are not part of any architectural structures. They were built to spread message of Ashoka to the people.
7. In ancient India the name of Varahamihira was associated with
a. Mathematics
b. Astronomy
c. Drama
d. Medicine
Ans: b
Explanation: Varahamihira was a famous astronomer.
8. Chalukyas had their capital at
a. Badami
b. Panamalai
c. Khajuraho
d. Deogarh
Ans: a
Explanation: The Chalukya dynasty ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. Their capital was Badami.
9. The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the
a. Chhandogyopanishad
b. Mundakopanished
c. Kathopanished
d. Kenopanishad
Ans: c
Explanation: The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the Kathopanishad.
10. Which of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion?
a. Nanda
b. Maurya
c. Sunga
d. Kanva
Ans: a
Explanation: North India was ruled by Nanda dynasty when Alexander invaded India.
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GS Ancient History : MCQ Set 4
Ancient India is an important part of History Syllabus for IAS Prelims Exam. Most of the questions related to Art and Culture have been appearing from this section in IAS Prelims Exam. Candidates are advised to go through previous year questions to fully understand the nature of questions from Ancient History section.
Following are some Multiple Choice Questions of Ancient History for IAS Prelims Exam. These questions are also useful for State PCS Prelims Exams.
1. Handaxe and cleavers were characteristic tools of
a. Lower Paleolithic Age
b. Middle Paleolithic Age
c. Upper Paleolithic Age
d. Iron Age
Ans: a
Explanation: Handaxe, cleavers and choppers were characteristic stone tools of Lower Paleolithic Age. These tools were used for chopping, digging and skinning. In India such tools have been excavated from many sites such as Belan valley in Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, Didwana in Rajasthan, Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, etc. Tools made on flakes were predominantly used during Middle Paleolithic. Upper Paleolithic Age was characterized by use of tools made on blades and flakes.
2. Chalcolithic Age is also known as
a. Iron Age
b. Stone Age
c. Copper Age
d. Neolithic Age
Ans: c
Explanation: Chalco and lithic have been derived from greek words which mean Copper and stone respectively. People in this phase used copper tools along with stone tools; hence it is given such name. Chalcolithic Age is considered to be a transition between Stone Age and Bronze Age.
3. Mature phase of Harappan civilisation is dated between
a. 3000 BC to 2000 BC
b. 4000 BC to 3000 BC
c. 1500 BC to 1000 BC
d. 2600 BC to 1900 BC
Ans: d
Explanation: Named after Harappa, the first site where this unique culture was discovered, the civilisation is dated between 2600 BC and 1900 BC. There were earlier and later cultures, often called Early Harappan and Late Harappan, in the same area. The Harappan civilisation is sometimes called the Mature Harappan culture to distinguish it from these cultures.
4. Chirand in Bihar is a
a. Lower Paleolithic site
b. Mesolithic site
c. Middle Paleolithic site
d. Neolithic site
Ans: d
Explanation: Chirand is situated on the banks of river Ganga in saran district of Bihar. Archaeological evidences of circular huts and small scale cultivation of wheat, rice, peas, etc have been found here. These evidences suggest that it is a Neolithic site. One of the peculiar characteristics of this site is abundance of bone tools.
5. Which of the following is also known as Microlithic period?
a. Paleolithic
b. Mesolithic
c. Neolithic
d. Chalcolithic
Ans: b
Explanation: In Mesolithic period, small stone tools were made. These were used as composite tools and were hafted in woods, bones, etc. Due to small size of the tools, Mesolithic period is also known as Microlithic period. Such small tools were an adaptation to new environment where small animals, birds and fishes were abundant.
6. Which of the following is correct about Indus Valley Civilisation?
1. The cities were planned
2. Non- standardized weights were used
3. There was elaborate water drainage system
Select using following codes:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 3 only
Ans: c
Explanation: Indus valley civilization is known for its city planning, extensive drainage system, grid pattern of settlements, sophisticated system of waste disposal, etc. Besides, standard weights are seen to have been used throughout the region. The weights that have been recovered have shown a remarkable accuracy.
7. At which of the following Indus Valley Civilization yarns of spun cotton have been found?
a. Harappa
b. Mohenjodaro
c. Lothal
d. Kalibangan
Ans: b
Explanation: Mohenjodaro is an archeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2600 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Important archaeological findings of Mohenjodaro include Great Bath, Dancing Girl, Yarns of spun cotton, etc.
8. Which of the following deity was not worshipped in Indus valley civilization?
a. Vishnu
b. Peepal tree
c. Pashupati
d. Mother goddess
Ans: a
Explanation: Archaeological evidences from Indus Valley Civilisation such as seals and figurines suggest that people worshipped Peepal tree, Neem tree, Pashupati , Mother Goddess, animals like bull and buffalo. Evidence of worshipping of Vishnu has not been found.
9. The most common motif found on the seals of Indus Valley Civilisation is
a. Elephant
b. Bull
c. Unicorn
d. Rhinoceros
Ans: c
Explanation: Unicorn is the most common motif found on the seals of Indus Valley civilization. It is a mythological animal and is also depicted in other cultures.
10. Agricultural Revolution took place in
a. Paleolithic Age
b. Mesolithic Age
c. Neolithic Age
d. Iron Age
Ans: c
Explanation: Neolithic Age was the last phase of Stone Age. The beginning of Neolithic Age is characterized by crop farming and cultivation. This significant change in subsistence resulted in far reaching changes in socio-economic life of people. People transformed their nomadic life into sedentary and settled life. Such changes took relatively less time. This is why the farming practice of that time is called Agricultural Revolution.
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Ancient History : MCQ Set 5 : Prehistoric Age
1. What is the correct sequence of occurrence events in the Indian Subcontinent?
1. The beginning of agriculture with growing of crops like wheat and barley along the sulaiman and Kirthar hills.
2. Cities developed on the banks of the Ganga and its tributaries.
3. Earliest cities flourished on the banks of the river-Indus and its tributaries.
4. Formation of Nalanda University.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 4-2-1-3
(b) 1-3-2-4
(c) 1-2-4-4
(d) 1-4-3-2
Answer .b
2. Consider the following statements:
1. The word India comes from the Indus, called Sindhu in sanskrit.
2. The name ‘Bharata’ was used for a group of people who lived in the northwest, and who are mentioned in the Rigveda.
3. Manuscripts were written by hand (this comes from the Latin word ‘manu’, meaning Hand). Usually written on palm leaf, or on the specially prepared bark of a tree known as the birch, which grows in the Himalayas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer .d
3. Consider the following statements:
1. AD stands for two Latin words, ‘Anno Domini’, meaning ‘in the year of the Lord’ (i.e. Christ).
2. Sometimes CE is used instead of AD and BCE instead of BC. The letters CE stand for ‘Common Era’ and BCE for ‘Before Common Era’.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of these
Answer .c
4. Consider the following pairs:
Paleolithic Age Site State
1. Bhimbetka : Madhya Pradesh
2. Hunsgi : Karnataka
3. Daojali Hading : Arunachal Pradesh
4. Chirand : Uttar Pradesh
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a)1 and 2
(b)2 and 3
(c)3 and 4
(d)2 and 4
Answer .a
5. Choose the false statement among the following statements:
(a) The period when we find environmental changes, beginning about 12,000 years ago till about 10,000 years ago is called the Mesolithic (middle stone). Stone tools found during this period are generally tiny, and are called microliths.
(b) Ostriches were found in India during the Palaeolithic period. Large quantities of ostrich egg shells were found at Patne in Maharashtra.
(c) Places where stone was found and where people made tools are known as factory sites.
(d) Burzahom (in present-day Rajasthan) people built pit-houses, which were dug into the ground, with steps leading into them.
Answer .d
6. Chose the false statement among the following statements:
(a) Jadeite, a stone that may have been brought from China were found in Daojali Hading.
(b) Domestication was a gradual process that took place in many parts of the world. It began about 12,000 years ago.
(c) Mehrgarh site is near the Bolan Pass which is one of the most important routes into Iran. Mehrgarh was probably one of the places where women and men learnt to grow barley and wheat.
(d) One of the most famous Neolithic sites, Catal Huyuk, was found in Afghanistan.
Answer .d
7. With reference to the Indus valley civilization (Harappan), Consider the following statements:
1. Cities were usually divided into two or more parts. The part to the East was smaller but higher. Archaeologists describe this as the citadel. The part to the west was larger but lower. This is called the lower town.
2. In some cities, special buildings were constructed on the citadel. For example, in Mohenjodaro, a very special tank, which archaeologists call the Great Bath, was built in this area.
3. Cities such as Kalibangan and Lothal had fire altars, where sacrifices may have been performed. And some cities like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, and Lothal had elaborate store houses.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer .b
8. Consider the following pairs with respect to Harappan civilization:
Stone/Metals Usage
1. Carnelian(red stone) : beads
2. Chert : weights
3. Copper and Bronze : tools, weapons, ornaments and vessel
4. Gold and Silver : ornaments and vessel
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer .d
9. Chose the false statement among the following statements:
(a) Dholavira was located on Khadir Beyt in the delta of Krishna river. Unlike some of the other Harappan cities, Dholavira was divided into three parts, and each part was surrounded with massive stone walls, with entrances through gateways.
(b) Lothal stood beside a tributary of the sabarmati, in Gujarat, close to the Gulf of Khambat. It was situated near areas where raw materials such as semi-precious stones were easily available.
(c) A stone statue of an important man found from Mohenjodaro shows him wearing an embroidered garment.
(d) The Harappans also made seals out of stone. These are generally rectangular and usually have an animal carved on them.
Answer .a
10. Consider the following pairs:
Neolithic Age Sites State
1. Mehrgarh : Balochistan
2. Koldihwa : Madhya Pradesh
3. Burzahom : Jammu and Kashmir
4. Hallur : Karnataka
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1,2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer .d
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Ancient History : MCQ Set 6
1.With reference to the Rig-Veda, consider the following statements:
1. Rigveda is the oldest Veda composed about 3500 years ago.
2. Rigveda has more than a thousand hymns, called Sukta.
3. Hymns were in praise of various god and goddesses.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer .d
2. Choose the false statement among the following statements:
(a)The Rig-Veda was composed several centuries ago but printed less than 200 years ago.
(b)The three important gods of rigveda were: Agni, Indra and Surya
(c) Hymns were composed by sages (rishis), Priests taught students to recite and memorise.
(d) Rig-Veda was written down several centuries after it was first composed, and printed less than 200 years ago.
Answer .b
3. Consider the following statements:
1 In Rig-vedic times horses were yoked to chariots that were used in battles.
2. In Rig-Veda age battles were fought for land, water and to capture people.
3 In yajnas offerings were made into the fire which was meant for gods and goddesses.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer .c
4. In Rig-Veda age two words were used to describe the people or the community as a whole. They are
(a) Jana & Vish
(b) Raja & Jana
(c)Priest & Raja
(d) Sangh & Jana
Answer .a
5. people who composed the hymns described themselves as _____ and called their opponents _______.
(a) Dasas,Aryas
(b) Aryas,Dasas
(c)Dasyus,Aryas
(d)Dasas,Dasyus
Answer .b
6. Consider the following statements with respect to megaliths:
1. The practice of erecting megaliths began about 3000 years ago, and was prevalent throughout the Deccan, south India, in the north-east and Kashmir.
2. Megaliths were carefully arranged by people, and were used to mark burial sites.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer .c
7. With reference to Charaka, consider the following statements:
1. He was a famous physician 2000 years ago, wrote a book on medicine known as the Charaka Samhita.
2. He stated that human body has 200 bones same as recognised by modern anatomy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer .a
8. Which of the following stands valid with respect to Inamgaon:
1. It was occupied between 3600 and 2700 years ago. Here, adults were generally buried in the ground, laid out straight, with the head towards the north.
2. Sometimes burials were within the houses. Vessels that probably contained food and water were placed with the dead.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 only
(d)None
Answer .b
9. Which of the following statements is related to Ashvamedha ritual?
1. A horse was let loose to wander freely and it was guarded by the raja’s men.
2. If the horse wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and they stopped it, he had to fight battle.
3. If they allowed the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was stronger than them.
4. shudras were excluded from this ritual.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer .d
10. Consider the following statements:
1. About 2500 years ago, some janapadas became more important than others, and were known as mahajanapadas.
2.The rulers of the mahajanapadas were building huge forts maintaining big armies for which they started collecting regular taxes
3. Hastinapur and Atranjikhera janapadas are in the present state of Madhya Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer .a
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Ancient History : MCQ Set 7
1. Arrange the following travelers to India in chronological order with the earliest being the first?
(1) Al Masudi
(2) Hieun Tsang
(3) Fa Xian
Codes
(a) 1, 3, 2
(b) 3, 2 , 1
(c) 1, 2, 3
(d) 3, 1, 2
Answer. b
2. The main historical source regarding the information about village government under the Cholas is the
(a) Halmidi inscription
(b) Jatwai inscription
(c) Uttramerur inscription
(d) Chandravallo inscription
Answer. c
3. Pottery first appeared during
(a) Paleolithic age
(b) Mesolithic age
(c) Neolithic age
(d) Chalcolithic age
Answer. c
4. Maximum copper hoards have been found from which of the following Chalcolithic sites?
(a) Nagapattnam
(b) Gungeria
(c) Chunar
(d) Navdatoli
Answer. b
5. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Indus Valley Civilization?
(1) Evidence of worship of fire has been found at certain sites.
(2) Image worship was prevalent.
(3) Semi-humans and animals were also worshipped
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of these
Answer. b
6. Which of the following crops were grown by Indus Valley people?
(1) Barley
(2) Sugarcane
(3) Mustard
(4) Wheat
Codes
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1,2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of these
Answer. c
7. Which of the following statements are correct regarding economy of Indus Valley Civilization?
(1) They exported cotton to Mesopotamia.
(2) They had a standard weights and measures system.
(3) Earliest example of glazed pottery in the world is found here.
(4) They had a well established currency system
Codes
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) All of these
Answer. c
8. Which of the following is regarded as the weakest theory about decline of Indus Valley Civilization?
(a) Lambrick’s theory of unstable river systems
(b) Kennedy’s theory of natural calamity
(c) Wheeler’s theory of Aryan invasion
(d) Fairservis’ theory of ecological balance
Answer. c
9. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Rig-Vedic period ?
(1) Their main occupation was agriculture
(2) Barley was the most important crop during this period
Codes
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer. b
10. Which of the following statements are correct?
(1) In Rig-Vedic period, king enjoyed the supreme and unlimited power.
(2) Tribal councils such as Sabha and Samiti became stronger in the Later Vedic Period.
Codes:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer. d
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Ancient History : MCQ Set 8
1. Consider the following statements:
(1) Harappan civilization had a well established currency system
(2) Cotton was one of the important export commodity of Harappans
(3) Pottery was an important industry during this period.
(4) Sexagesimal system was used in weights and measures.
Which of the above statement(s) is/ are correct?
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of these
Answer. b
Explanation: Though, many Harappan seals have been discovered but no evidence of currency has been found.
2. Consider the following statements:
(1) Jainism was an atheistic movement
(2) It rejected the existence of soul
(3) It rejected the infallibility of Vedas and doctrine of karma
(4) Philosophies such as Anektawad and Syadwad are related to Jainism
Which of the above statement(s) is/ are correct?
Codes:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) All of these
Answer. b
Explanation: Jainism was an atheistic movement. However, it did not reject the existence of soul and argued that everything in the world contains soul.
3. Which of the following factors contributed to the rise of Magadhan Empire?
(1) Strategic location of the capital
(2) Unorthodox character of Magadhan people
(3) Control over sea trade on Eastern coast
(4) Availability of rich deposits of iron ores
Codes:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) All of these
Answer. c
Explanation: During earlier stage of rise of Magadha, it was a land-locked Mahajanpada. It later on became most powerful using its resources.
4. Which of the following pairs are incorrectly matched
Ancient Port Present State
(1) Kaveripattnam : Tamil Nadu
(2) Broach : Maharashtra
(3) Tamrilipti : Bengal
(4) Muziris : Andhra Pradesh
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only
Answer. d
Explanation: Broach was a port town in Gujarat and Muziris was a port town on the coast of Kerala.
5. Which of the following were aims of Dhamma of Ashoka?
(1) To counter religious tension in the Society
(2) To foster attitude of social responsibility among the people
(3) To propagate the idea of Buddhism
Codes:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of these
Answer. a
Explanation: Ashoka's Dhamma was an ethical code which aimed to increase religious tolerance among the people in society
6. Consider the following statements:
(1) Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India
(2) They issued bilingual coins in both round and square shape
Which of the above statement(s) is/ are correct?
Codes:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer. c
Explanation: Round shape of coins was the feature of Greek Coins while square was that of Indian coins. As these coins were circulated in huge area, they were bilingual.
7. Consider the following statements regarding guilds during Post-Mauryan period
(1) They worked under the government
(2) They sometimes issued coins
(3) They provided credit and loans to the members of the guild
(4) Guild laws were protected by the government
Which of the above statement(s) is/ are correct?
Codes:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) All of these
Answer. b
Explanation: Merchants and artisans in same business organized themselves into guilds which were independent of government's interference in its general working.
8. Consider the following statements:
(1) There was an extensive expansion of cultivated land during Gupta period
(2) The land revenue policies of Guptas including direct collection of taxes from peasants relieved them from financial burden
Which of the above statement(s) is/ are correct?
Codes:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer. a
Explanation: Land under cultivation increased during Gupta period due to growth of feudalism. This further undermined the position of peasants.
9. Which of the following statements are correct?
(1) Earliest examples of temples in the Dravidian style belong to the Chola period.
(2) Dravidian style is marked by a tower usually in the shape of a rectangular truncated outline.
Codes:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer: b
Explanation: Earliest examples of temples in the Dravidian style belong to the Pallava Period.
10. Which of the following statements are correct regarding religious ideas of Harappan people?
(1) Mother Goddess, a fertility goddess was central to their worship
(2) Phallus worship was prevalent
(3) Image and temple worship was an important part of the religious life
(4) Animism was also practiced
Codes:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) All of these
Answer. b
Explanation: No evidence has been yet found to suggest that image and temple worship were prevalent in the society.
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