Relevant Titles

1. Harappan Script and Seals MCQs: NCERT-Aligned Practice for CBSE Class 12

2. CBSE Class 12 — Harappan Seals & Indus Script: Top MCQs for Board Prep

3. Practice Test: Harappan Script and Seals | Class 12 History MCQs (NCERT)

4. Master Harappan Seals & Script — Timed MCQs for CBSE Class 12 Revision

5. Harappan Civilization: Seals, Script & Archaeological Interpretation MCQs

Introduction

Harappan Script and Seals MCQs offer Class 12 students a focused, NCERT-aligned way to master one of the Harappan Civilisation’s most intriguing topics. Designed specifically for CBSE Class 12 History revision, this online practice test emphasizes archaeological interpretation, seal iconography, and the challenges of deciphering the Indus script. Each question mirrors board-exam expectations — short, precise and concept-driven — so you build accuracy and speed under timed conditions. Use these MCQs to consolidate classroom notes, test your understanding of seal functions, motifs, and script hypotheses, and identify knowledge gaps before the final exam. The practice set includes instant feedback, clear explanations grounded in archaeological reasoning, and model answers that reflect NCERT terminology. Tip boxes highlight common misconceptions and study strategies to help you avoid errors on exam day. Whether you need a quick topic refresher or an exam-style mock, these Harappan Script and Seals MCQs will help sharpen recall, improve time management, and boost confidence for the CBSE board examination.

Sample MCQs with explanations

Q1. The majority of Harappan seals are made of which material?
A. Steatite
B. Terracotta
C. Copper
D. Limestone
Correct: A — Steatite (soapstone) was commonly used; carved seals were often fired to harden them for use as stamp seals.

Q2. A frequent motif on Harappan seals often labelled the “unicorn” represents:
A. A stylized one-horned animal emblem
B. A Greek mythical creature
C. A depiction of a king on horseback
D. An imported Mesopotamian deity
Correct: A — The “unicorn” is a modern label for a stylized one-horned animal motif; it likely functioned as an emblem or clan symbol.

Q3. Which of the following best describes the Indus (Harappan) script?
A. Short sequences of signs; undeciphered with no consensus on language
B. Fully deciphered alphabet used for long epic poetry
C. A form of Egyptian hieroglyphics adopted locally
D. Classical Sanskrit written in Brahmi script
Correct: A — Most inscriptions are short sign sequences. The script remains undeciphered and scholars debate the underlying language.

Q4. One strong archaeological argument that Harappan seals were used in trade is:
A. Seal impressions found on clay tags attached to goods
B. Seals carved only on large public monuments
C. Seals always depict rulers’ portraits and dates
D. Seals found exclusively in burial contexts
Correct: A — Clay tags with seal impressions indicate seals served as commodity labels or administrative markers in exchange networks.

Q5. Why is the absence of long bilingual inscriptions (like a ‘Rosetta Stone’) significant for Indus script studies?
A. It prevents definitive decipherment because there is no parallel text to identify sign values
B. It proves the script was purely decorative and not a writing system
C. It shows the Harappans used Latin for official records
D. It indicates the Harappans wrote only on perishable materials like paper
Correct: A — Without a bilingual key, researchers cannot establish reliable phonetic or semantic values for signs; this hinders decipherment.