UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 8: History and Culture
Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns : I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered. III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements ?
- 1.Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.
- 2.Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
- 3.Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.
Select the answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Spindle-whorls in houses without spinning wheels suggest spinning was done by hand at home, a slow and laborious task. Graduated weights and measuring scales show a well-developed sense of measurement and mathematics, which supports the inference about scientific knowledge. Large houses with their own wells, bathing platforms and courtyards point to private household ownership and differences in wealth, not to common property, so inference 3 does not follow.
- 1. Hand spinning with whorls and no wheel suggests slow, laborious household work.
- 2. Graduated weights and scales show practical scientific knowledge of measurement.
- 3. Self-contained houses suggest private property, not a common property system.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (b), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: Self-contained houses suggest private property, not a common property system.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 2.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: inferences 1 and 2 follow from the evidence.
- (b) Wrong: inference 3 does not follow, since private houses suggest private holdings.
- (c) Wrong: it includes inference 3 and leaves out inference 2.
- (d) Wrong: inference 3 is not supported.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.