UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ASI transfers Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for a scientific investigation

Question 1

Both the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which excavated the Rakhigarhi skeletal remains, and the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), which received them in 2026 for scientific study, function as subordinate/attached bodies under which one of the following Union Ministries?

Accepted Answer

Ministry of Culture

Answer

Ministry of Education

Answer

Ministry of Tourism

Answer

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Question 2

With reference to the Union Budget 2020-21, the following sites were proposed to be developed as 'iconic archaeological sites'. Which of the following are correctly identified as part of that list?

Accepted Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1, 2 and 4 only

Answer

2, 3 and 4 only

Question 3

Consider the following statements comparing Rakhigarhi with the other major Harappan urban centre, Mohenjo-daro:
1. Rakhigarhi, at about 550 hectares, is a larger settlement than Mohenjo-daro.
2. Rakhigarhi is located in the Ghaggar-Hakra plain of Haryana, whereas Mohenjo-daro lies in the Indus plain.
3. Unlike Mohenjo-daro, ancient DNA from a Rakhigarhi individual showed Iranian-related ancestry but an absence of the steppe pastoralist gene.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 4

In the 2025-26 excavation that preceded the transfer of remains to the Anthropological Survey of India, how many burials were reported to have been discovered at Mound No. 7 of Rakhigarhi?

Accepted Answer

Eight

Answer

Three

Answer

Twelve

Answer

Fifty-six

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ASI transfers Rakhigarhi skeletons to AnSI for a scientific investigation

Q1. Both the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which excavated the Rakhigarhi skeletal remains, and the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), which received them in 2026 for scientific study, function as subordinate/attached bodies under which one of the following Union Ministries?

Q2. With reference to the Union Budget 2020-21, the following sites were proposed to be developed as 'iconic archaeological sites'. Which of the following are correctly identified as part of that list?

Q4. In the 2025-26 excavation that preceded the transfer of remains to the Anthropological Survey of India, how many burials were reported to have been discovered at Mound No. 7 of Rakhigarhi?