Exams > NCERT > History
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY I ANCIENT HISTORY MCQs
Total Questions : 15
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Answer: Option B. -> 2 only
:
B
Explanation:
The basic philosophy of the Jainas was already in existence in north India before the birth of Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras – literally, those who guide men and women across the river of existence.
The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy. According to Jain teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.Jain monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.
:
B
Explanation:
The basic philosophy of the Jainas was already in existence in north India before the birth of Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras – literally, those who guide men and women across the river of existence.
The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy. According to Jain teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.Jain monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.
Question 2. Q. With reference to the foreign relations of the Indus valley people consider the consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- The Harappan region is referred to as Magan in the Mesopotamian literature.
- The Harappan people had established trade contacts with Persian gulf.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option B. -> 2 only
:
B
Explanation:
The people of Indus valley had trade contacts with Mesopotamia and other parts Persian gulf.The archaeological finds suggest that copper was also probably brought from Oman, on the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula. A distinctive type of vessel, a large Harappan jar coated with a thick layer of black clay has been found at Omani sites.
Mesopotamian texts mention contact with regions named Dilmun (probably the island of Bahrain), Magan a probable name for Oman and Meluhha, possibly the Harappan region. They mention the products from Meluhha: carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and varieties of wood. A Mesopotamian myth says of Meluhha: “May your bird be the haja-bird, may its call be heard in the royal palace.” Some archaeologists think the haja-bird was the peacock.
:
B
Explanation:
The people of Indus valley had trade contacts with Mesopotamia and other parts Persian gulf.The archaeological finds suggest that copper was also probably brought from Oman, on the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula. A distinctive type of vessel, a large Harappan jar coated with a thick layer of black clay has been found at Omani sites.
Mesopotamian texts mention contact with regions named Dilmun (probably the island of Bahrain), Magan a probable name for Oman and Meluhha, possibly the Harappan region. They mention the products from Meluhha: carnelian, lapis lazuli, copper, gold, and varieties of wood. A Mesopotamian myth says of Meluhha: “May your bird be the haja-bird, may its call be heard in the royal palace.” Some archaeologists think the haja-bird was the peacock.
Question 3. Q. With reference to the subsistence pattern of the Indus valley civilization,consider the following statements.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- The Indus valley people domesticated buffalo.
- They cultivated a variety of crops including cotton.
- They practiced plough agriculture.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option D. -> 1, 2, and 3
:
D
Explanation:
The Indus valley civilization had a diverse subsistence base including agriculture,trade and commerce and craft production.The Harappans cultivated a wide range of crops including wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and sesame and cotton.
Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those of cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo and pig. Studies done by archaeo-zoologists or zooarchaeologists indicate that these animals were domesticated.Archaeologists have also found evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan), associated with Early Harappan levels.The field had two sets of furrows at right angles to each other, suggesting that two different crops were grown together
:
D
Explanation:
The Indus valley civilization had a diverse subsistence base including agriculture,trade and commerce and craft production.The Harappans cultivated a wide range of crops including wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and sesame and cotton.
Animal bones found at Harappan sites include those of cattle, sheep, goat, buffalo and pig. Studies done by archaeo-zoologists or zooarchaeologists indicate that these animals were domesticated.Archaeologists have also found evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan), associated with Early Harappan levels.The field had two sets of furrows at right angles to each other, suggesting that two different crops were grown together
Answer: Option A. -> Alexander Cunningham
:
A
Explanation:
Option(a) is correct:
Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), often called the father of Indian archaeology.He was appointed as the first Archaeological Surveyor from December 1861 and was instrumental in the formation of ASI.
He was the protege of James Prinsep who deciphered the Ashokan inscriptions.
Option(b) is incorrect:
R.E.M.Wheeler:He served as the Director of ASI between 1944-48.
Option(c) is incorrect:
John Marshall was Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928.He announced the discovery of a new civilisation in the Indus valley to the world and oversaw the excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, two of the main cities that comprise the Indus Valley Civilization.
Option(d) is incorrect:
In 1833 James Prinsep became the secretary of the Asiatic Society. His most eventful achievement is the decipherment of the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts between 1834 and 1837. The identification of Piyadasi with Asoka and the contemporary kings mentioned in his Rock Edict XIII enabled him to fix a clear chronological benchmark for Indian history.
:
A
Explanation:
Option(a) is correct:
Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), often called the father of Indian archaeology.He was appointed as the first Archaeological Surveyor from December 1861 and was instrumental in the formation of ASI.
He was the protege of James Prinsep who deciphered the Ashokan inscriptions.
Option(b) is incorrect:
R.E.M.Wheeler:He served as the Director of ASI between 1944-48.
Option(c) is incorrect:
John Marshall was Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928.He announced the discovery of a new civilisation in the Indus valley to the world and oversaw the excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, two of the main cities that comprise the Indus Valley Civilization.
Option(d) is incorrect:
In 1833 James Prinsep became the secretary of the Asiatic Society. His most eventful achievement is the decipherment of the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts between 1834 and 1837. The identification of Piyadasi with Asoka and the contemporary kings mentioned in his Rock Edict XIII enabled him to fix a clear chronological benchmark for Indian history.
Question 5. Q. With reference to the historic Sudarshana lake in Girnar, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- It was built by the Shaka ruler Rudradraman.
- It has a sanskrit inscription that records the achievement of Rudradaman.
- It was later repaired by the rulers of Gupta dynasty.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option C. -> 2 and 3 only
:
C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect.
The Sudarshana lake was an artificial reservoir built by the Governor of Maurya rulers.
Statement 2 is correct:
A rock inscription (c. second century CE) in Sanskrit, composed to record the achievements of the Shaka ruler Rudradaman. The inscription mentions that the lake, with embankments and water channels, was built by a local governor during the rule of the Mauryas. However, a terrible storm broke the embankments and water gushed out of the lake. Rudradaman, who was then ruling in the area, claimed to have got the lake repaired using his own resources, without imposing any tax on his subjects.
Statement 3 is correct:
Another inscription on the same rock (c. fifth century) mentions how one of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty got the lake repaired once again.
:
C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect.
The Sudarshana lake was an artificial reservoir built by the Governor of Maurya rulers.
Statement 2 is correct:
A rock inscription (c. second century CE) in Sanskrit, composed to record the achievements of the Shaka ruler Rudradaman. The inscription mentions that the lake, with embankments and water channels, was built by a local governor during the rule of the Mauryas. However, a terrible storm broke the embankments and water gushed out of the lake. Rudradaman, who was then ruling in the area, claimed to have got the lake repaired using his own resources, without imposing any tax on his subjects.
Statement 3 is correct:
Another inscription on the same rock (c. fifth century) mentions how one of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty got the lake repaired once again.
Question 6. Q. With reference to weights and measures of the Indus valley civilisation, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- The Harrappan followed a uniform system of weights and measures.
- The weights were made out of Bronze.
- The lower denominations of weights followed the binary system.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: Option B. -> 1 and 3 only
:
B
Explanation:
The people of Indus valley had a uniform system of weights and measures, this is indicated by the archaeological finds at different places.The weights, usually made of a stone called chert and generally cubical , with no markings. The lower denominations of weights were binary (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc. up to 12,800), while the higher denominations followed the decimal system. The smaller weights were probably used for weighing jewellery and beads. Metal scale-pans have also been found.
:
B
Explanation:
The people of Indus valley had a uniform system of weights and measures, this is indicated by the archaeological finds at different places.The weights, usually made of a stone called chert and generally cubical , with no markings. The lower denominations of weights were binary (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc. up to 12,800), while the higher denominations followed the decimal system. The smaller weights were probably used for weighing jewellery and beads. Metal scale-pans have also been found.
Answer: Option D. -> The upper town was larger than the lower town.
:
D
Explanation:
The Indus valley civilization is known for its advanced town planning.Excavations at all the Major cities like Harappa,Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan and Lothal have yielded detailed town planning and a uniform approach to construction of towns.
The town is usually divided into two sections, one smaller but higher and the other much larger but lower. Archaeologists designate these as the Citadel and the Lower Town respectively. The Citadel owes its height to the fact that buildings were constructed on mud brick platforms. Several buildings were built on platforms, which served as foundations. Other aspects of town planning in the Indus valley include criss crossed roads, use of baked bricks, well laid out drainage network.
:
D
Explanation:
The Indus valley civilization is known for its advanced town planning.Excavations at all the Major cities like Harappa,Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan and Lothal have yielded detailed town planning and a uniform approach to construction of towns.
The town is usually divided into two sections, one smaller but higher and the other much larger but lower. Archaeologists designate these as the Citadel and the Lower Town respectively. The Citadel owes its height to the fact that buildings were constructed on mud brick platforms. Several buildings were built on platforms, which served as foundations. Other aspects of town planning in the Indus valley include criss crossed roads, use of baked bricks, well laid out drainage network.
Answer: Option C. -> Both 1 and 2
:
C
Explanation:
The ancient texts like Manusmritis prescribe the wealth to be inherited by the sons and the women could not claim a share of these resources. However, women were allowed to retain stridhana ,which included the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage .This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it. At the same time, the Manusmriti warned women against hoarding family property, or even their own valuables, without the husband’s permission.
:
C
Explanation:
The ancient texts like Manusmritis prescribe the wealth to be inherited by the sons and the women could not claim a share of these resources. However, women were allowed to retain stridhana ,which included the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage .This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it. At the same time, the Manusmriti warned women against hoarding family property, or even their own valuables, without the husband’s permission.
Answer: Option D. -> 1, 2 and 3
:
D
Explanation:
From the early centuries of the Common Era, we find grants of land being made, many of which were recorded in inscriptions. Some of these inscriptions were on stone, but most were on copper plates which were probably given as a record of the transaction to those who received the land. The records that have survived are generally about grants to religious institutions or to Brahmanas. An agrahara was granted land to a Brahmana. Thus through the grants to religious functionaries the rulers sought religious merit.
Land grants such as this one have been found in several parts of the country. There were regional variations in the sizes of land donated – ranging from small plots to vast stretches of uncultivated land – and the rights given to donees (the recipients of the grant).Historians believe that land grants were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to extend agriculture to new areas.Others suggest that land grants were indicative of weakening political power: as kings were losing control over their samantas, they tried to win allies by making grants of land. They also feel that kings tried to project themselves as supermen because they were losing control: they wanted to present at least a façade of power.
:
D
Explanation:
From the early centuries of the Common Era, we find grants of land being made, many of which were recorded in inscriptions. Some of these inscriptions were on stone, but most were on copper plates which were probably given as a record of the transaction to those who received the land. The records that have survived are generally about grants to religious institutions or to Brahmanas. An agrahara was granted land to a Brahmana. Thus through the grants to religious functionaries the rulers sought religious merit.
Land grants such as this one have been found in several parts of the country. There were regional variations in the sizes of land donated – ranging from small plots to vast stretches of uncultivated land – and the rights given to donees (the recipients of the grant).Historians believe that land grants were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to extend agriculture to new areas.Others suggest that land grants were indicative of weakening political power: as kings were losing control over their samantas, they tried to win allies by making grants of land. They also feel that kings tried to project themselves as supermen because they were losing control: they wanted to present at least a façade of power.
Answer: Option A. -> 1 and 2 only
:
A
Explanation:
Pair 1 is correctly matched:
Dholavira (Gujarat) is known for its water reservoirs and indicates efforts for water conservation and irrigation during the Harappan times.
Pair 2 is correctly matched:
Kalibangan is a site in Rajasthan and the important finds here include fire altars indicating a different religious practice than Mohenjodaro and a furrow field giving evidence of plough agriculture.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched:
The Great Bath is a large rectangular tank found at Mohenjodaro..There were two flights of steps on the north and south leading into the tank, which was made watertight by setting bricks on edge and using a mortar of gypsum.It indicates ritual bathing and throws light on religious practices of the Harappan people.
Other finds at Mohenjodaro include a Bronze dancing girl, a stone statue of a Bearded man and the Great Granary.Harappa was the first site to be excavated and hence the civilization is called Harappan.The city has also shown evidence of town planning and it has evidence of a granary and a Great hall.
:
A
Explanation:
Pair 1 is correctly matched:
Dholavira (Gujarat) is known for its water reservoirs and indicates efforts for water conservation and irrigation during the Harappan times.
Pair 2 is correctly matched:
Kalibangan is a site in Rajasthan and the important finds here include fire altars indicating a different religious practice than Mohenjodaro and a furrow field giving evidence of plough agriculture.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched:
The Great Bath is a large rectangular tank found at Mohenjodaro..There were two flights of steps on the north and south leading into the tank, which was made watertight by setting bricks on edge and using a mortar of gypsum.It indicates ritual bathing and throws light on religious practices of the Harappan people.
Other finds at Mohenjodaro include a Bronze dancing girl, a stone statue of a Bearded man and the Great Granary.Harappa was the first site to be excavated and hence the civilization is called Harappan.The city has also shown evidence of town planning and it has evidence of a granary and a Great hall.
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