What was the primary agricultural tool that enhanced productivity around 2500 years ago?

The iron ploughshare.

The establishment of irrigation systems, including canals and tanks, was crucial for ___ and ___ in ancient villages.

Increasing agricultural output and supporting trade.

True or False: The use of iron tools in ancient agriculture led to a decrease in the efficiency of farming practices.

False. The use of iron tools increased the efficiency of farming practices.

Riddle: I help crops grow by bringing water from rivers and lakes, without me, many would face drought and mistakes. What am I?

Irrigation.

Short Answer: What were some of the irrigation works built during ancient times?

Canals, wells, tanks, and artificial lakes.

What role did merchants play in ancient village towns?

Merchants connected communities and facilitated trade.

Fill in the blank: The introduction of iron tools like axes allowed for the clearing of ___ for agricultural development.

Forests.

Who were the large landowners in the Tamil region known as?

Vellalar

Fill in the blanks: The Grama Bhojaka functioned as a judge and sometimes as a ___ in the village.

Policeman

What is the significance of the term 'Sangam' in Sangam literature?

Sangam refers to gatherings of poets held in the city of Madurai where the earliest Tamil compositions were created.

Riddle: I am a farmer but do not own land, working in fields of others to earn my bread. Who am I?

Dasa Karmakara

Fill in the blank: The Grama Bhojaka was also responsible for collecting ___ for the king.

Taxes

What roles did craftspersons play in village life?

Craftspersons, such as blacksmiths, potters, carpenters, and weavers, contributed to the village economy by providing essential goods and services.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following groups were considered landless workers in the Tamil region? A) Vellalar B) Uzhavar C) Kadaisiyar D) Grihapatis

C) Kadaisiyar

What are the typical shapes of punch-marked coins?

Rectangular, square, or round

Fill in the blank: Punch-marked coins remained in circulation until the early centuries ___ .

CE

Riddle: I have no inscriptions but symbols instead, made from metal, on me you can tread. What am I?

Punch-marked coins

Multiple Choice: What were punch-marked coins primarily used for? A) Jewelry B) Currency C) Art D) Tools

B) Currency

What is the significance of the term 'punch-marked' in relation to these coins?

It refers to the method of stamping symbols onto the coins using dies or punches.

What geographical advantage contributed to Mathura's significance as a settlement?

Mathura was located at the crossroads of two major travel and trade routes, facilitating commerce and movement from the northwest to the east and from north to south.