Worksheet: Kings, Farmers and Town | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: James Prinsep deciphered __________ and __________, two scripts used in the earliest inscriptions and coins.

Q2: Magadha attributed its power to ruthless ambitious kings like __________, __________, and __________.

Q3: The capital of Magadha was initially __________ and was later shifted to __________.

Q4: Chandragupta Maurya extended his empire as far as __________ and __________.

Q5: The first gold coins were issued by the __________ rulers.

Q6: Spices, textiles, and medicinal plants were transported across the Arabian Sea to the __________.

Q7: __________ inscriptions are often regarded as among the most valuable sources for the Mauryan Empire.

Q8: The script used in most Asokan inscriptions is called __________.

Q9: The emergence of the Mauryan Empire was considered a major landmark during the __________ century.

Q10: __________ was one of the major political centers in the Mauryan Empire.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Ashoka used inscriptions to proclaim his understanding of dhamma.
Reason: Dhamma included respect towards elders and generosity towards Brahmanas.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q2: Assertion: Land grants were made during early centuries of the common era.
Reason: According to Sanskrit legal texts, women were supposed to have independent access to resources such as land.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q3: Assertion: Several developments occurred in different parts of the subcontinent following the end of the Harappan Civilization.
Reason: The Rigveda was composed in the Indus and its tributaries.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q4: Assertion: Coins were issued by tribal republics such as the Yaudheyas of Punjab and Haryana.
Reason: Roman coins have been found in archaeological sites in south India.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Q5: Assertion: The emergence of the Mauryan Empire was considered a major landmark during the nineteenth century.
Reason: India was under colonial rule during the nineteenth century.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What were the two scripts deciphered by James Prinsep?

Q2: Name one of the policies attributed to Ashoka’s dhamma.

Q3: Which region became the most powerful mahajanapada between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE?

Q4: Name the capital of Magadha in the fourth century BCE.

Q5: Which ruler founded the Mauryan Empire?

Q6: What were the materials used for making Northern Black Polished Ware?

Q7: Who were the organizations of craft producers and merchants mentioned in votive inscriptions?

Q8: Which script was used in the northwest inscriptions?

Q9: Name one of the provinces in the Mauryan Empire.

Q10: Which century saw the emergence of the Mauryan Empire?

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the significance of the term “gahapati” in the early Indian social structure.

Q2: Explain the role of rivers in the agricultural productivity of Magadha.

Q3: Describe the emergence of new chiefdoms and kingdoms in the subcontinent during the second century BCE.

Q4: Explain the significance of the Lion Capital in the Mauryan Empire.

Q5: Discuss the methods adopted to increase agricultural production in ancient India.

Q6: Explain the role of guilds or shrenis in ancient Indian towns.

Q7: Describe the significance of long-distance trade routes in ancient India.

Q8: Discuss the limitations of epigraphic evidence in understanding ancient Indian history.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the emergence and significance of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India.

Q2: Describe the role of towns and trade in ancient India, highlighting their impact on the economy and cultural exchange.

Q3: Analyze the methods adopted to increase agricultural production in ancient India, emphasizing their impact on society and economy.

Q4: Evaluate the limitations of inscriptions as historical evidence in ancient Indian history, considering their technical challenges and interpretative complexities.