(i) Where was the ring well found?
(a) Kolkatta
(b) Chandigarh
(c) Delhi
(d) Mumbai
Ans: (c)
(ii) Why were the sculptures used by Ancient Cities?
(a) To decorate cities
(b) To decorate railings, pillars etc
(c) None of the above
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Ans: (d)
(iii) What method of irrigation was used in the ancient times?
(a) Tanks
(b) Canals
(c) Well
(d) All the above
Ans: (d)
(i) Who lived in the villages? Mention any three different kinds of people.
Ans: Villages were inhabited by farmers, herders, craftspersons, such as potters and weavers, and other non-farming people like priests and moneylenders.
(ii) Write about Sangam literature.
Ans: Sangam literature, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE, contains information about the political, social, economic, and cultural conditions of ancient Tamilakam, the region corresponding to present-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
(iii) Ring well found in Delhi. In what ways do you think this system of drainage was different from that of the Harappans?
Ans: The ring well found in Delhi was different from Harappan drainage system which had systematic grid-like layout. The ring well was a series of circular pits, used for waste disposal and drainage.
(iv) Write about The Story of Barygaza.
Ans: The Story of Barygaza refers to the account of a Greek sailor, describing the port-town Barygaza (modern Broach), indicating its importance for trade and commerce during ancient times.
(v) What are Punch-marked Coins?
Ans: Punch-marked coins were the earliest form of coinage in India, made by punching several symbols onto a piece of silver or copper, used as a medium of exchange during 6th century BCE.
(vi) Make a list of the occupations of people who lived in Mathura. List one occupation that was not practised in Harappan cities.
Ans: Occupations in Mathura included farming, pottery, weaving, carpentry, and trade. Animal rearing, a prominent occupation in Mathura, was not practiced in Harappan cities.
(vii) Define Northern Black Polished Ware.
Ans: Northern Black Polished Ware was a type of pottery developed during the Iron Age, characterized by its glossy surface, used for both domestic and ritualistic purposes.
(viii) Why do you think the amphitheatres and aqueducts have survived?
Ans: Amphitheatres and aqueducts have survived due to their robust construction using concrete, stone, and bricks, and their continued maintenance and use over centuries.
(ix) Describe the functions of the gramabhojaka. Why do you think he was powerful?
Ans: The gramabhojaka was the chief of the village responsible for tax collection, law enforcement, and dispute resolution. His control over resources and people made him powerful.
(x) List the crafts persons who would have been present in both villages and cities.
Ans: Craftspersons like potters, weavers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and carpenters would have been present in both villages and cities.
(xi) Mention when iron began to be used in the subcontinent.
Ans: Iron began to be used in the Indian subcontinent around 1000 BCE, during the later Vedic period.
(xii) Describe the Jatakas. Who composed Jatakas?
Ans: The Jatakas are stories about the previous births of Gautama Buddha, composed by his disciples to teach moral and ethical lessons.
(xiii) Describe the significance of Arikamedu.
Ans: Arikamedu, an archaeological site in Puducherry, was a major port-town in ancient India, known for bead making, and trade with Rome and other regions.
(xiv) Write a short note on shernis.
Ans: Shrenis were associations of craftspersons and merchants in ancient India, regulating production, sale, and training in various crafts.
(xv) During the period between 200 BCE to 300 BCE, India enjoyed a good deal of prosperity. Describe.
Ans: Between 200 BCE and 300 CE, India saw prosperity due to increased agricultural production, trade, urbanization, and cultural and intellectual developments.
(xvi) What are ring wells? What was it used for?
Ans: Ring wells were series of circular pits, connected by a channel, used for waste disposal and drainage in ancient Indian settlements.
(xvii) Who was Dasa Karmakara?
Ans: Dasa Karmakara was a slave or bonded laborer in ancient India, often employed in agricultural work or domestic chores.
(xviii) What are some of the evidence that tells us about life in early cities?
Ans: Evidence of life in early cities includes remains of buildings, pottery, seals, sculptures, coins, and inscriptions, providing information about urban planning, economy, society, and culture.
(xix) Mention how pottery design got its name.
Ans: Pottery design got its name from the type of clay used, the method of preparation, the motifs and patterns used, and the region of production.
(xx) Write briefly about Mathura.
Ans: Mathura, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, was a major center of arts, culture, and commerce, known for its sculptures, especially those related to Buddhism and Jainism.
1. What are the differences between villages and towns? | ![]() |
2. How does trade contribute to the development of villages and towns? | ![]() |
3. What were the main items traded in ancient villages and towns? | ![]() |
4. How did the establishment of towns impact the lives of villagers? | ![]() |
5. How did trade routes contribute to the growth of villages and towns? | ![]() |