Passage Based Questions: Kings, Farmers and Towns | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

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The Anguish of the King

When the king Devanampiya Piyadassi had been ruling for eight years, the (country of the) Kalingas (present-day coastal Orissa) was conquered by him. One hundred and fifty thousand men were deported, a hundred thousand were killed, and many more died. After that, now that (the country of) the Kalingas has been taken, Devanampiya (is devoted) to an intense study of Dhamma, to the love of Dhamma and to instructing (the people) in Dhamma. This is the repentance of Devanampiya on account of his conquest of the country of the Kalingas. For this is considered very painful and deplorable by Devanampiya that, while one is conquering an unconquered country, slaughter, death, and deportation of people (take place) there.
From the excerpt by Devanampiya Piyadassi.

(i) Who is referred to as ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’?
Ans:  Asoka, the Mauryan emperor, was called Devanampiya Piyadassi. He ruled from 268–232 BCE after winning the war of succession on the death of Bindusara.

(ii) What are the significance and limitations of inscriptions?
Ans: 

• Significance: Inscriptions provide new insights into early Indian political history, help in discovering new scripts for reading manuscripts, and aid in comparing historical samples.
• Limitations: Inscriptions may have faintly engraved, missing, or damaged letters, making reconstructions uncertain. Additionally, the meanings of words may be unclear due to their historical context.

(iii) Describe the impact of the War of Kalinga on the king.
Ans:  The king was deeply saddened by the war's tragedies, which included violence, murder, and separation of families. The suffering of people in the conquered region moved him profoundly, leading him to devote himself to studying and propagating Dhamma.

Passage - 2

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In Praise of Samudragupta

This is an excerpt from the Prayaga Prashasti: He was without an antagonist on earth; he, by the overflowing of the multitude of (his) many good qualities adorned by hundreds of good actions, has wiped off the fame of other kings with the soles of (his) feet; (he is) Purusha (the Supreme Being), being the cause of the prosperity of the good and the destruction of the bad (he is) incomprehensible (he is) possessed of compassion; (he is) the giver of many hundred thousands of cows; (his) mind has received ceremonial initiation for the uplift of the miserable, the poor, the forlorn and the suffering; (he is) resplendent and embodied kindness to mankind; (he is) equal to (the gods) Kubera (the god of wealth), Varuna (the god of the ocean), Yama (the god of death).....
From Prayaga Prashasti.

(i) What is the meaning of ‘Prashasti’?
Ans:  Prashastis were inscriptions composed in praise of kings by eminent poets.

(ii) How is Samudragupta compared to gods? Justify the comparison.
Ans:  Samudragupta is compared to gods by being associated with divine qualities and powers. This comparison aimed to enhance his legitimacy and authority. The Prashasti likened him to Kubera (god of wealth), Varuna (god of the ocean), Indra (god of rains), and Yama (god of death), illustrating his supreme and divine status.

(iii) Name two sources used to reconstruct the history of Gupta rulers.
Ans:  Two sources are coins and inscriptions. The Gupta rulers issued spectacular gold coins and left inscriptions on stone and copper plates that provide valuable information about their reign.

Passage - 3

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Prabhavati Gupta and the Village of Danguna
“This is what Prabhavati Gupta states in her inscription: Prabhavati Gupta ... commands the gramakutumbinas (householders/peasants living in the village), Brahmanas and others living in the village of Danguna ... Be it known to you that on the twelfth (lunar day) of the bright (fortnight) of Karttika, we have, in order to increase our religious merit donated this village with the pouring out of water, to the Acharya (teacher) Chanalasvamin’’ ...

You should obey all (his) commands ... We confer on (him) the following exemptions typical of an agrahara ... (this village is) not to be entered by soldiers and policemen; (it is) exempt from (the obligation to provide) grass, (animal) hides as seats, and charcoal (to touring royal officers); exempt from (the royal prerogative of) purchasing fermenting liquors and digging (salt); exempt from (the right to) mines and khadira trees; exempt from (the obligation to supply) flowers and milk; (it is donated) together with (the right to) hidden treasures and deposits (and) together with major and minor taxes.... This charter has been written in the thirteenth (regnal) year. (It has been) engraved by Chakradasa.”

(i) How did Prabhavati Gupta demonstrate her authority through the inscription?
Ans:  Prabhavati Gupta showed her authority by issuing commands through the inscription to the householders, peasants, and other residents of Danguna, thereby dictating the terms of the village's administration and exemptions.

(ii) How does the inscription provide insight into the rural population?
Ans:  The inscription reveals details about the rural population, including:

• Gramakutumbinas (households/peasants)
• Brahmanas (priests/teachers)
• Acharya (teachers)
• Soldiers and policemen

(iii) Examine the significance of the charter issued by Prabhavati Gupta.
Ans: 

• The charter was a command that the villagers had to follow, indicating her administrative power.
• It provides insights into the relationship between cultivators and the state.
• The charter sheds light on the range of produce and services expected from the rural population.
• It indicates that Prabhavati Gupta had the authority to grant land and exemptions.
• The charter reflects the Brahmanical order and Prabhavati Gupta’s exceptional position as queen of the Vakatakas.
• It suggests that the legal provisions might not have been uniformly implemented.

Passage - 4

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Between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE, Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapada. Modern historians explain this development in a variety of ways: Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive. Besides, iron mines (in present-day Jharkhand) were accessible and provided resources for tools and weapons. Elephants, an important component of the army, were found in forests in the region. Also, the Ganga and its tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient communication.

Q1: What were the factors that contributed to Magadha's rise as the most powerful mahajanapada between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE?
Ans:

• Productive agriculture in the region.
• Accessible iron mines in present-day Jharkhand for tools and weapons.
• Availability of elephants, important for the army, in local forests.
• Cheap and convenient communication facilitated by the Ganga and its tributaries.

Q2: Why was the availability of iron significant for the power and development of Magadha?
Ans:

• The accessibility of iron mines provided essential resources for producing tools and weapons, which played a crucial role in the region's power and development.

Q3: Besides agricultural productivity, what other geographical advantages did Magadha have in terms of military resources and communication?
Ans:

• The region had access to elephants, which were valuable for its military strength.
• The presence of the Ganga and its tributaries allowed for inexpensive and efficient communication within the region.

Passage - 5

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Initially, Rajagaha (the Prakrit name for presentday Rajgir in Bihar) was the capital of Magadha. Interestingly, the old name means “house of the king”. Rajagaha was a fortified settlement, located amongst hills. Later, in the fourth century BCE, the capital was shifted to Pataliputra, present-day Patna, commanding routes of communication along the Ganga.

Q1: What was the initial capital of Magadha, and what was its Prakrit name?
Ans:

• The initial capital of Magadha was Rajagaha, and its Prakrit name means "house of the king."

Q2: Describe the geographical features of Rajagaha and its significance as a capital.
Ans:

• Rajagaha was a fortified settlement located among hills, providing natural defensive advantages as a capital city.

Q3: In the fourth century BCE, where was the capital of Magadha shifted, and what strategic advantage did this new location offer?
Ans:

• In the fourth century BCE, the capital of Magadha was shifted to Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), which was strategically located to command communication routes along the Ganga River.

Passage - 6

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Historians have used a variety of sources to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire. These include archaeological finds, especially sculpture. Also valuable are contemporary works, such as the account of Megasthenes (a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya), which survives in fragments. Another source that is often used is the Arthashastra, parts of which were probably composed by Kautilya or Chanakya, traditionally believed to be the minister of Chandragupta. Besides, the Mauryas are mentioned in later Buddhist, Jaina and Puranic literature, as well as in Sanskrit literary works. While these are useful, the inscriptions of Asoka (c. 272/268-231 BCE) on rocks and pillars are often regarded as amongst the most valuable sources.

Q1: What sources do historians use to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire?
Ans:

• Historians use various sources to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire, including archaeological finds, contemporary works like Megasthenes' account, the Arthashastra (attributed to Kautilya or Chanakya), mentions in later Buddhist, Jaina, and Puranic literature, and Sanskrit literary works.

Q2: Who was Megasthenes, and what role did he play in documenting the Mauryan Empire?
Ans:

• Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. 
• He wrote an account of the Mauryan Empire, which provides valuable insights into the period, although only fragments of his work survive.

Q3: Why are the inscriptions of Asoka considered some of the most valuable sources for understanding the Mauryan Empire?
Ans:

• The inscriptions of Asoka, dating from around 272/268-231 BCE, are considered highly valuable sources because they provide direct insights into the Mauryan period. 
• Asoka's rock and pillar inscriptions contain information about his reign, policies, and the administration of the empire.

Passage - 7

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The regions included within the empire were just too diverse. Imagine the contrast between the hilly terrain of Afghanistan and the coast of Orissa. It is likely that administrative control was strongest in areas around the capital and the provincial centres. These centres were carefully chosen, both Taxila and Ujjayini being situated on important long-distance trade routes, while Suvarnagiri (literally, the golden mountain) was possibly important for tapping the gold mines of Karnataka.

Q1: What challenges did the Mauryan Empire face in terms of administrative control and diversity of regions within its boundaries?
Ans:

• The Mauryan Empire encountered significant challenges in maintaining administrative control due to the extreme diversity of the regions encompassed within its borders, ranging from the hilly terrain of Afghanistan to the coastal areas of Orissa.

Q2: How did the Mauryan rulers strategically choose the locations of their provincial centres and capitals?
Ans:

• The Mauryan rulers carefully selected the locations of their provincial centres and capitals, with Taxila and Ujjayini being situated on important long-distance trade routes. 
• Suvarnagiri, possibly chosen for its significance in tapping gold mines, showcased the strategic considerations in establishing these administrative centers.

Q3: Why is it likely that the administrative control of the Mauryan Empire was strongest in areas around the capital and provincial centres?
Ans:

• The administrative control of the Mauryan Empire was likely strongest in areas surrounding the capital and provincial centres because these locations served as hubs for governance and economic activity, making them more manageable and significant in terms of imperial control.

Passage - 8

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This meant arranging for provisions as well as protection for those who were on the move. It is obvious that the army was an important means for ensuring the latter. Megasthenes mentions a committee with six subcommittees for coordinating military activity. Of these, one looked after the navy, the second managed transport and provisions, the third was responsible for foot-soldiers, the fourth for horses, the fifth for chariots and the sixth for elephants. The activities of the second subcommittee were rather varied: arranging for bullock carts to carry equipment, procuring food for soldiers and fodder for animals, and recruiting servants and artisans to look after the soldiers.

Q1: What were the responsibilities of the six subcommittees within the Mauryan military structure mentioned by Megasthenes?
Ans: Among the six subcommittees responsible for coordinating military activity in the Mauryan Empire, they had the following roles:

• The first subcommittee managed the navy.
• The second subcommittee handled transportation and provisioning, including acquiring bullock carts, food, fodder, and recruiting personnel.
• The third subcommittee oversaw foot-soldiers.
• The fourth subcommittee was responsible for managing horses.
• The fifth subcommittee dealt with chariots.
• The sixth subcommittee was in charge of elephants.

Q2: How did the second subcommittee contribute to the Mauryan military's logistical needs?
Ans: The second subcommittee was responsible for a variety of tasks related to logistical support within the Mauryan military, such as:

• Arranging bullock carts for the transportation of equipment.
• Procuring food to feed the soldiers.
• Obtaining fodder for the animals.
• Recruiting servants and artisans to cater to the soldiers' needs.

Q3: What role did the army play in ensuring provisions and protection for those on the move in the Mauryan Empire?
Ans:

• The Mauryan army played a crucial role in securing provisions and protection for individuals who were on the move. 
• The army's functions were not only centered on defense but also involved safeguarding the logistical aspects, such as procuring supplies and providing protection during travel. 
• The well-coordinated subcommittees within the military structure ensured the smooth functioning of these logistics.

Passage - 9

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Nineteenth and early twentieth century Indian historians found the possibility that there was an empire in early India both challenging and exciting. Also, some of the archaeological finds associated with the Mauryas, including stone sculpture, were considered to be examples of the spectacular art typical of empires. Many of these historians found the message on Asokan inscriptions very different from that of most other rulers, suggesting that Asoka was more powerful and industrious, as also more humble than later rulers who adopted grandiose titles.

Q1: Why did nineteenth and early twentieth century Indian historians find the idea of an empire in early India both challenging and exciting?
Ans: The historians of the nineteenth and early twentieth century in India were intrigued by the concept of an empire in early India for the following reasons:

• It presented a challenging notion because it required reevaluating the historical landscape of ancient India.
• The idea of an early Indian empire was exciting as it hinted at a rich and powerful historical narrative, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among scholars.

Q2: What aspects of the Mauryan archaeological finds were particularly impressive to these historians?
Ans: The historians of the time were particularly impressed by certain aspects of Mauryan archaeological finds, including:

• Stone sculptures that showcased spectacular artistic achievements, which were deemed characteristic of empires.
• Asokan inscriptions with messages that stood out as unique when compared to those of most other rulers. These inscriptions conveyed qualities of power, industriousness, and humility that set Asoka apart from later rulers with grandiose titles.

Q3: How did the messages on Asokan inscriptions differ from those of many other rulers in early India, according to the historians of the time?
Ans: According to the historians of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the messages on Asokan inscriptions differed from those of many other rulers in early India in the following ways:

• Asoka's inscriptions conveyed a sense of humility, in contrast to the grandiose titles adopted by later rulers.
• They suggested that Asoka was not only powerful but also industrious, which was unusual in historical narratives.
• The uniqueness of Asoka's message on inscriptions piqued the interest of historians and indicated his distinctive character as a ruler.

Passage - 10

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One means of claiming high status was to identify with a variety of deities. This strategy is best exemplified by the Kushanas (c. first century BCEfirst century CE), who ruled over a vast kingdom extending from Central Asia to northwest India. Their history has been reconstructed from inscriptions and textual traditions. The notions of kingship they wished to project are perhaps best evidenced in their coins and sculpture.

Q1: How did the Kushanas, who ruled a vast kingdom spanning from Central Asia to northwest India, aim to project their notions of kingship?
Ans:

• The Kushanas sought to project their notions of kingship through various means, and this is evident in their historical reconstruction. 
• Notably, they employed coins and sculpture to convey their ideas of royalty and high status.

Q2: What was the extent of the Kushana kingdom, both in terms of geography and time?
Ans:

• The Kushana kingdom extended geographically from Central Asia to northwest India. 
• In terms of time, their rule is estimated to have spanned from the first century BCE to the first century CE.

Q3: How did the Kushanas use coins and sculpture to convey their ideas of kingship and high status?
Ans:

• The Kushanas utilized coins and sculpture as powerful mediums to express their concepts of kingship and elevated status. 
• This could involve the depiction of various deities on coins and in sculpture to signify a connection between the rulers and divine forces, highlighting their prestigious and elevated positions in society.

Passage - 11

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By the fourth century there is evidence of larger states, including the Gupta Empire. Many of these depended on samantas, men who maintained themselves through local resources including control over land. They offered homage and provided military support to rulers. Powerful samantas could become kings: conversely, weak rulers might find them.

Q1: What is the role of samantas in the larger states of India by the fourth century?
Ans:

• In the fourth century, many larger states, such as the Gupta Empire, relied on samantas. Samantas were local leaders who sustained themselves through control over resources, particularly land. 
• They paid homage to the rulers and offered military support, which was crucial for the rulers' authority and power.

Q2: How could powerful samantas in ancient India potentially change their status and become kings?
Ans:

• Powerful samantas had the opportunity to elevate their status and become kings. 
• If they gained enough influence, military strength, and resources, they could transition from being local leaders to ruling as independent monarchs.

Q3: In what way could weak rulers in ancient India be affected by the presence of powerful samantas?
Ans:

• Weak rulers in ancient India were vulnerable to the influence of powerful samantas. 
• These strong local leaders could potentially challenge or even replace weak rulers, exerting significant authority and control over the state.

Passage - 12

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One such strategy was the shift to plough agriculture, which spread in fertile alluvial river valleys such as those of the Ganga and the Kaveri from c. sixth century BCE. The iron-tipped ploughshare was used to turn the alluvial soil in areas which had high rainfall. Moreover, in some parts of the Ganga valley, production of paddy was dramatically increased by the introduction of transplantation, although this meant back-breaking work for the producer.

Q1: What agricultural innovation contributed to increased rice production in the Ganga valley during the ancient period?
Ans:

• The introduction of transplantation was a key agricultural innovation that significantly increased rice production in the Ganga valley. 
• Transplantation involved the labor-intensive process of manually planting rice seedlings in prepared fields, leading to higher yields.

Q2: What kind of soil was turned using iron-tipped ploughshares, and in which regions did this practice become prevalent in ancient India?
Ans:

• Iron-tipped ploughshares were used to turn alluvial soil, which is fertile and well-suited for agriculture. 
• This practice became prevalent in regions with high rainfall, such as the fertile alluvial river valleys of the Ganga and the Kaveri, starting around the sixth century BCE.

Q3: What challenges did the introduction of transplantation pose to agricultural producers, particularly in the Ganga valley?
Ans:

• The introduction of transplantation presented challenges to agricultural producers, as it required back-breaking labor. 
• Transplantation involved the manual planting of rice seedlings in prepared fields, which was a physically demanding task for those engaged in rice cultivation.

Passage - 13

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The term gahapati was often used in Pali texts to designate the second and third categories. The large landholders, as well as the village headman (whose position was often hereditary), emerged as powerful figures, and often exercised control over other cultivators. Early Tamil literature (the Sangam texts) also mentions different categories of people living in the villages – large landowners or vellalar, ploughmen or uzhavar and slaves or adimai. 

Q1: What term was commonly used in Pali texts to refer to the second and third categories of people in ancient Indian villages?
Ans:

• The term "gahapati" was frequently used in Pali texts to denote the second and third categories of people in ancient Indian villages.

Q2: Who were the "vellalar," "uzhavar," and "adimai" mentioned in early Tamil literature (the Sangam texts), and what roles did they play in the villages?
Ans:

• In early Tamil literature, "vellalar" referred to the large landowners, "uzhavar" represented the ploughmen or cultivators, and "adimai" denoted the slaves. 
• These categories of people played different roles in the villages, with "vellalar" being the large landowners, "uzhavar" the cultivators, and "adimai" the slaves.

Q3: What were some of the powers and responsibilities exercised by the village headman in ancient Indian villages?
Ans:

• The village headman in ancient Indian villages often held hereditary positions and emerged as powerful figures. 
• They exercised control over other cultivators and played a significant role in the governance and administration of the village.

Passage - 14

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Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of one of the most important rulers in early Indian history, Chandragupta II (c. 375-415 CE). She was married into another important ruling family, that of the Vakatakas, who were powerful in the Deccan (see Map 3). According to Sanskrit legal texts, women were not supposed to have independent access to resources such as land. However, the inscription indicates that Prabhavati had access to land, which she then granted. 

Q1: Who was Prabhavati Gupta, and which prominent Indian rulers were she connected to?
Ans:

• Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of the renowned Indian ruler Chandragupta II (c. 375-415 CE). 
• She was married into the Vakataka ruling family, a powerful dynasty in the Deccan region.

Q2: What did Sanskrit legal texts generally dictate regarding women's access to resources like land?
Ans:

• Sanskrit legal texts typically specified that women should not have independent access to resources such as land.

Q3: Despite the norms prescribed in Sanskrit legal texts, what does the inscription reveal about Prabhavati Gupta's access to land, and how did she use this access?
Ans:

• The inscription indicates that Prabhavati Gupta had access to land, contrary to the usual legal norms. She used this access to grant land, suggesting that she had a certain degree of autonomy and authority over resources.

Passage - 15

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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). The impact of land grants is a subject of heated debate among historians. Some feel that land grants were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to extend agriculture to new areas.

Q1: What regional variations can be observed in land grants in ancient India?
Ans:

• Land grants in ancient India exhibited regional variations, both in the sizes of land donated and the rights conferred upon the donees (recipients of the grant). 
• These grants ranged from small plots to extensive uncultivated land, and the terms and conditions differed across regions.

Q2: How do historians perceive the purpose of land grants, and what is the subject of debate among them?
Ans:

• Historians hold varying perspectives on the purpose of land grants in ancient India. Some believe that these grants were a strategy employed by ruling lineages to expand agriculture into new territories. 
• However, the impact and significance of these grants are the subjects of ongoing debate and discussion among historians.

Q3: What are some of the key aspects that historians debate regarding land grants in ancient India?
Ans:

• Historians debate various aspects of land grants, including their motivations, the role they played in territorial expansion, and their influence on the broader socio-economic and political landscape of ancient India.

Passage - 16

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By the second century BCE, we find short votive inscriptions in a number of cities. These mention the name of the donor, and sometimes specify his/ her occupation as well. They tell us about people who lived in towns: washing folk, weavers, scribes, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, officials, religious teachers, merchants and kings. Sometimes, guilds or shrenis, organisations of craft producers and merchants, are mentioned as well. These guilds probably procured raw materials, regulated production, and marketed the finished product.

Q1: What can be inferred from the short votive inscriptions dating to the second century BCE in Indian cities?
Ans:

• The short votive inscriptions from the second century BCE reveal details about the inhabitants of ancient Indian cities, including their names, occupations, and affiliations. 
• These inscriptions provide insights into the diverse urban population, which encompassed weavers, scribes, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, officials, religious teachers, merchants, and even kings.

Q2: What role did guilds or shrenis play in ancient Indian cities, and how are they mentioned in these inscriptions?
Ans:

• Guilds, known as shrenis, played a significant role in ancient Indian cities. These organizations of craft producers and merchants are mentioned in the inscriptions. 
• They likely had functions such as procuring raw materials, regulating production processes, and marketing the finished products, contributing to the economic and social life of urban centers.

Q3: What information did these short inscriptions provide about the social and economic diversity of ancient Indian cities?
Ans:

• The short inscriptions offer valuable insights into the social and economic diversity of ancient Indian cities. 
• They depict a wide array of professions and occupations held by the urban population, indicating the complex urban society that included both skilled artisans and professionals, as well as individuals from various walks of life.

Passage - 17

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Those who traversed these routes included peddlers who probably travelled on foot and merchants who travelled with caravans of bullock carts and pack-animals. Also, there were seafarers, whose ventures were risky but highly profitable. Successful merchants, designated as masattuvan in Tamil and setthis and satthavahas in Prakrit, could become enormously rich. A wide range of goods were carried from one place to another – salt, grain, cloth, metal ores and finished products, stone, timber, medicinal plants, to name a few.

Q1: Who were the different groups of people involved in trade and transportation along ancient Indian routes, and how did they travel?
Ans:

• Trade and transportation along ancient Indian routes involved various groups, including peddlers who likely traveled on foot, and merchants who used caravans of bullock carts and pack-animals for their journeys. 
• There were also seafarers who took on risky but highly profitable ventures, often using boats and ships for long-distance trade.

Q2: What were the designations for successful merchants in ancient India, and what prospects did they have?
Ans:

• Successful merchants in ancient India were designated by various terms such as "masattuvan" in Tamil and "setthis" and "satthavahas" in Prakrit. 
• These prosperous merchants could amass considerable wealth, as trade presented opportunities for significant profits and economic prosperity.

Q3: What kinds of goods were traded along the ancient Indian trade routes, and can you provide examples of such commodities?
Ans:

• A diverse range of goods was transported along the ancient Indian trade routes, including essential commodities like salt and grain, textiles or cloth, various metal ores, finished metal products, stone, timber, and even medicinal plants. 
• These goods represent the extensive nature of trade and economic activities in ancient India.

Passage - 18

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Coins were also issued by tribal republics such as that of the Yaudheyas of Punjab and Haryana (c. first century CE). Archaeologists have unearthed several thousand copper coins issued by the Yaudheyas, pointing to the latter’s interest and participation in economic exchanges. Some of the most spectacular gold coins were issued by the Gupta rulers. The earliest issues are remarkable for their purity. These coins facilitated long-distance transactions from which kings also benefited. 

Q1: Who issued copper coins known as "Yaudheyas," and what do these coins reveal about the economic activities of this tribal republic in ancient India?
Ans:

• The Yaudheyas of Punjab and Haryana, a tribal republic, issued copper coins around the first century CE. 
• These coins indicate the active participation of the Yaudheyas in economic exchanges, underscoring their economic engagement during that period.

Q2: What were some distinctive features of the gold coins issued by the Gupta rulers, and how did these coins contribute to economic activities?
Ans:

• The Gupta rulers issued highly pure gold coins that are known for their exceptional quality. 
• These gold coins were instrumental in facilitating long-distance transactions and trade, which not only promoted economic activities but also benefited the ruling kings of the Gupta dynasty.

Q3: What is the significance of coins in ancient India with regard to economic transactions, and how did they contribute to the broader economy?
Ans:

• Coins played a pivotal role in economic transactions and trade within ancient India. They served as a medium of exchange, making it easier for people to engage in commercial activities and for kings to collect revenue. 
• Coins were essential for the smooth functioning of the economy and trade networks during ancient times.

Passage - 19

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Most scripts used to write modern Indian languages are derived from Brahmi, the script used in most Asokan inscriptions. From the late eighteenth century, European scholars aided by Indian pandits worked backwards from contemporary Bengali and Devanagari (the script used to write Hindi) manuscripts, comparing their letters with older specimens. Scholars who studied early inscriptions sometimes assumed these were in Sanskrit, although the earliest inscriptions were, in fact, in Prakrit. It was only after decades of painstaking investigations by several epigraphists that James Prinsep was able to decipher Asokan Brahmi in 1838.

Q1: What script was commonly used in most Asokan inscriptions, and what were the challenges faced by scholars trying to decipher these inscriptions during the eighteenth century?
Ans:

• Most Asokan inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script.
• During the late eighteenth century, European scholars, assisted by Indian pandits, attempted to decipher these inscriptions. 
• They worked backward from contemporary Bengali and Devanagari manuscripts, comparing the letters with older specimens.

Q2: What were some of the misconceptions about the language of the earliest inscriptions, and how were these misconceptions resolved through the efforts of epigraphists?
Ans:

• Initially, scholars studying early inscriptions assumed that they were in Sanskrit, although the earliest inscriptions were actually in Prakrit.
• It was only after the dedicated efforts of several epigraphists that James Prinsep successfully deciphered Asokan Brahmi in 1838.

Q3: What is the significance of the Brahmi script in the history of Indian languages, and how did its decipherment impact the study of ancient Indian inscriptions?
Ans:

• The Brahmi script, used in most Asokan inscriptions, has been instrumental in the development of scripts for modern Indian languages.
• Deciphering Asokan Brahmi was a breakthrough in the study of ancient Indian inscriptions, as it allowed scholars to understand the language and content of these historical inscriptions accurately.

Passage - 20

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Thus epigraphy alone does not provide a full understanding of political and economic history. Also, historians often question both old and new evidence. Scholars in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were primarily interested in the histories of kings. From the mid-twentieth century onwards, issues such as economic change, and the ways in which different social groups emerged have assumed far more importance. Recent decades have seen a much greater preoccupation with histories of marginalised groups.

Q1: What limitations does epigraphy have in terms of understanding political and economic history, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Epigraphy alone cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of political and economic history.
• It offers inscriptions and textual evidence, but not all aspects of historical context.

Q2: How have the interests of historians evolved over time, particularly in relation to the types of historical topics they focus on?
Ans:

• Historians in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries primarily concentrated on the histories of kings and royal dynasties.
• In the mid-twentieth century and beyond, there has been a shift in focus towards topics like economic change and the emergence of different social groups.
• Recent decades have seen a heightened emphasis on marginalized groups in historical research.

Q3: What is the significance of this evolving interest in topics such as economic change and marginalized groups in the field of historical research?
Ans:

• It reflects a broader and more inclusive approach to historical studies.
• It helps in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse aspects of history beyond just political narratives and royal histories.