Q1: Statement 1: The earliest known period in Indian history is called the Palaeolithic period.
Statement 2: The Palaeolithic period extends from 2 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago.
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Both statements are false.
(c) Only Statement 1 is true.
(d) Only Statement 2 is true.
Ans: (a)
The Palaeolithic period, derived from Greek words meaning 'old stone', is the earliest period in human history and in India, it extends from 2 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago.
Q2: Assertion: Hunter-gatherers moved from place to place.
Reason: They had to follow animal movements and seasonal growth of plants for food.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Hunter-gatherers were nomadic, moving in search of food, following animal herds, and moving with the seasonal growth of plants.
Q3: Match the following:
(a) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C
(b) 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
(c) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
(d) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
Ans: (a)
Mehrgarh is a Neolithic site located in Baluchistan, Burzahom is a famous Neolithic site in Kashmir known for pit dwellings, Chirand is a Chalcolithic site in Bihar, and Brahmagiri is a Neolithic site in Karnataka.
Q4: Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The Rigveda is the earliest Veda composed in ancient India.
Statement 2: The Rigveda primarily consists of hymns in praise of various deities.
Statement 3: The Rigveda was written in Sanskrit around 1500 BCE.
Which of the following is/are correct?
(a) Only Statement 1
(b) Statements 1 and 2
(c) Statements 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
The Rigveda is the earliest Veda, composed around 1500 BCE. It is written in Sanskrit and primarily consists of hymns in praise of various deities, reflecting the religious practices of the early Vedic civilization.
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding the Harappan Civilization:
Statement 1: The Harappan cities were known for their urban planning, including well-laid streets and drainage systems.
Statement 2: The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is an example of the advanced architecture of the Harappans.
Statement 3: Harappan script remains undeciphered to this day.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) Only Statement 1
(b) Statements 1 and 2
(c) Statements 1 and 3
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
The Harappan Civilization was distinguished by its advanced urban planning, including well-laid streets and impressive drainage systems. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is an example of their advanced architecture. Despite various attempts, the Harappan script has not yet been deciphered.
Q6: Assertion (A): The Mauryan Empire was the first large empire in Indian history.
Reason (R): The Mauryan Empire was known for its centralized administration and vast network of spies.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, and R is true.
Ans: (b)
The Mauryan Empire was indeed the first large empire in Indian history, known for its centralized administration. However, the vast network of spies is not the sole reason for its classification as the first large empire. Its extent and the political unification of a large part of the Indian subcontinent under Ashoka and his predecessors were key factors.
Q7: In the context of Ashoka's edicts, consider the following statements:
Statement 1: Ashoka's edicts are found throughout the Indian subcontinent, stretching from present-day Afghanistan to Bangladesh.
Statement 2: The edicts are primarily written in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script.
Statement 3: The edicts primarily focus on Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his moral teachings.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) Only Statement 1
(b) Statements 1 and 2
(c) Statements 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
Ashoka's edicts, which are spread across a vast geographical area, are primarily written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. They detail his conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread moral and ethical teachings.
Q8: Consider the following pairs:
1. Lothal - Dockyard
2. Kalibangan - Fire Altars
3. Dholavira - Water Management System
4. Rakhigarhi - Terracotta Sculptures
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (c)
Lothal is notable for its dockyard, Kalibangan is known for fire altars, and Dholavira for its advanced water management system. While Rakhigarhi is a significant Harappan site, it is not specifically renowned for terracotta sculptures.
Q9: Consider the following pairs related to ancient Indian texts and their subjects:
1. Arthashastra - Statecraft and Economic Policy
2. Sushruta Samhita - Ayurvedic Medicine
3. Natyashastra - Drama and Dance
4. Manusmriti - Astronomy
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (a)
The Arthashastra is known for its insights on statecraft and economic policy. The Sushruta Samhita is a foundational text in Ayurvedic medicine, while the Natyashastra deals with drama and dance. Manusmriti, however, is not about astronomy; it is a text on law and social conduct.
Q10: Assertion (A): The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi is a testament to the high level of skill achieved by ancient Indian iron smiths.
Reason (R): The pillar has not rusted significantly despite being exposed to the elements for over 1500 years.
Choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, and R is true.
Ans: (a)
The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli showcases the advanced metallurgical skills of ancient Indian iron smiths. Its resistance to significant rusting, despite being exposed to the elements for such a long period, is indeed a testament to their skill and knowledge in metal working.
Q11: Consider the following statements about the Mauryan administration:
Statement 1: The Mauryan Empire had a highly centralized form of government.
Statement 2: The Arthashastra provides detailed information about the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) Only Statement 1
(b) Only Statement 2
(c) Both Statements 1 and 2
(d) Neither Statement 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
The Mauryan Empire was indeed highly centralized, and the Arthashastra, attributed to Chanakya, provides extensive insights into its administrative system.
Q12: Match the following ancient Indian literary works with their authors:
(a) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
(b) 1-A, 2-D, 3-C, 4-B
(c) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
(d) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C
Ans: (a)
Ashtadhyayi was written by Panini, Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta, Abhijnanashakuntalam by Kalidasa, and Rajatarangini by Kalhana.
Q13: Which of the following pairs correctly matches the ancient Indian city with its contemporary river?
1. Pataliputra - Ganga
2. Taxila - Indus
3. Ujjain - Shipra
4. Madurai - Vaigai
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
Pataliputra was located near the Ganga, Taxila near the Indus, Ujjain on the Shipra, and Madurai on the Vaigai River.
Q14: Assertion (A): Buddhism and Jainism emerged as significant religions during the 6th century BCE in India.
Reason (R): This period witnessed a complex social and economic transformation leading to questioning of the traditional Vedic order.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, and R is true.
Ans: (a)
Buddhism and Jainism did emerge around the 6th century BCE during a period of social and economic change that led to a reevaluation of existing religious and social structures.
Q15: Consider the following pairs of ancient Indian texts and their subjects:
Vedangas - Rituals and Ceremonies
Upavedas - Supplementary texts to the Vedas
Brahmanas - Commentaries on the Vedas
Aranyakas - Forest Texts
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
Vedangas deal with rituals and ceremonies, Upavedas are supplementary texts to the Vedas, Brahmanas are commentaries, and Aranyakas, also known as forest texts, contain philosophical discussions.
Q16: Assertion (A): The Harappan civilization had an agrarian economy.
Reason (R): Evidence of granaries has been found in Harappan sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, and R is true.
Ans: (a)
The Harappan civilization had an agrarian economy, as evidenced by large granaries found in sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, indicating storage of agricultural produce.
Q17: Match the following ancient Indian scholars with their fields of expertise:
(a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D
(b) 1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A
(c) 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
(d) 1-A, 2-B, 3-D, 4-C
Ans: (a)
Aryabhata was known for his work in mathematics and astronomy, Charaka in medicine, Panini in grammar, and Varahamihira in astronomy and astrology.
Q18: Statement 1: The Gupta period is referred to as the Golden Age of Indian culture.
Statement 2: The Gupta Empire saw significant achievements in the fields of art, architecture, literature, and science.
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Both statements are false.
(c) Only Statement 1 is true.
(d) Only Statement 2 is true.
Ans: (a)
The Gupta period is indeed often referred to as the Golden Age due to significant achievements in various fields including art, architecture, literature, and science.
Q19: Match the following sites with the respective cultures they are associated with:
(a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D
(b) 1-D, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B
(c) 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
(d) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-A
Ans: (a)
Bhimbetka is associated with Mesolithic culture due to its rock paintings, Amri with the Harappan culture, Sanchi with Buddhist culture evident from its stupas, and Dholavira with the Harappan culture.
Q20: Statement 1: The Upanishads are a collection of texts that contain philosophical discussions.
Statement 2: The Upanishads form the concluding part of the Vedas.
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both statements are true.
(b) Both statements are false.
(c) Only Statement 1 is true.
(d) Only Statement 2 is true.
Ans: (a)
The Upanishads are indeed a collection of philosophical texts and represent the concluding part of the Vedas, often referred to as Vedanta, meaning the 'end of the Vedas'. They focus on spiritual knowledge and concepts.
(a) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C
(a) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
(a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D
(a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D
