Q. The use of iron tools in the Indian subcontinent began around —
a). 500 years ago
b). 800 years ago
c). 1000 years ago
d). 3000 years ago
Answer: d). 3000 years ago
Q. Match the following groups of people from the Sangam period with their correct descriptions:
1. Vellalar a). Ordinary Ploughmen
2. Uzhavar b). Landowners who controlled large areas
3. Adimai c). Slaves or landless laborers who worked for others
Options:
a). 1–b, 2–a, 3–c
b). 1–a, 2–b, 3–c
c). 1–c, 2–b, 3–a
d). 1–b, 2–c, 3–a
Answer: a). 1–b, 2–a, 3–c
Explanation: The landless labourers, including slaves, were known as kadaisiyar and adimai.
Q. Match the following people with their correct roles in village life during the early historic period:
1. Gram Bhojaka a). Landless laborers who worked on others’ lands
2. Grihapatis b). Village headman responsible for maintaining order and collecting taxes
3. Dasa Karmkara c). Independent small farmers who owned their land
Options:
a). 1–b, 2–c, 3–a
b). 1–a, 2–b, 3–c
c). 1–c, 2–a, 3–b
d). 1–b, 2–a, 3–c
Answer: a). 1–b, 2–c, 3–a
Q. What were the main functions of the Gram Bhojaka in the village during ancient times?
a). Collecting taxes and maintaining law and order
b). Working as a landless labourer in the village
c). Teaching children and maintaining temples
d). Travelling to cities for trade and business
Answer: a). Collecting taxes and maintaining law and order
Explanation: The Gram Bhojaka was the village headman, usually the largest landowner. He collected taxes from villagers on behalf of the king, maintained law and order, and often acted as a judge in local disputes.
Q. What is Sangam literature?
a). Religious texts written in Sanskrit
b). Tamil literature composed by poets
c). Buddhist scriptures written in Pali
d). Records of kings written on stone inscriptions
Answer: b). Tamil literature composed by poets
Q. Where were the Sangams held according to Tamil tradition?
a). Kaveripattinam
b). Madurai
c). Pataliputra
d). Taxila
Answer: b). Madurai
Q. Sangam literature was composed about how many years ago?
a). Around 1,000 years ago
b). Around 2,300 years ago
c). Around 3,200 years ago
d). Around 4,000 years ago
Answer: b). Around 2,300 years ago
Explanation: Sangam literature dates back to around 2,300 years ago, giving us valuable insight into early Tamil society.
Q. Who composed the Jataka stories?
a). Jain monks
b). Followers of Buddha
c). Vedic priests
d). Tamil poets
Answer: b). Followers of Buddha
Explanation: The Jataka stories were composed by the followers of Gautama Buddha. These stories were based on the previous births of the Buddha and were written to teach moral lessons and spread Buddhist ideas
Q. Where are scenes from Jataka stories often found depicted?
a). On temple walls and railings of stupas
b). In Sangam literature
c). On coins
d). In Vedic manuscripts
Answer: a). On temple walls and railings of stupas
Explanation: Scenes from Jataka stories were carved on stupas and temple walls, such as those at Sanchi and Bharhut, to spread Buddhist teachings through art.
Q. What were Ring Wells used for in ancient towns?
a). As watchtowers
b). For bathing and storing grains
c). As sources of water and for drainage or waste disposal
d). For religious ceremonies
Answer: c). As sources of water and for drainage or waste disposal
Explanation: Ring wells were circular pits made with rows of clay rings used mainly to draw water, dispose of waste.
Q. Bharuch (ancient Broach) is located in which present-day Indian state?
a). Maharashtra
b). Tamil Nadu
c). Gujarat
d). Kerala
Answer: c). Gujarat
Explanation: Bharuch, known in ancient times as Broach, is located in the state of Gujarat on the banks of the Narmada River.
Q. What is a key feature of punch-marked coins used in ancient India?
a). They were made of plastic
b). They had images engraved with ink
c). They were stamped with symbols using punches
d). They had no symbols or marks
Answer: c). They were stamped with symbols using punches
Explanation: Punch-marked coins were early coins in India made of metal, often silver, and had symbols stamped on them using punches rather than being cast or engraved.
Q. Why was Mathura an important city in ancient India?
a). It was located near the sea coast
b). It was the capital of the Mauryan Empire
c). It was a religious and trade center at a major crossroads
d). It was famous for iron production
Answer: c). It was a religious and trade center at a major crossroads
Explanation: Mathura was located at the cross roads of two major routes of travel and trade — from the northwest to the east and from north to south.
Q. Mathura is famously associated with which Indian god?
a). Shiva
b). Vishnu
c). Krishna
d). Rama
Answer: c). Krishna
Explanation: Mathura is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites related to Krishna’s life and stories
Q. What was the second capital of the Kushanas?
a). Pataliputra
b). Mathura
c). Ujjain
d). Taxila
Answer: b). Mathura
Explanation: The Kushanas had two capitals — Peshawar (main capital) and Mathura (second capital). Mathura was an important center of art, culture, and trade, especially during the reign of Kanishka.
Q. What is Northern Black Polished Ware known for?
a). Its rough surface
b). Its bright red color
c). Its shiny black finish
d). Its wooden texture
Answer: c). Its shiny black finish
Explanation: Northern Black Polished Ware is known for its fine, glossy, and smooth black surface, indicating advanced pottery techniques.
Q. What material was used to make Northern Black Polished Ware?
a). Metal
b). Wood
c). Fine clay
d). Stone
Answer: c). Fine clay
Explanation: NBPW was made using fine clay and fired at high temperatures to give it a polished black surface.
Q. People who made things for others in villages and towns were called —
a). Kings
b). Craftspeople
c). Soldiers
d). Monks
Answer: b). Craftspeople
Explanation: Craftspeople made items like pottery, jewelry, tools, and clothes and played a key role in village economies.
Q. Guilds or Shrenis were —
a). Groups of priests
b). Groups of merchants and craftspeople
c). Groups of farmers
d). Groups of soldiers
Answer: b). Groups of merchants and craftspeople
Explanation: Shrenis were associations of merchants and craftsmen that regulated trade and maintained quality.
Q. Arikamedu was an ancient site known for:
a). Vedic rituals
b). Buddhist monasteries
c). Trade with the Roman Empire
d). Mughal architecture
Answer: c). Trade with the Roman Empire
Explanation: Arikamedu was a major port city on the east coast of India that had active trade with the Roman Empire, especially during the Sangam Age.
Q. Which type of objects were commonly found at Arikamedu?
a). Stone tools and weapons
b). Roman pottery and beads
c). Copper plates with inscriptions
d). Painted cave walls
Answer: b). Roman pottery and beads
Explanation: Archaeologists have found Roman amphorae (wine jars), glassware, and beads at Arikamedu, showing foreign trade links.
Q. Arikamedu is located in which present-day Indian Union Territory?
a). Delhi
b). Chandigarh
c). Puducherry
d). Lakshadweep
Answer: c). Puducherry
Explanation: Arikamedu is an archaeological site near modern-day Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) in South India.
Q. What is a distinctive structural feature of an amphora?
a). A flat base and no handles
b). A tall double-handled jars
c). A wide mouth with a lid
d). A square shape with a spout
Answer: b). A tall double-handled jars
Explanation: Roman amphorae were found at Arikamedu, indicating Indo-Roman trade connections.
Q. What is Arretine ware?
a). A type of ancient Indian metal coin
b). A fine Roman pottery with glossy red finish
c). A stone tool used in the Stone Age
d). A wooden craft from South India
Answer: b). A fine Roman pottery with glossy red finish
Explanation: Arretine ware was a type of fine Roman pottery known for its glossy red surface and was often found in trade sites like Arikamedu.
Q. Which is one of the oldest cities in Europe that developed around the same time as the cities in the Ganga Valley?
a). Athens
b). London
c). Rome
d). Venice
Answer: c). Rome
Q. What was the primary use of an amphitheatre in ancient times?
a). A place for religious rituals
b). A marketplace for trade
c). A venue for public performances and sports
d). A royal residence
Answer: c). A venue for public performances and sports
Explanation: Amphitheatres were large, circular or oval open-air venues used in Roman culture, for gladiator contests, theatrical performances, and sports events.