8. Flashcards
When did the use of iron tools begin in the Indian subcontinent?
(a) Around 5000 years ago
(b) Around 3000 years ago
(c) Around 2500 years ago
(d) Around 2000 years ago
(b) Around 3000 years ago
Iron tools found in megalithic burials were primarily used for:
(a) Hunting and warfare
(b) Religious ceremonies
(c) Agricultural purposes
(d) Decorative purposes
(a) Hunting and warfare
Megalithic burials are significant in studying the history of iron usage because they:
(a) Contain the oldest evidence of iron use in India
(b) Provide a large collection of iron tools and weapons
(c) Indicate the role of iron in ancient rituals
(d) Reveal the trade of iron tools with foreign countries
(b) Provide a large collection of iron tools and weapons
Who were the large landowners in the Tamil region during ancient times?
(a) Uzhavar
(b) Kadaisiyar
(c) Adimai
(d) Vellalar
(d) Vellalar
Who were the landless labourers in Tamil villages?
(a) Vellalar
(b) Kadaisiyar and adimai
(c) Uzhavar and vellalar
(d) Uzhavar and kadaisiyar
Answer: (b) Kadaisiyar and adimai
Explanation: The kadaisiyar and adimai were landless labourers, often including slaves, in the Tamil region.
What was the role of the uzhavar in the villages of the Tamil region?
(a) They were large landowners.
(b) They were ordinary ploughmen.
(c) They were priests performing rituals.
(d) They were traders in agricultural produce.
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Answer: (b) They were ordinary ploughmen.
Explanation: The uzhavar were ordinary ploughmen who worked the land in the Tamil region
Which of the following groups does adimai refer to in the context of Tamil villages?
(a) Large landowners
(b) Traders
(c) Slaves
(d) Village officials
Answer: (c) Slaves
Who was the village headman in the northern part of ancient India?
(a) Vellalar
(b) Uzhavar
(c) Grama bhojaka
(d) Grihapati
Answer: (c) Grama bhojaka
Explanation: The grama bhojaka was the village headman in northern India, often the largest landowner and a hereditary position.
What is the correct sequence of societal hierarchy in Tamil villages as per their roles?
(a) Kadaisiyar → Uzhavar → Vellalar
(b) Vellalar → Uzhavar → Kadaisiyar and Adimai
(c) Uzhavar → Kadaisiyar → Vellalar
(d) Adimai → Kadaisiyar → Vellalar
Answer: (b) Vellalar → Uzhavar → Kadaisiyar and Adimai
Explanation: The hierarchy in Tamil villages began with vellalar (large landowners), followed by uzhavar (ploughmen), and then kadaisiyar and adimai (landless labourers, including slaves).
What were the responsibilities of the grama bhojaka in ancient villages?
(a) Collecting taxes and administering justice
(b) Performing religious ceremonies
(c) Teaching the Vedas to villagers
(d) Maintaining village irrigation systems
Answer: (a) Collecting taxes and administering justice
Explanation: The grama bhojaka collected taxes, acted as a judge, and sometimes functioned as a policeman.
Who were the grihapatis in the context of village society in northern India?
(a) Large landowners
(b) Independent farmers
(c) Landless labourers
(d) Craftspeople
Answer: (b) Independent farmers
Explanation: The grihapatis were independent farmers who were smaller landowners compared to the grama bhojaka.
What term referred to landless labourers in northern villages who worked on others’ fields?
(a) Grihapati
(b) Dasa karmakara
(c) Grama bhojaka
(d) Craftspersons
Answer: (b) Dasa karmakara
Explanation: The dasa karmakara were landless labourers who earned their living by working on fields owned by others.
Which of the following statements about the grama bhojaka is correct?
(a) The post was typically elected by the villagers.
(b) The grama bhojaka was usually a hereditary position.
(c) The grama bhojaka only worked as a judge and had no other roles.
(d) The grama bhojaka had no connection with the king.
Answer: (b) The grama bhojaka was usually a hereditary position.
Explanation: The grama bhojaka was typically from the largest landowning family, and the position was passed down through generations.
Which of the following craftspersons were commonly found in ancient Indian villages?
(a) Blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, and weavers
(b) Goldsmiths, tailors, and jewelers
(c) Masons, painters, and sculptors
(d) Soldiers, priests, and scribes
Answer: (a) Blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, and weavers
Explanation: Blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, and weavers were essential craftspersons in most villages.
Why is Tamil literature from this period called Sangam literature?
(a) It was compiled during religious ceremonies.
(b) It was composed in assemblies of poets.
(c) It was sponsored by kings and merchants.
(d) It focused on agricultural practices.
(b) It was composed in assemblies of poets.
What is the name of the earliest Tamil literary works composed around 2300 years ago?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Sangam literature
(c) Jataka tales
(d) Silappadikaram
Answer: (b) Sangam literature
Explanation: The earliest Tamil literary works, known as Sangam literature, were composed around 2300 years ago.
Which of the following correctly describes Sangam literature?
(a) It is primarily religious in nature.
(b) It includes texts composed by royal ministers.
(c) It is secular and deals with themes like war, love, and daily life.
(d) It was written in Prakrit.
Answer: (c) It is secular and deals with themes like war, love, and daily life.
Explanation: Sangam literature is notable for its secular content, dealing with diverse themes like war, love, and social life.
In which city were the Sangam assemblies traditionally believed to have been held?
Madurai
What are some of the Tamil terms mentioned in Sangam literature?
(a) Vellalar, Uzhavar, Kadaisiyar
(b) Grama bhojaka, Grihapati, Dasa karmakara
(c) Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
(d) Mahamatra, Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni
Answer: (a) Vellalar, Uzhavar, Kadaisiyar
Explanation: These terms are found in Sangam literature, representing various social and occupational groups in Tamil society.
- Which of the following statements regarding punch-marked coins is correct?
Punch-marked coins were made out of flattened metal globules or cut from metal sheets.
These coins were inscribed with detailed information about the issuer.
They were in use for about 500 years and found in most parts of the subcontinent.
The coins featured symbols stamped using dies or punches.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Punch-marked coins were made of flattened metal globules or cut metal sheets (Statement 1: Correct).
These coins were not inscribed but featured symbols stamped using dies or punches (Statement 2: Incorrect; Statement 4: Correct).
They were in use for about 500 years and found across most parts of the subcontinent (Statement 3: Correct).
- Punch-marked coins were unique because they:
(a) Featured inscriptions in Brahmi script.
(b) Were made of precious gemstones.
(c) Had symbols stamped using dies or punches without inscriptions.
(d) Were circular coins made exclusively from gold.
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Punch-marked coins were distinct for being stamped with symbols using dies or punches and lacked any inscriptions.
- Which period is most associated with the usage of punch-marked coins?
(a) Mauryan Empire
(b) Gupta Empire
(c) Mughal Empire
(d) Satavahana Dynasty
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The widespread use of punch-marked coins is primarily associated with the Mauryan Empire, although they existed before and continued for centuries.
- The distribution of punch-marked coins across the subcontinent indicates:
(a) A centralized currency system under one ruler.
(b) Extensive trade networks across regions.
(c) Exclusive use by the elite class.
(d) Limited circulation in southern India.
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Punch-marked coins were found across the subcontinent, suggesting they were part of extensive trade and exchange networks rather than being restricted to a single region or class.
- Based on the Sangam poem, which of the following statements best describes the trade practices of the period?
(a) Trade was primarily conducted by kings and officials.
(b) Barter was a common means of exchange, with goods like salt and paddy being traded.
(c) Merchants preferred to travel alone for efficiency.
(d) Long-distance trade was rare and limited to luxury goods.
Correct Answer: (b)
. What does the Sangam poem suggest about the role of salt in ancient Tamil society?
a] Salt was a plentiful resource along the coastal regions.
b ] It was a significant trade commodity exchanged for agricultural produce.
c ] The production of salt was monopolized by the ruling class.
d ) Merchants traveled with their families for long distances to trade salt.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Correct Answer: (b)
- According to the Sangam literature, what role did families play in trade activities?
(a) Families primarily stayed at home while merchants traveled.
(b) Entire families often participated in long-distance trade journeys.
(c) Only the male members of a family were involved in trade.
(d) Families were prohibited from traveling together for trade.
Correct Answer: (b)
- Which of the following professions are mentioned in the inscriptions found in Mathura?
Goldsmiths
Basket makers
Sculptors
Perfumers
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The inscriptions found in Mathura highlight contributions from various professions, including goldsmiths, basket makers, sculptors, and perfumers.
- What were the primary functions of Mathura in ancient times?
(a) Religious center, military hub, and producer of agricultural surplus
(b) Trade hub, artistic center, and religious hub
(c) Administrative capital, mining center, and trade hub
(d) Agricultural producer, maritime center, and religious hub
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Mathura was a trade hub due to its strategic location, an artistic center producing fine sculptures, and a religious hub with Buddhist monasteries, Jaina shrines, and Krishna worship.
- Which of the following best describes the historical significance of Mathura?
(a) A city known solely for its military importance
(b) A hub of maritime trade and Buddhist learning
(c) A center of trade, religion, and fine art production
(d) A city primarily devoted to the worship of Krishna
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Mathura’s significance lies in its strategic trade location, religious diversity, and reputation for producing fine sculptures, making it a multifaceted urban center.
- Consider the following statements regarding the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW):
1 NBPW is a type of pottery found primarily in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent.
2 The pottery is characterized by its shiny black, metallic-like surface.
3 It was produced using high-temperature firing and a fine black slip.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
NBPW is predominantly found in the northern part of the subcontinent, not the south. It is known for its shiny, metallic-like black surface and was created using high-temperature firing and a black slip.
- Why is Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) significant in Indian archaeology?
(a) It provides evidence for advanced textile manufacturing techniques.
(b) It indicates the development of specialized pottery-making skills.
(c) It suggests the existence of maritime trade routes.
(d) It proves the use of iron in early agricultural tools.
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
NBPW demonstrates advanced pottery-making techniques, including high-temperature firing and the application of a fine black slip, highlighting specialized craftsmanship in ancient India.
- Which ancient cities were famous for cloth production, as per historical texts?
(a) Taxila and Mathura
(b) Pataliputra and Ujjain
(c) Varanasi and Madurai
(d) Kashi and Kanchipuram
(c) Varanasi and Madurai