Ancient Indian History MCQs

Notes:
The decline of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent refers to a gradual process of dwindling and replacement of Buddhism in India, which ended around the 12th century. The decline of Buddhism has been attributed to various factors:
• Regionalisation of India after the end of the Gupta Empire which led to the loss of patronage and donations
• Indian dynasties turned to the services of Hindu Brahmins
• Invasions of north India by various groups such as Huns, Turco-mongols and Persians
Subsequent destruction of Buddhist institutions such as Nalanda and religious persecutions

Notes:
Man passed from food gathering stage to the food producing stage during the Neolithic Age. Neolithic age began 12,000 years ago.

Notes:
Brahmavadini or “an expounder of the Veda” are those women who composed any hymns of the Vedas. The prominent among them were Lopamudra, Vishwawara, Sikta, Ghosha and Maitreyi.

Notes:
The Major Rock Edicts of Indian Emperor Ashoka refer to 14 separate major Edicts of Ashoka which are significantly detailed and represent some of the earliest dated rock inscriptions of any Indian monarch. For a full English translation of the Edicts. These edicts are preceded chronologically by the Minor Rock Edicts.
The ll and Xlll rock edicts mention the southern kingdoms of Chola. Pandya, Satyaputra, Keralaputra and Tambapanni.

Notes:
The correct chronological order is Shankaracharya (9th Century CE) – Ramanuja (1017- 1137 CE) – Chaitanya (1436-1533 CE).

Notes:
Explicit carved stone representations of female reproductive organs have been discovered from the excavations at the type-site of Harappa located in Sahiwal district of Pakistan’s Punjab province. These may have served a ritual purpose as fertility symbols. Some scholars believe them as evidence for an early tradition of revering the female entity, almost goddess-like, that continued in later Indian culture.

Notes:
The glazed steatite pottery found from Harappan sites is considered the earliest example of glazed pottery in the world. It is thinner than most other pottery and also lacks conventional surface treatment of red slip and buff surface. Instead, a thin layer of silica was fused to the body during the firing process in the kiln, which gave the pottery a smooth, glassy and shiny surface. Their technique of firing pottery reached high levels of sophistication.

Notes:
Turquoise, a popular semi-precious blue-green colored gemstone, was imported by the Harappans from ancient Persia (modern Iran). Along with lapis lazuli from Badakhshan province, these stones were highly valued for ornamental purposes and seal carving. Evidence of long distance trade in precious items is indicated by finds at Bampur in Persia where carnelian beads, jars and goblets typical of the Indus Valley were found in exchange. Commercial transactions were facilitated by a standardized system of weights.

Notes:
The Atharva Veda, which is the fourth Veda, is known as a collection of magic spells, charms, and incantations. It is distinct from the other three Vedas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda) which are more focused on liturgy, ritual, and philosophical speculation. The Atharva Veda contains a mix of hymns, incantations, and magical charms. These include spells for healing, protection, curses, and blessings, among others. It also includes discussions on a wide range of topics such as medicine, alchemy, and black magic.

Notes:
The second Buddhist council was conducted 100 years after the death of buddha by the king Kalasoka at Vaishali in 383 BCE. The president of the second council was monk Sabbakami.