Ancient Indian History MCQs

Notes:
In the context of Harappan civilization, the term ‘English Bond’ refers to the brickwork bonding pattern where bricks are laid in alternating header (short side) and stretcher (long side) arrangement in successive courses. This interlocking arrangement created structural stability, detectible in granaries and walls at sites like Mohenjo-daro and Rakhigarhi. English bond provided earthquake resistant buildings reflecting the town planning Sophistication of these ancient cities.

Notes:
Daimabad is an example of Harappan site which shows that Late Harappan culture extended into the Deccan Plateau. At this site archaeologists have discovered four excellent bronze images. A bronze sculpture of a man riding a chariot drawn by bulls has also discovered in Daimabad.

Notes:
All the given statements about the Neolithic period in India are correct. Neolithic communities appeared after 6000 BCE, used ground stone tools, practiced agriculture of wheat, barley and rearing of animals, and were familiar with techniques like pottery making, spinning and fishing.

Notes:
In the Later Vedic Age, the staple diet shifted to cereals, predominantly rice (referred to as ‘Vrihi’) and wheat (known as ‘Godhuma’). Lentils were also a part of the diet but were not the staple food. The shift to a grain-based diet reflects agrarian society’s progress. Furthermore, rituals often involved the giving of ‘dana’ and ‘dakshina’ which included cooked rice, indicating its vital role in their daily consumption and societal interactions.

Notes:
Shreni indicated the guilds or organisation of merchants. During the Later Vedic period the exchange was still via barter system. However Niskha was used as a convenient unit of value although it was not used as a typical currency.

Notes:
During the Later Vedic age the collection of taxes and tributes was made compulsory and were done by the officer known as Sangrihitri. The Vaishyas appear to be the only tribute payers in Later Vedic times.

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The Adi Purana which was compiled in 9th century is the hagiography of Jaina founder Rishabha also known as Adinatha. Rishabha Adinath (symbol-Bull) was the first Trithankara and Mahavira (symbol-Lion) was the last Tirthankara.

Notes:
Prasenjit the King of Kosala was a patron of Ajivika order. The Ajivikas were rigid fatalists and determinists They believed  that the affairs of the entire universe were ordered by a cosmic force called niyati.

Notes:
Kashi was the capital of one of the sixteen mahajanapada called Varanasi (Modern Benaras). However Kashi was eventually captured by Kosala. The city of Kashi got its name from rivers Varuna and Asi as cited in the Matsya Purana.

Notes:
The capital of the southern part of Avanti Mahajanapada was located at Mahishmati. It was located in the present-day malwa region on the banks of river Narmada. Avanti mahajanapada was significant in the rise of Buddhism.