1. The Kushanas issues the coins made of __?
- Gold
- Silver
- Copper
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
The Kushans issued coins of Gold, Silver and Copper. The gold coins of the Kushans typically depicted the reigning king on the obverse and various symbols or scenes related to the ruler or the empire on the reverse. The silver and copper coins, on the other hand, often depicted religious or mythological figures, such as the Greek gods and Indian deities. These coins were used for trade and served as a medium of exchange across the vast empire.
2. At which among the following places, Asoka has erected pillars surmounted with four lions?
- Sarnath
- Sanchi
- Vaishali
- Lauriya-Nandangarth
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
- Sarnath – Four Lions
- Sanchi – Four Lions
- Vaishali – Single Lion
- Lauriya-Nandangarth – Single Lion
3. Consider the following statements about Vikram Era and Shaka Era?
- Vikram era is fifty-six or fifty-seven years later than the common era
- Shaka era is seventy-eight or seventy nine years earlier than the common era
- Both Shaka and Vikram Era are Lunar Calendars
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Whereas the solar calendar is usually used for astrological purposes, the lunar calendar is important for religious life. The lunar calendar is used to measure the two eras still used for dating history: the Vikram era (fifty-six or fifty-seven years later than the common era) and the Shaka era (seventy-eight years earlier than the common era). in the Shaka era it begins with the sun’s transition into Aries, determined in India as falling on April 14. Hence, to convert a Shaka era date to a common era date, one adds seventy-nine years for dates from January 1 to April 14, and seventy-eight years for dates from April 15 to December 31.
4. Which among the following worked as determinants of castes in early medieval society of India?
- Varna
- Occupation
- Place of residence
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:
In early medieval society of India determinants of castes was based on Varnas, Occupation and place of residence. Increasing pride of birth, characteristic of feudal society, and the accompanying self-sufficient village economy, which prevented both spatial and occupational mobility, gave rise to thousands of castes in India during the early medieval Period.
5. Which among the following statements is / are correct?
- Banabhatta and Mayura were scholars patronized by Harsha.
- Harshacharitam was composed by Banabhatta, while Priyadarshika was composed by Mayura
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Three Sanskrit works : Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika were composed by Harshavardhana. Banabhatta and Mayura were scholars patronized by Harsha. Famous work Harshacharitam was composed by Banabhatta, in which he depicts the life of Harhavardhana.
6. With reference to the Early Mesolithic era, consider the following statements:
- This period is known for substantial increase in human population
- The climate in this period became warm, marked with increased rainfall
- The core economy of this period was agriculture
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2 are correct
[B] Only 2 is correct
[C] Only 2 & 3 are correct
[D] 1, 2 & 3 are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 is correct]
Notes:
- This period is known for substantial increase in human population: Incorrect. The Paleolithic to Mesolithic transition actually witnessed a decline in human population. Population increased later in the Neolithic era with the advent of agriculture.
- The climate in this period became warm, marked with increased rainfall: Correct. Climatic conditions improved with increase in temperature and rainfall compared to the last ice age period.
- The core economy of this period was agriculture: Incorrect. Agriculture began in the later Neolithic period. The Mesolithic people were hunter-gatherers and foragers.
7. Regarding the transition from ‘Aryan Invasion Theory’ (AIT) to ‘Aryan Migration Theory’ (AMT), consider these statements:
- Genetic analysis of Rakhigarhi remains shows a significant Central Asian Steppe ancestry during the Mature Harappan phase.
- The term ‘Arya’ in the Rigveda is interpreted as a linguistic and cultural identity rather than a biological race.
- The Sinauli excavations discovered horse-drawn chariots dating to 2000 BCE, challenging the timeline of AIT.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 and 3 only]
Notes:
Statement 1 is False: Rakhigarhi DNA showed no Steppe ancestry. Statement 2 is True: Scholars now define “Aryan” by language and ritual. Statement 3 is True: Sinauli proves advanced chariot technology existed in India centuries before the supposed “Aryan invasion.”
8. With reference to the Ancient India:
- Cotton Route refers to the maritime route in the Indian Ocean for export of textiles from India
- India regularly exported large quantities cotton cloth from Tagara in current Maharashtra state
Which among the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Since 2013 China has made efforts to connect with South Asian nations & India’s extended neighborhood. China has identified nations like India, Maldives & Sri Lanka that connect its ports with Africa’s eastern coast. The Indian Government is trying to counter Maritime Silk Road of China with its own strategies which include revival of ancient spice route, ancient Cotton Route and the so called Project Mausam. Further, we note that India’s first cotton exports date back to the 1st century CE. There were regular supplies of large quantities of cloth of ordinary quality from Tagara (Ter in Maharashtra).
9. What was / were the developments in the agriculture by the time of late (mature) Harappan phase of Indus Valley Civilization?
- The crops got differentiated in the Rabi and Kharif
- The Harappan people started growing several types of Barley
- Domestication of rice
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3 ]
Notes:All the statements are correct and notable points.
- The crops got differentiated in the Rabi and Kharif: While the specific terms “Rabi” and “Kharif” are later additions to Indian agriculture, the concept of seasonal crop differentiation was indeed developing during the mature Harappan phase. They were cultivating both winter and summer crops, which is the essence of this distinction.
- The Harappan people started growing several types of Barley: While barley was cultivated earlier, evidence suggests that during the mature phase, the Harappans diversified their barley cultivation, possibly adapting different varieties to local conditions.
- Domestication of rice. Rice cultivation became more widespread during the mature Harappan phase.
10. Which among the following statements are correct observations regarding the Indus Valley Civilization?
- The people of Indus Valley Civilization enjoyed good trading relations with a number of other cultures on their borders
- One of the hallmarks of the Indus civilization was the establishment of outposts beyond the main area of Harappan settlement, designed to control the produce of key regions
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
One of the hallmarks of the Indus civilization was the establishment of outposts beyond the main area of Harappan settlement, designed to control the produce of key regions. These included Manda, Ropar, and Kotla Nihang Khan in the north, located in the Himalayan foothills on the Chenab and Sutlej Rivers, near where each became navigable. These settlements were well placed to control the exploitation and distribution of timber such as pine, ebony, sissoo, and sal from the Himalayan foothills and deodar from higher in the mountains. These were carried downriver to other Harappan regions and also exported overseas.
