21. Consider the following statements with respect to the Neolithic settlements:
- We get the earliest evidence of cultivation of rice in the Indian subcontinent from Koldihwa.
- Mehargarh in Sindh is the oldest Neolithic site of the Indian subcontinent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 Only]
Notes:
Koldihwa and Mahargarh provides the earliest example of cultivation of rice in the Indian subcontinent. Both are located in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of Belan River. Mehrgarh is located in the Kachi plains of the Balochistan area near the Bolan Pass. Earliest example of cultivation of wheat and barley was found from this location.
22. Consider the following statements:
- Rig Vedic Polity was essentially a tribal polity.
- Kings in the Rig Vedic Period did not maintain a standing army.
- The term ‘Janapada’ is mentioned in the Rig Veda.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
[A] 1 and 2 Only
[B] 3 Only
[C] 2 and 3 Only
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [3 Only]
Notes:
During the Rig Vedic Period, people gave primacy to their tribe called ‘Jana’, which has been mentioned 275 times in the Rig Ved. It is inferred from this fact that the territorial extent of any tribal group was not fixed as being a semi-nomadic pastoralist society, they were regularly moving places. So, statement 1 is correct. In such a tribal society, there would not be enough surplus production which the King could tax in order to set up a standing army. Most of the fighting during the numerous tribal conflicts were done by the irregular militia/ tribal groups called ‘sardha’, ‘grama’, ‘gana’ and ‘vrata’, etc. So, statement 2 is correct. The term ‘janpada’, which has territorial connotation, does not appear in the Rig Veda, but only in the later-Vedic literature. So, statement 3 is incorrect.
23. Consider the following statements:
- Satvahana kings claimed to have been Brahmanas.
- Satvahana kings patronised Buddhism.
- Satvahanas issued a large number of gold coins on account of their flourishing trade.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 1 and 2 Only
[C] 2 and 3 Only
[D] 1 and 3 Only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 Only]
Notes:
The Satvahana rulers claimed that they were Brahmanas. From the very beginning, their kings and queens performed Vedic sacrifices. Gautamiputra Satkarni called himself ‘the only Brahmana’. He also claimed in his inscriptions that he had restored the four-fold Varna system that had fallen into disorder. So, statement 1 is correct. Even though Satvahanas made lavish gifts to the Brahmanas, including land grants, but we have more instances of grants being made to the Buddhist monks. During the Satvahana period, Nagarjunkonda and Amravati became important centres of Buddhist learning and culture. Similarly, Buddhism flourished in Nasik and Junnar areas. Ajanta caves began to be carved out during this period. Satvahanas repaired the Sanchi stupa. So, statement 2 is also correct. Satvahanas had a flourishing foreign trade. In the foreign accounts, this area was famous for its cotton products. But, they did not issue gold coins possibly because they used gold as a bullion. They mostly issued coins of lead. They also issued potin, copper and bronze coins. So, statement 3 is incorrect.
24. Which of the following is / are correct statements?
- The megaliths are found in all upland areas of the peninsula, but their concentration seems to be in eastern Andhra and in Tamil Nadu.
- The beginning of the megalithic period can be traced back to about 1000 BC, but in many cases the megalithic phase lasted until about the fifth century BC.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The megaliths are found in all upland areas of the peninsula, but their concentration seems to be in eastern Andhra and in Tamil Nadu. The beginning of the megalithic period can be traced back to about 1000 BC, but in many cases the megalithic phase lasted until about the fifth century BC. In few places this phase persisted even upto the early centuries of the Christian era.
25. Central Advisory Board on Archaeology, which was in news recently, will include which of the following members?
- Minister of Culture
- Former Director-General of ASI
- Five persons nominated by Government of India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
- Recently, the Government has re-constituted the Central Advisory Board on Archaeology (CABA).
- It has been constituted tostrengthen contacts between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and those in the field of archaeological research.
- The board will include “five persons nominated in their personal capacities by the Government of India”and former Director-Generals of ASI.
- The board will meet once a year and its functions would include advising the Centre on “matters relating to archaeology” referred to by its members.
26. Which of the following animals have been depicted on Indus seals?
- Buffalo
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Fish
- Goat
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
- ‘Pasupati Mahadeva’ seal from Mohenjo- daro depicts a rhinoceros and water buffalo on one side, and an elephant and tiger on the other, surrounding a three-faced seated deity in human form.
- Pipal (‘the Indian fig tree’) branches appear on seals, but in an elaborate scene carved on a Mohenjodaro seal, there is a deity in the pipal tree with the ‘fish’ sign and a large goat.
27. Consider the following pairs:
- Akaradhyaksha -Controller of Ordnance
- Akshapataladhyaksha – Controller of Accounts
- Ayudhagaradhyaksha – Controller of Mining & Metallurgy
- Dhyutadhyksha – Controller of Gambling
Which of the pairs given above are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 & 4]
Notes:
- Akaradhyaksha -Controller of Mining & Metallurgy
- Akshapataladhyaksha – Controller of Accounts
- Ayudhagaradhyaksha – of Ordnance
- Dhyutadhyksha – Controller of Gambling
- Ganikadhyaksha – Controller of Entertainers
- Kupyadhyaksha – Superintendent of Forest Produce
- Lakshanadhyaksha – Master of the Mint
- Manadhyaksha -Surveyor and time keeper
- Madradhyaksha – Passport Officer
- Nagavanadhyaksha – Elephant Forester
- Panyadhyaksha – Controller of State Trading
- Pattanadhyaksha – Controller of Ports and Harbours
- Pattyadhyaksha – Commander of Infantry
- Pauthavadhyaksha – Controller of Weights & Measures
28. Consider the following:
- Bagor
- Langhnaj
- Adamgarh
Which of the following is the correct order of the above sites from west to east?
[A] 1 2 3
[B] 2 1 3
[C] 3 2 1
[D] 1 3 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 1 3]
Notes:Langhnaj in Gujrat is westernmost, followed by Bagor (in Rajasthan) and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh.
29. Which one of the following ancient Indian guilds was known to issue its own coins?
[A] Weavers’ guild
[B] Ivory workers’ guild
[C] Potters’ guild
[D] Blacksmiths’ guild
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ivory workers’ guild]
Notes:
In ancient India, certain guilds had the authority to issue their own coins, which indicates their economic power and autonomy. The ivory workers’ guild is specifically mentioned in historical inscriptions as one of the guilds that engaged in such practices. This not only indicates the significance of guilds in trade and commerce but also reflects their role in the economy of the time. Guilds like the ivory workers’ had considerable influence, as they could settle disputes and make donations to educational and religious institutions, showcasing their societal importance beyond mere economic transactions.
30. Which one of the following officers in the Mauryan administration was responsible for land measurement and fixing boundaries?
[A] Pradeshikas
[B] Yukta
[C] Rajjukas
[D] Adhyakshas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajjukas]
Notes:
Rajjukas were officers in the Mauryan administration tasked with the important role of land measurement and determining property boundaries. They held authority, not only in surveying land but also in adjudicating disputes by punishing the guilty and freeing the innocent. This dual responsibility indicates the complexity of governance during the Mauryan Empire, where land management was crucial for economic stability and social order. The efficient administration of land and resources contributed to the overall strength and sustainability of one of the largest empires in ancient history.
