MP Board Class 9th Social Science Important Questions Unit 7 Ancient India

Students get through the MP Board Class 9th Social Science Important Questions Unit 7 Ancient India which are most likely to be asked in the exam.

MP Board Class 9th Social Science Important Questions Unit 7 Ancient India

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What is the importance of history of ancient India?
Answer:
We could get the information about the Indian culture through the study of history of ancient India. Through this study we get to know that how man entered in the iron age from the stone age and achieve progress in politics, artistic and fields.

Question 2.
Describe the literary sources which throw light on the ancient Indian history.
Answer:
Vedas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Vedangs, Sutras, Epics, Smrities, Puranas, Buddhist literature, Jain literature, Mudrarakshas, Arthashastra, Mahabhashya, Ashtadhyayi, Rajtarangini and other literary sources throw an ample light on ancient Indian history.

Question 3.
Write eight points of Buddhism. (2015)
Answer:
According to Mahatma Buddha the path that leads to liberation from sufferings and attainment of Nirvan is called the Eight fold path. This path includes – Right Faith (Samyak Drashti), Right Resolve (Samyak Sankalpa), Right Speech (Samyak Vak), Right Action (Samyak Karmanta), Right Living (Samyak Ajiva), Right Effort (Samyak Vyayama), Right Thought (Samyak Smriti) and Right Concentration (Samyak Samadhi).

Question 4.
What is called the Indus Valley Civilization?
Answer:
The urban culture that developed in India and Pakistan’s north western part in the Indus river basin and its tributaries is generally called the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 5.
Write the names and numbers of Vedas. (2014, 16)
Answer:
There are four Vedas:

1. Rigveda
2. Yajurveda
3. Samveda
4. Atharvaveda.

Question 6.
Who was Chanakya (Kautilya)? Name the book written by him. (2017)
Answer:
Chanakya (Kautilya) was the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya. His real name was Vishnugupta. He wrote the ‘Arthshastra’.

Question 7.
Write the names of foreign travellers whose description throws light on the ancient Indian history.
Answer:
Megasthenese, Fa-Hien and Hieun Tsang were the important foreign travellers whose accounts throw light on the ancient Indian history.

Question 8.
Write the names of four chief cities of the Indus civilization. (2016)
Answer:

• Mohenjodaro
• Lothal
• Kalibanga
• Manda.

Question 9.
Who was Megasthenes? Name the book written by him.
Answer:
Megasthenes came as an Ambassador to Chandra Gupta’s court. He wrote a book named ‘Indica’.

Question 10.
Write the names of the Chief Education Institutions of ancient India. (2014)
Answer:

• Nalanda University
• Takshshila University
• Vallabhi University
• Vikramshila University.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Who discovered the cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa? (2015, 17)
Answer:
Harappa: This city was situated in the Mountgumri district of Punjab at 100 miles distance from Lahore. It was discovered in 1921 by Dr. Dayaram Sahni. It was the largest city of Indus civilization.

Mohenjodaro: It was also a prominent city of Indus civilization. Mohenjodaro which literary means ‘The Mound of the Dead’ was discovered in 1922 by Rakhaldas Banerjee. It is situated in Larkuna district of Sindhu.

Question 2.
What do you know about the historical chronology of Ancient India?
Answer:
India’s archaeological cultural and historical tradition has been extremely rich and glorious. History of ancient India includes Indus or Harappan civilization, Vedic civilization, Epic period, Jainism and Buddhism, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire and Harshavardhana. These civilizations and dynasties had their own distinct identities.

Indians had a strong historical aptitude since ancient times. There are enough sources to throw light on ancient Indian history like literary sources, Archaeological sources, accounts of foreign travellers etc.

Question 3.
What are the most important sources of information on ancient India?
Answer:
Archaeological inscriptions like-rock edicts, writings on copper plates, birch bark, currency, statues and monuments are the most important sources to study the history of ancient India.

Question 4.
Write three reasons of downfall of Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer:
The reasons of downfall of Indus Civilization or Harappan Civilization are as follows:

1. According to some historions attacks of outsider community destroy this civilization.
2. Famous geologist Sahni believed that Indus civilization destroyed by occurrence of floods.
3. Some scholars believed that downfall of Indus civilization caused due to occurrence of earthquake.

Question 5.
What do you know about Chandragupta I?
Answer:
Ghatotkatcha’s son Chandragupta I, took over the reigns of the Gupta Empire after him. He is described as ‘Maharajadhiraj’ or king of kings. Chandragupta I was married to a Lichhavi Princess Kumar Devi. During the same period in 320 A.D. the ‘Gupta Era’ began. He ruled till 335 A.D. He laid the foundation of a powerful empire and expanded his empire.

Question 6.
‘Samudra Gupta was called the Indian Napoleon’. Why?
Answer:
Samudra Gupta was a great military commander, efficient politician and an invincible warrior. He accomplished many victories and established a very well organised and extensive empire like Napoleon. Thus the famous historian Smith has called Samudra Gupta the ‘Indian Napoleon’

Question 7.
Where is Lothal and Kalibangan situated? Why are these famous in ancient history?
Answer:
Lothal: It is located in Gujarat in the 48km east of Rangpur.
Kalibangan: It is situated in Ganganagar district of Rajasthan on the bank of river Saraswati.
Both these were the important cities of Indus civilization. The excavations found from these cities are the sources of various information about this civilization.

Question 8.
What was the extent of Indus civilization?
Answer:
The area covered by the Indus civilization was much more than that covered by the contemporary civilizations in the whole world. The known western and eastern limits of the Indus civilization is over 1,550 km from north to south, it extends over 1.100 km. The expansion of this civilization was upto Pakistan, South Afghanistan and/India it was extended upto Rajashthan, Gujarat, Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab. Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Question 9.
What do you understand by Vedic period?
Answer:
The entire Vedic period indicates an extensive time period in which Vedas with other contemporary literary works were composed. The entire vedic period was divided into two parts.

1. Rigvedic Period: Early Rigvedic period in which Rigveda was composed is believed to extend from 1500 B.C. to 1000 B.C.
2. Later Vedic Period: The rest three Vedas i.e. Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda along with Purans, Upnishads, Epics and Smritis were composed in the later vedic period. This period is believed to be between 1000 B.C.

Question 10.
Explain the causes responsible for the decline of the Gupta Empire. (2010, 17)
Answer:

• Weak and Unable successors: There were no able rulers after Skanda Gupta. They failed to protect their empire from internal revolts and foreign attacks.
• Indefinite law of inheritance: The law of inheritance was not well defined. This resulted in increase in mutual conflicts which weakened their power.
• Internal revolts: In the Gupta empire much power was given the feudal lords. Their over ambitions resulted in the internal revolts due to which economic condition of the empire become weak.

Question 11.
Who was the founder of Jainism? Describe briefly the principles of Jainism.
Answer:
First Tirthankar Rishabh Dev was the founder of Jainism. Vardhman Mahavir Swami was the 24th Tirthankar of the Jain religion. Mahavir was born to king Siddarth of Kundgrama. Vardhman (Mahavir) was thoughtful and sober since childhood. He renounced the world after the death of his father. He attained Kaivalya after 12 years of peace and meditation. He was called a Jina as he got victory over his senses and his followers were called Jains.

The main principle of Jainism is Ahimsa or non-violence. According to Jainism non-violence is not refraining from violence but violence in thought, speech and allowing violence by others. Mahavir started the importance of the five vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Acharya, Aparigrah, Brahmcharya).

Question 12.
Write the causes of downfall of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer:
Causes of downfall of the Mauryan Empire

• The successors of Ashoka were incapable. They divided the Empire among themselves and could not keep the Empire of their ancestors intact.
• The oppression of provincial officers.
• Lack of nationalism in the subjects.
• Asoka’s policy of non-violence made military administration weak. There was lethargy in the administrative system.

The last ruler of the Mauryan Empire Brihadrath was killed by his commander Pushyamitra Sunga and the Mauryan dynasty come to an end.

Question 13.
Write about the chief features of the administrative system during the Gupta period.
Answer:
Like the Mauryan rulers, the Gupta rulers also made public welfare the basic foundation of their administration. The king was the highest official of the state. The final authority of the state was in his hands. There was a council of ministers and other officials to assist the king. The chief source of income was land revenue which was called ‘Bhoga’.

This was generally one sixth of the produce. The Gupta Empire was divided into three- parts—Central, Provincial and Local administration. The chief objective of the Gupta rulers was public welfare. For this they made hospitals, Dharamshalas or rest houses, schools, roads etc.

Question 14.
Who was Fahien? When did he come to India? What did he write about India?
Answer:
Fahien was a Buddhist Chinese traveller. He came to India to study the buddhist religion in the reign of Chandra Gupta II Vikramaditya. He stayed in India for about six years. In his travelogues, he has described the contemporary political, social and economic condition in India.

According to Fahien, there was internal peace in India. There was prosperity and well being, where all around(there were vanquished and friendly-rulers. They always helped the poor by giving fahins. Laws were simple and punishments were not too severe.

The people were law-abiding and honest. Financially, the common masses were good: People were virtuous and possessed mutual co-operation. In short, the country was on the path of development.

Question 15.
Describe the political importance of marital relations established by Chandra Gupta II.
Answer:
Chandra Gupta II consolidated and strengthened the Gupta Empire inherited from his father. Chandra Gupta II married Kubemaga of the Naga dynasty. This led to friendly relations between both the dynasties. He married his daughter Prabhavati to Rudrasena II the VakatakaKing. This relationship secured Chandra Gupta’s control over the Sakas.

These matrimonial alliances proved to be politically very important. The daughter of Kadama dynasty was also married in the Gupta dynasty. Due to this matrimonial alliance the glory of Chandra Gupta II spread to southern India as well.

Question 16.
Write about the new information received about river Saraswati. (2008)
Answer:
The contribution of Dr. Vishnu Shreedhar Wakankar’s research on the river Saraswati is of vital importance. During the Vedic period, the Saraswati was a very big river. It has been constantly referred to in the Vedas. Efforts have been made in the last 20 years through arial and land surveys to mark the area drained by the Saraswati river. It is believed that the river Saraswati must have originated from the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas and from there it flowed to Ambala, Thaneshar, Kurukshetra, Pahova, Sirsa, Hansi, Agroha, Hanumangari and via Kalibangan to Anupgarh to Suratgarh.

In due course of time due to ecological changes the Saraswati river slowly dried up and became extinct after sometime. There is a continuous research going on about the civilization that developed around the Saraswati river.

Question 17.
Who won the Kalinga war? what is the importance of the Kalinga war in Indian history? (2008)
Answer:
Ashoka was the third and most famous Emperor of the Mauryan dynasty. He fought a war with Kalinga. There was a tough war between the armies of Ashoka and Kalinga. Ashoka emerged victorious in the war. According to the 13th rock edict of Ashoka 1,50,000 persons were carried away as captives, 1,00,000 persons were slain, and many times that number died. Ashoka was filled with profound sorrow and grief after the bloodshed in the war and also with remorse and self realisation.

The important result of this war was a change in Ashoka’s attitude and he began to follow a policy of peace rather than that of war. The era of military conquests or Digvijay was over and an era of spiritual conquest or Dhammavijay began. He also became a follower of Buddhism. The Kalinga war gave a new direction to Ashoka’s life.

Question 18.
Write about the expansion of Harsha’s empire. (2008)
Answer:
Emperor Harshavardhana was the son of the ruler of Thaneshwar, Prabhakar Vardhana. After Prabhakar Vardhana his son Rajyavardhana ascended the throne. When Rajyavardhana learnt of war between the rulers of Kannauj, Grahavarman, husband of his sister Rajshree, fought against the king of Malwa Devgupta who killed Grahavarman. Rajyavardhana defeated Dev Gupta but the king of Bengal Shashank, treacherously killed Rajyavardhana. Under these circumstances Harsha became the ruler of Thaneshwar.

He ascended the throne in 606 A.D. at the age of 16. Since his sister Rajshree did not have any child the throne of Kannauj also came into his hands. In this way he became the ruler of both Kannauj and Thaneshwar. His empire spread from the Himalayas in the north to the river Narmada in the south from Bengal in the East to the Indus in the west. He had political relations with China and Persia.

Question 19.
Write about the contribution of the Indus civilization. (2008, 09, 17)
Answer:
Contribution of the Indus Civilization:

• The Indus civilization was familiar with city culture. It had a well-organized city planning system.
• It had knowledge of an efficient water drainage system. There are evidences found about covered drains and manholes.
• The Indus people were familiar with sea trade.
• Religious beliefs and worship of nature was present. Some of the seals depict the God in a yogic posture. Shiva or Pashupati worshipped today, is probably a later adaptation of this male god.
• The Indus civilization made magnificent contribution in building construction, painting, statue making, utensils and art of ornament making.
• It also introduced the writings.
• It opened the option of sea trade.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Describe the Vedic Civilization. (2009, 14)
Or
Explain the religious life in Vedic Civilization. (2011)
[Hint: See the title of Religious life.]
Answer:
The entire vedic period is divided into two parts. The Early Rigvedic period in which the Rigveda was composed. This period is believed to extend from 1500 B.C. to 1000 B.C. The rest of the three Vedas were composed in the later Vedic period between 600 B.C. to 1000 B.C. These Vedas are Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda. The life of the Vedic civilization is described as follows:

(1) Social Life: The Indian society during the Vedic period was formed of ‘Aryans’. Aryans had thousands of domesticated animals. They settled wherever food and fodder for animals was available. The chief basis of social organization of the Aryans was the family or the clan. The oldest male member was the head of the family. Vama-system was prevalent during the Vedic period. There were 4 Vamas Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.

For regulation of the social system Aryans considered life expectancy to be-100 years and divided it into four Ashrams. These were Brahamcharya (for learning and education), Grahastha (family life), Vanaprastha (retirement from family life), Sanyas (renouncing the wordly affairs). Women enjoyed a high status in the society. They received higher education. Social evils like dowry, Purdah system and child marriages were not prevalent.

Women took a keen interest in dressing up. Rice, -barley, ghee (processed butter) and milk formed the main food of the Aryans. Chariot racing, horse riding, hunting, dancing, gambling and games of dice were the chief means of entertainment.

(2) Economic Life: The Vedic civilization was rural and primarily agrarian. Wheat, Jowar, Urad, Masoor and sesame were basically cultivated. Along with agriculture, animal husbandry was the chief occupation. Horses, cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats etc. were domesticated. Domestic system of production and artisanship were highly developed. Carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, cobblers had great importance. Both internal and external trade flourished. Barter system was prevalent. Initially the cow was the chief medium of exchange. After the cow, ‘Nishka’ as a medium of exchange was used.

(3) Religious Life: The chief features of their religious life were as follows:

• Vedic Aryans were nature worshippers. They worshipped various forms of nature. Sun, moon, wind, clouds, usha (Goddess of light) were their Chief Gods and Goddesses.
• There was a provision ‘Yagya’ for every Aryan. They believed that Yagyas please God and fulfil all wishes. Yagyas were the chief basis of rites and rituals.
• Though Aryans worshipped many God, they still believed in Monotheism.
• Maha Yagyas like Ashwamedha, Rajsuya and Vajpai were performed during this period.

(4) Political Life: Following were the chief characteristics of political life of Aryans:

• Vedic Aryans were organized into various ‘Janas’ or tribes. A tribe had members of the same clan or family.
• The basis of the political system was the clan. The father was head of the clan. Many clans together formed a ‘tribe or village’.
• Many villages together formed the ‘Vish’, the head of the Vish was called the Vishapati.
• Many ‘Vish’ together formed ‘Jana’ the head of which was “Gopa”.
• The position and powers of the king increased during the Later Vedic Period. The chief duties of the king were protection of the subjects, waging wars, maintaining peace and giving justice to the subjects.
• The Sabha and the Samiti were important and effective political organizations of the Vedic period.

Question 2.
State the chief features of Chandra Gupta Maurya’s administrative organization. (2008, 09, 12, 14, 15, 17)
Answer:
Chandra Gupta Maurya is considered to be one of the greatest rulers of India. He was a great victor, great diplomat, able administrator, religious, benevolent ruler. The chief features of his administrative were as follows:

• The king was the highest official of the Empire. He was the head of the army and the administrator of justice. He was involved in the works concerning the welfare of his subjects.
• There was a council of ministers to assist the king.
• An Espionage system, a judicial system and military organization was strong.
• Land revenue was the main source of the state’s income; 1/6th of the produce was taken as the tax.
• The officer collecting taxes was called Samaharta.
• The Empire was divided into provinces. They were governed by Princess or members of the royal family.
• There were six committee for city administration. Each had 5 members.
• The militaiy system was very strong. It was looked after by six committees. These were Admiral committee, Infantry, Covalry, war chariots, elephant and army committee which managed military transport.
• Code of punisment was very strict.
• From Kautilya’s Arthashastra we come to know that there were two types of courts – civil (Diwani) and criminal (Faujdari).

Question 3.
Write about Ashoka’s Dhamma and write about its chief features. (2009, 13, 16)
Answer:
Initially Ashoka was a disciple of Hinduism. After the Kalinga war, he embraced Buddhism. In his inscriptions he not only propagated the fundamental principles of Buddhism but also moral principles. The word dhamma was derived from the Sanskrit word dharma, meaning religious duty. Ashoka’s Dhamma was the summary of all religions. His Dhamma was extremely simple and practical. Its main principles were:

• Sovereignty was the chief feature of Ashoka’s Dhamma. People should live in peace and harmony.
• They should show respect and tolerance to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
• They should respect their elders.
• Masters should be kind to their servants.
• People should follow Ahimsa and not kill any living being.
• Ashoka’s Dhamma aims for the welfare of all, and aims at mental moral and spiritual upliftment of all living beings.

Ashoka practised Dhamma in his own life and in ruling his kingdom. He discontinued warfare and undertook many welfare measures.

Question 4.
“Gupta period is known as the Golden age of Indian History.” Justify the statement. (2008, 11, 12, 13)
Or
Why was Gupta period called the Golden period of Indian History?
Answer:
The Gupta period is known as the golden period in Indian history due to the following reasons:
(1) Era of great rulers: The great rulers of this period were Chandra Gupta I, Samudra Gupta, Chandra Gupta II and Skanda Gupta. Due to his victorious expeditions, Samudra Gupta is called as ‘Indian Napoleon’. Chandra Gupta II is also described as Vikramaditya.

(2) Era of economic progress: There were unprecedented progress in the economic field during this period. Due to inner peace, stability, transport facilities and good administration, the internal and external trade was encouraged. The rulers promoted trade as it fetched them revenue India had trade contacts with China, Burma, Java and Rome
in this period.

(3) Religious equality: Gupta rulers were the followers of Vaishnav religion but they respected Buddhism and Jainism too. During Gupta period, people were free to choose their religion.

(4) People welfare state: The Gupta rulers paid great attention towards the welfare of their subjects. They spent a big part of their treasure on the welfare of the people.

(5) Era scientific progress: There was a significant development in Astrology, mathematics, chemistry and physics in this period. The period produced great mathematician arid astronomers like Varahmihira, Aryabhatta and Bhramagupta. The invention of zero and decimal system was also introduced during this period.

(6) Era of Literary progress: Literature was also reached at its Zenith Kalidas, Vishakhadutta and Harisena were the prominent writers of this period.

(7) Era of Artistic progress: The Gupta period is known as Golden period for its art. Sculpture, architecture and painting were at their peaks during this period. Most of the paintings in the Ajanta caves were drawn in this period.

Question 5.
Write about the administrative organization of Harshavardhana. (2008, 09, 12, 16, 17)
Answer:
Description of the administrative organization of Harshavardhana is as follows:
(1) Central administration: The pattern of the Harsha’s administration was monarchial. The Emperor had the most prominent place in the central administration. He was the chief of the army and the highest court of appeal. There were many ministers and secretaries to assist the Emperor. The king was not bound by the decisions of the council of ministers.

(2) Provincial administration: For administrative convenience the vast empire was divided into provinces. Provinces were called Bhukti or Desh. The administrator of Bhukti was called Uparik. Only the princess of the royal dynasty or members of the royal family were appointed to these positions.

(3) District administration: Each province was divided into various Vishayas (districts). The administrators of these Vishyas were called Vishayapati. He supervised the various activities of the district.

(4) Village administration: Each Vishaya or district was further divided into various villages of Grams. The village was the smallest unit of administration which was supervised by ‘Mahettur’.

(5) Code of punishment: The code of punishment during Harsha’s period was very strict. There was capital punishment for some crimes. Due to strict code of punishment the rate of crime was low.

(6) Income of state: The chief source of the state’s income was land revenue. Generally land revenue was one/sixth of the produce. Taxes could be paid in the form of grain. Besides markets, river banks, tax or traders and fines were the chief sources of state income.

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Who was the foreign traveller who came to India during Chandra Gupta Maurya’s period? (2010,16)
(i) Fahien
(ii) HieunTsang
(iii) Arian
(iv) Megasthenes
Answer:
(i) Fahien

Question 2.
Which one of the following cities is not related to the Indus civilization? (2009)
(i) Mohenjodaro
(ii) Kalibangan
(iii) Lothal
(iv) Pataliputra
Answer:
(iv) Pataliputra

Question 3.
Which one of the following rulers is known as “Indian Napoleon”? (2008, 17)
(i) Skanda Gupta
(ii) Samudra Gupta
(iii) Shree Gupta
(iv) Chandra Gupta
Answer:
(ii) Samudra Gupta

Question 4.
What is the proof of progress in metal science during Gupta period?
(i) Iron pillar of Mehrauli
(ii) Jama Masjid of Delhi
(iii) Qutubminar of Delhi
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(i) Iron pillar of Mehrauli

Question 5.
When was Buddhist architecture started?
(i) From the reign of Ashoka
(ii) From the reign of Bindusar
(iii) From the reign of Mahavira
(iv) From the reign of Samudragupta
Answer:
(i) From the reign of Ashoka

Question 6.
Which of the following was used as a medium of exchange after the cow?
(i) Nishka
(ii) Kanishka
(iii) Majith
(iv) Pai
Answer:
(i) Nishka

Question 7.
Who discovered the city of Mohenjodaro in 1922?
(i) Makhanlal Banerjee
(ii) Mohandas Banerjee
(iii) Rakhaldas Banerjee
(iv) None of these
Answer:
(iii) Rakhaldas Banerjee

Question 8.
Number of Vedas is: (2011)
(i) 4
(ii) 6
(iii) 5
(iv) 8
Answer:
(i) 4

Question 9.
In which period were the Samaveda, Rigveda and Atharvaveda composed?
(i) Rigvedic period
(ii) Vedic period
(iii) Northern period
(iv) Indus civilization
Answer:
(ii) Vedic period

Question 10.
Which of the following is the most ancient epic?
(i) Rigveda
(ii) Samveda
(iii) Atharvaveda
(iv) Yajurveda
Answer:
(i) Rigveda

Question 11.
Which of the following was the main base of worship in the Vedic period?
(i) Dance
(ii) Cow
(iii) Yagya
(iv) Indra
Answer:
(iii) Yagya

Question 12.
Which one of the following is written by Kautilya?
(i) Arthshastra
(ii) Samajshastra
(iii) Rajneetishastra
(iv) History
Answer:
(i) Arthshastra

Question 13.
Which one of the following was called “Golden Bird”?
(i) India
(ii) Pakistan
(iii) China
(iv) America
Answer:
(i) India

Question 14.
When did Alexander die?
(i) 232B.C.
(ii) 132 B.C.
(iii) 332B.C.
(iv) 432 B.C.
Answer:
(iii) 332B.C.

Fill in the Blanks

Question 1.
Mohenjodaro was discovered by …………… (2012)
Answer:
Rakhaldas Banerjee

Question 2.
In the excavations of Mohenjodaro a big …………… has been found. (2014)
Answer:
Bath

Question 3.
The founder of Buddhism was …………… (2019, 16)
Answer:
Gautam Buddha

Question 4.
Buddha was born at …………… (2011)
Answer:
Lumbini

Question 5.
Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thaneshwar in …………… (2018)
Answer:
606 A.D.

Question 6.
In …………… many Janpadas are mentioned. (2012)
Answer:
The Mahabharata

Question 7.
Vikramaditya started a new era, which is known as ……………
Answer:
Vikram Era

Question 8.
The founder of the Jain religion was …………… (2017)
Answer:
Rishabh Dev

Question 9.
Indus valley was discovered in …………… (2015)
Answer:
1921.

Match the Columns

A	B
1. Chandragupta Maurya (Gupta period) (2008, 09)	(a) Kalinga
2. Megasthenes (2008, 09, 15)	(b) Gautam Buddha
3. Samnudragupta (2008)	(c) Fahien
4. Buddhism (2008)	(d) Indica
5. Ashoka (2008)	(e) Indian Napoleon

Answers:
1. (c)
2. (d)
3. (e)
4. (b)
5. (a)

True/False

Question 1.
Chandra Gupta II is also described as ‘Vikramaditya’. (2011)
Answer:
True

Question 2.
Chanakya is related to Economics. (2013)
Answer:
True

Question 3.
Animal rearing was the chief occupation in the Indus Valley Civilization. (2008)
Answer:
True

Question 4.
Chandra Gupta Maurya is considered to be one of the greatest rulers of India. (2012)
Answer:
True

Question 5.
Samveda is the most ancient epic of the world. (2008)
Answer:
False

Question 6.
Vikramaditya was a just ruler of Ujjain. (2010)
Answer:
True

Question 7.
Mahatma Buddha was bom at a place named Lumbini. (2009)
Answer:
True

Question 8.
The Rigvedic period is from 1500 B.C. to 1000 B.C. (2012)
Answer:
True

Answer in One Word/Sentence

Question 1.
Who started the Vikram era? (2008)
Answer:
Vikramaditya.

Question 2.
In which language were the manuscripts written in the ancient India?
Answer:
Prakrit and Sanskrit language.

Question 3.
Name the war which gave a new direction of Ashoka’s life.
Answer:
The Kalinga War.

Question 4.
Which Gupta ruler succeeded in protecting India from the Hun attacks?
Answer:
Skanda Gupta.

Question 5.
In which period was the invention of zero and decimal system introduced?
Answer:
The Gupta Period.

Question 6.
What is the literacy meaning of Mohenjodaro? (2009)
Answer:
‘The Mound of the Dead’.

Question 7.
Name the epic written by Megasthenese.
Answer:
‘Indica’.

Question 8.
A detailed poetry account related to the life of great characters. (2008)
Answer:
Epic.

Question 9.
Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire? (2008)
Answer:
Chandragupta Maurya.

Question 10.
Who was the prime minister of Chandra Gupta Maurya?
Answer:
Kautilya (Chanakya).

Question 11.
By which name is Chandragupta Maurya referred by Greek writers?
Answer:
‘Sandro Kottis’.

Question 12.
The founder sage of Jain religion. (2009, 11)
Answer:
Rishabh Dev.

Question 13.
24th Tirthankar of Jain religion. (2009)
Answer:
Mahavir Swami.

Question 14.
Who was the foreign traveller who came to India during Chandra Gupta Maurya’s period? (2014)
Answer:
Fa-Hien.

Question 15.
Refraining from acquiring material possessions. (2008)
Answer:
Renunciation (Aparigraha).