1. INTRODUCTION: WHAT, WHERE, HOW AND WHEN?

Question 1

how many years ago did people start growing crops like wheat and barley in the Sulaiman and Kirthar hills?

Answer 1

8000 year ago

Question 2

In which region were some of the earliest cities developed around 4700 years ago?

Answer 2

on the nanks of indus and its tributaries

Question 3

Why did people in ancient times travel from one part of the subcontinent to another?

Answer 3

In search of livelihood, escape from natural disasters, to conquer lands, trade, or religious purposes

Question 4

Where were the earliest known sites of agriculture development in ancient India located?

Answer 4

vindhyas and garo hills

Question 4

hich crops were among the first to be grown by early settlers in the Sulaiman and Kirthar hills

Answer 4

Wheat and barley

Question 5

What was one of the key reasons for people traveling long distances in ancient times?

Answer 5

To escape from natural disasters like floods or droughts

Question 6

Which ancient composition mentioned the name ‘Bharata’ for a group of people?

Answer 6

Rigveda

Question 6

Which river’s tributaries saw the development of cities about 2500 years ago?

Answer 6

ganga

Question 7

Why have many ancient manuscripts survived over the years?

Answer 7

They were preserved in temples and monasteries

Question 8

What were inscriptions commonly used for in ancient times?

Answer 8

Recording the orders of kings for the public to see and obey

Question 9

What was the language used by ordinary people in ancient manuscripts?

Answer 9

prakrit

Question 10

What were some manuscripts in ancient India written on?

Answer 10

palm and birch leaf

Question 11

What is the meaning of the term “Anno Domini”?

Answer 11

In the year of the Lord

Question 11

What does AD stand for in the context of dates?

Answer 11

Anno Domini

Question 12

Why are the terms CE and BCE used instead of AD and BC?

Answer 12

Because the Christian Era is used worldwide

Question 13

Who ordered the inscription that was found in Kandahar, present-day Afghanistan?

Answer 13

ashoka

Question 14

In which two scripts and languages was the inscription from Kandahar written?

Answer 14

Greek and Aramaic

Question 15

What does the abbreviation BP stand for in historical dating?

Answer 15

before present

Question 16

1 1. Consider the following statements regarding early human settlements along riverbanks:
1 The earliest human settlements were located along riverbanks because they provided water and fertile soil for agriculture.
2 Wheat and barley cultivation began around 8000 years ago along riverbanks.
3 The development of agriculture led to the formation of the earliest cities around 4700 years ago.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer 16

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Early human settlements often developed along riverbanks due to access to water and fertile land, essential for agriculture.
Statement 2: Correct. The cultivation of wheat and barley began around 8000 years ago in these areas.
Statement 3: Correct. The development of agriculture supported population growth and led to the emergence of cities about 4700 years ago.

Question 17

2. The region south of the Ganga, known as Magadha in ancient times, was significant because:
   (a) It was the first region where rice cultivation began.
   (b) It became a powerful kingdom with influential rulers.
   (c) It was the first region to develop cities around 4700 years ago.
   (d) It was a major center for religious teachings and adventure-seeking travelers.

Answer 17

Correct Answer: (b) It became a powerful kingdom with influential rulers.
Explanation:
Magadha, located in present-day Bihar, was notable for its powerful rulers who established a large and influential kingdom. While rice cultivation began to the north of the Vindhyas, Magadha’s significance lies in its political and cultural achievements.

Question 18

3. What were some of the primary reasons for human mobility in ancient times?
   1 Search for livelihood
   2 Escaping natural disasters
   3 Religious and spiritual missions
   4 Trade and adventure
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer 18

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Explanation:
Humans moved for various reasons, including livelihood, escaping floods or droughts, spreading religious teachings, and trade or exploration. These activities facilitated cultural exchange and the spread of ideas.

Question 19

4. The earliest evidence of rice cultivation in India has been found:
   (a) Along the Ganga river
   (b) North of the Vindhyas
   (c) In the region of Magadha
   (d) Along the Indus river

Answer 19

Correct Answer: (b) North of the Vindhyas
Explanation:
Rice cultivation in India began north of the Vindhyas, marking a significant milestone in agricultural development.

Question 20

5. Which of the following statements about ancient trade practices is correct?
   (a) Merchants primarily traded within their kingdoms to avoid dangerous journeys.
   (b) Caravans and ships were used to transport goods over long distances.
   (c) Trade was limited to essential items like food and clothing.
   (d) Religious teachers facilitated trade between regions.

Answer 20

Correct Answer: (b) Caravans and ships were used to transport goods over long distances.
Explanation:
Merchants used caravans and ships to transport valuable goods, indicating the existence of extensive trade networks in ancient times.

Question 21

6. Which of the following is an effect of human movement in ancient India?
   (a) Isolation of different cultural groups
   (b) Strengthening of natural barriers like deserts and mountains
   (c) Sharing of ideas and cultural exchanges
   (d) Decline in agricultural practices due to frequent wars

Answer 21

Correct Answer: (c) Sharing of ideas and cultural exchanges
Explanation:
Human mobility facilitated the exchange of ideas, leading to cultural integration and enrichment across different regions.

Question 22

round which of the following years did people first begin to grow crops such as wheat and barley in the Indian subcontinent? (a) 10,000 years ago (b) 8,000 years ago (c) 6,000 years ago (d) 4,700 years ago

Answer 22

Correct Answer: (b) 8,000 years ago Explanation: The cultivation of crops like wheat and barley started around 8,000 years ago, marking the Neolithic agricultural revolution in the Indian subcontinent.

Question 23

2. The earliest cities in the Indian subcontinent emerged around: (a) 8,000 years ago (b) 6,000 years ago (c) 4,700 years ago (d) 2,500 years ago

Answer 23

Correct Answer: (c) 4,700 years ago Explanation: Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro of the Indus Valley Civilization emerged approximately 4,700 years ago, representing one of the earliest urban cultures.

Question 24

3. The cities along the Ganga and its tributaries began developing approximately: (a) 4,700 years ago (b) 3,000 years ago (c) 2,500 years ago (d) 2,000 years ago

Answer 24

Correct Answer: (c) 2,500 years ago Explanation: Around 2,500 years ago, cities began developing along the Ganga and its tributaries, marking the rise of the Mahajanapadas and urban centers like Varanasi and Pataliputra.

Question 25

Magadha, a significant ancient Indian kingdom, rose to prominence around: (a) 4,700 years ago (b) 2,500 years ago (c) 2,000 years ago (d) 1,500 years ago

Answer 25

Correct Answer: (b) 2,500 years ago Explanation: Magadha became a major political and cultural center around 2,500 years ago during the Mahajanapada period.

Question 26

The cultivation of rice in the Indian subcontinent began around: (a) 10,000 years ago (b) 8,000 years ago (c) 6,000 years ago (d) 4,700 years ago

Answer 26

Correct Answer: (b) 8,000 years ago Explanation: Rice cultivation is believed to have begun around 8,000 years ago in areas north of the Vindhyas.

Question 27

3. The area where rice was first cultivated in India is located: (a) In the Ganga plains (b) To the north of the Vindhyas (c) In the Indus Valley (d) On the banks of the Yamuna River

Answer 27

Correct Answer: (b) To the north of the Vindhyas Explanation: The passage identifies the region to the north of the Vindhyas as the earliest site of rice cultivation.

Question 28

8. The movement of religious teachers and merchants across the Indian subcontinent intensified around: (a) 10,000 years ago (b) 8,000 years ago (c) 2,500 years ago (d) 1,500 years ago

Answer 28

Correct Answer: (c) 2,500 years ago Explanation: The rise of urban centers and kingdoms about 2,500 years ago encouraged the spread of religious teachings, trade, and cultural exchange.

Question 29

1. The Sulaiman and Kirthar Hills are significant because they are: (a) Home to some of the earliest skilled gatherers (b) Located near regions where agriculture first began 8,000 years ago (c) The site of the earliest rice cultivation (d) Known for ancient cities that flourished 4,700 years ago

Answer 29

Correct Answer: (b) Located near regions where agriculture first began 8,000 years ago Explanation: The passage mentions that these hills were among the areas where wheat and barley were first grown about 8,000 years ago.

Question 30

2. The Narmada River region is associated with: (a) Early rice cultivation (b) The Indus Valley civilization (c) Skilled gatherers who lived several hundred thousand years ago (d) The emergence of trade routes

Answer 30

Correct Answer: (c) Skilled gatherers who lived several hundred thousand years ago Explanation: The passage notes that people who were skilled gatherers lived along the Narmada River for several hundred thousand years.

Question 31

6. The Garo Hills in northeastern India are known for: (a) Early agriculture (b) The development of early cities (c) The first use of irrigation systems (d) The earliest hunter-gatherer settlements

Answer 31

Correct Answer: (a) Early agriculture Explanation: The Garo Hills are mentioned in the passage as one of the areas where agriculture developed.

Question 32

UPSC Questions: The word "India" is derived from which of the following? (a) The Ganges River (b) The Indus River (c) The Sulaiman Hills (d) The Rigveda

Answer 32

Answer: (b) The Indus River Explanation: The word "India" comes from the Indus River, referred to as "Sindhu" in Sanskrit. Iranians and Greeks called it "Hindos" or "Indos."

Question 33

The term "Bharata" as used in ancient texts refers to: 1 A group of people mentioned in the Rigveda. 2 A term that was later used for the entire Indian subcontinent. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 33

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 Explanation: Bharata referred to a tribe mentioned in the Rigveda and later became synonymous with the entire landmass of India.

Question 34

Which ancient text mentions the term "Bharata" for the first time? (a) Atharvaveda (b) Rigveda (c) Manusmriti (d) Samaveda

Answer 34

Answer: (b) Rigveda Explanation: The term "Bharata" first appears in the Rigveda as a reference to a tribe in the northwestern region.

Question 35

What was the name used by the Greeks for the Indus River? (a) Hindos (b) Indos (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Sindhu

Answer 35

Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b) Explanation: The Greeks called the Indus River "Hindos" or "Indos," and the land to the east of it became known as "India."

Question 36

.With reference to ancient manuscripts, consider the following statements: 1.Manuscripts were typically written on palm leaves and birch bark. 2.They primarily focused on religious beliefs, avoiding scientific or medical topics. 3.Most manuscripts were written in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Tamil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 36

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Manuscripts dealt with a variety of subjects, including religion, science, and medicine. Statement 2 is incorrect.

Question 37

Which of the following is correct regarding inscriptions in ancient India? 1.They were typically found on soft surfaces like clay tablets. 2 .Inscriptions often recorded royal orders and victories in battles. 3 .They provide information about both kings and common people. Select the correct answer using the codes below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 37

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Inscriptions were made on hard surfaces like stone or metal, not soft surfaces. Statement 1 is incorrect.

Question 38

The Kandahar inscription is significant because: It was issued by Ashoka. It is written in Greek and Aramaic scripts. It is the earliest evidence of Sanskrit writing. Which of the statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 38

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Explanation: The Kandahar inscription was issued by Ashoka and written in Greek and Aramaic, but it is not evidence of Sanskrit writing. Statement 3 is incorrect.

Question 39

Which ruler's inscription was found in Kandahar, Afghanistan, written in Greek and Aramaic? (a) Kanishka (b) Chandragupta Maurya (c) Ashoka (d) Harsha

Answer 39

Answer: (c) Ashoka Explanation: The Kandahar inscription was issued by Emperor Ashoka and written in Greek and Aramaic to address the local population.

Question 40

An old inscription. This inscription dates to about _______ ago, 1 2000 2 2250 3 2050 4 2500

Answer 40

2250 years ago

Question 41

How are years before the birth of Jesus Christ counted in the current dating system? 1 They are counted forward, starting from 1 BC. 2 They are counted backwards from the current year. 3 They are labeled as AD years. 4 They are assigned negative values starting from 0 AD. .

Answer 41

2. Explanation: The years BC (Before Christ) are counted backwards. For example, 500 BC is earlier than 100 BC. The years AD (Anno Domini) are counted forward from the birth of Christ. In the historical system, 1 BC is immediately followed by 1 AD with no "year 0" in between.

Question 42

uestion 3: Which of the following correctly describes how historical dates are generally expressed in the current dating system? 1 All years are counted from 1000 BC. 2 Dates before the birth of Christ are assigned the label "AD". 3 Years after the birth of Christ are counted forwards and labeled as AD. 4 All historical events before the birth of Christ are dated as "Anno Domini."

Answer 42

Answer: 3. Years after the birth of Christ are counted forwards and labeled as AD. Explanation: AD (Anno Domini) refers to years after the birth of Christ, counted forwards. BC (Before Christ) refers to years before the birth of Christ and is counted backwards. There is no “year 0,” with 1 BC directly followed by AD 1.

Question 43

Why is the term CE used in place of AD in modern times? To emphasize the religious significance of the era. To ensure clarity in specifying dates without using religious terminology. To avoid confusion with BC, which refers to dates after Christ. To highlight the Christian dominance in the world calendar.

Answer 43

Answer: 2. To ensure clarity in specifying dates without using religious terminology.