Ancient & Art & Culture 2021

Question 1

Which ancient town is known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management?

Answer 1

Dholavira

Dholavira is an ancient Harappan city located in Gujarat, India, recognized for its sophisticated water management system including dams and reservoirs.

Question 2

What year was Dholavira designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Answer 2

27 July 2021

Dholavira was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title ‘Dholavira: a Harappan City’.

Question 3

Where is Dholavira located?

Answer 3

Kachchh District, Gujarat

Dholavira is situated on Khadir bet island in the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.

Question 4

What are the distinct features of the Dholavira site?

Answer 4

Cascading reservoirs, outer fortification, multi-purpose grounds, unique gates, funerary architecture, multi-layered defenses

The site includes features like stepwells and extensive use of stone in construction.

Question 5

Which ancient town is known for early evidence of plowed agricultural fields?

Answer 5

Kalibangan

Kalibangan is located on the southern banks of the Ghaggar River and is notable for its early agricultural practices.

Question 6

Which ancient site is one of the largest Indus Valley Civilization sites?

Answer 6

Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi is located in Hisar district, Haryana, and is known for its efficient drainage system and granary structures.

Question 7

What significant transition occurred at Ropar (Punjab)?

Answer 7

Transition from village to town

Ropar yielded Northern Black Polished Ware and copper coins, indicating its development during c. 600–200 BCE.

Question 8

Which kingdoms were holding power in Northern India after the decline of the Guptas?

Answer 8

The Guptas of Magadha, The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, The Maukharis of Kanauj, The Maitrakas of Valabhi

These were prominent dynasties during the early medieval period in Northern India.

Question 9

Who was the most important ruler of the Maitrakas?

Answer 9

Dhruvasena II

Dhruvasena II was a contemporary of Harshavardhana and was married to his daughter.

Question 10

What is the relationship between the Pushyabhutis and the Hunas?

Answer 10

Prabhakarvardhana defeated the Hunas

This victory helped the Pushyabhutis strengthen their position in Punjab and Haryana.

Question 11

What does the Mitakshara system allow regarding property rights?

Answer 11

Sons can claim rights during the father’s lifetime

In the Mitakshara system, sons acquire rights to property by birth.

Question 12

In which regions is the Dayabhaga system applied?

Answer 12

Bengal and Assam

Dayabhaga applies to communities in these regions, differing from the Mitakshara system prevalent elsewhere.

Question 13

True or False: Dayabhaga allows the right to property before the death of the father.

Answer 13

False

Dayabhaga grants property rights only after the father’s death.

Question 14

What languages do ‘Halbi, Ho, and Kui’ refer to?

Answer 14

Tribal languages

These languages are spoken by various tribal communities across India.

Question 15

What is the script used for the Ho language?

Answer 15

Warang Chiti

Ho is the mother tongue of nearly 10 lakh tribal people in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The Mitakshara system is derived from the commentary written by _______.

Answer 16

Vijnaneswara

Vijnaneswara’s commentary is on the Yajnavalkya Smriti.

Question 17

Which dance form is associated with the Navratri festival in Gujarat?

Answer 17

Garba

Garba symbolizes life and is performed in circular formations.

Question 18

What is the age of the oldest cave paintings in India?

Answer 18

25,000 years

The oldest cave paintings are found in shelters across India.

Question 19

To which period are the Bhimbetka rock shelters dated?

Answer 19

About 8,000 BC

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are significant archaeological sites in India.

Question 20

List the locations in Tamil Nadu where ancient Paleolithic cave paintings are found.

Answer 20

• Kombaikadu
• Kilvalai
• Settavarai
• Nehanurpatti

These sites contain ancient cave paintings reflecting early human life.

Question 21

Which famous playwrights were known for their contributions to ancient Indian literature?

Answer 21

• Bhavabhuti
• Hastimalla
• Kshemeshvara

These playwrights made significant contributions to Sanskrit literature.

Question 22

What are the three major Sanskrit plays credited to Bhavabhuti?

Answer 22

• Malatimadhava
• Mahaviracharita
• Uttararamacharita

Bhavabhuti’s works are considered significant in classical Indian drama.

Question 23

True or False: Bhavabhuti is often considered to rival Kalidasa in literary excellence.

Answer 23

True

Both are celebrated figures in Sanskrit literature.

Question 24

Where are the Ajanta Caves located?

Answer 24

In the gorge of Waghora River

Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their rock-cut architecture.

Question 25

Which statement is correct regarding the Sanchi Stupa?

Answer 25

It lies in an upland plateau region, just west of the Betwa River ## Footnote The Sanchi Stupa is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in India.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The Chausath Yogini Temple is a circular temple built during the reign of the _______ Dynasty.

Answer 26

[Kachchhapaghata] ## Footnote This temple is notable for its unique circular design.

Question 27

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched: Burzahom - Rock-cut shrines?

Answer 27

No ## Footnote Burzahom is known for tools made of bones and stones, not specifically rock-cut shrines.

Question 28

What is Ganeshwar famous for?

Answer 28

Copper artefacts ## Footnote Ganeshwar was significant for producing copper objects used in ancient trade.

Question 29

Which of the following statements about the Chausath Yogini Temple is incorrect?

Answer 29

It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region ## Footnote The temple is dedicated to Yoginis, not Vaishnavism.

Question 30

What type of art is Chandraketugarh well-known for?

Answer 30

Terracotta art ## Footnote Chandraketugarh has significant archaeological importance with numerous terracotta artworks.

Question 31

True or False: The Amravati Stupa is situated near the river Krishna.

Answer 31

True ## Footnote The Amravati Stupa is known for its elaborate design and historical significance.

Question 32

Which historical place is known for its ritualistic practices and natural setting of the Neolithic people?

Answer 32

Burzahom ## Footnote Burzahom provides insights into the lifestyle of ancient communities.