1.
A historian is studying a particular period in early Indian history and comes across several inscriptions. One inscription from the 3rd century BCE mentions a ruler named Ashoka, who propagated the message of Dhamma and moral governance. Another inscription from the 5th century CE, found on the same rock, discusses the restoration of a lake by a Gupta ruler.
Based on this information, which of the following can be inferred about the Junagadh Rock Inscription?
(a) It solely contains information about Mauryan administration.
(b) It reflects administrative continuity and changes across different dynasties.
(c) It primarily focuses on military conquests of various rulers.
(d) It only documents religious practices of the time.
[1 mark]
2.
Assertion (A): The Vedic period saw a transition from kinship-based identity to territorial identity.
Reason (R): The emergence of janapadas and mahājanapadas led to a greater emphasis on land control and administrative systems.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
[1 mark]
3.
A student is analysing the administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire. They read that the empire was divided into provinces, which were further subdivided into divisions and districts. District governors were responsible for judicial and administrative functions and often consulted local residents.
Which of the following principles of governance is best illustrated by this description?
(a) Centralised authoritarian rule with no local participation.
(b) A system that combined central authority with local consultation and administration.
(c) Sole reliance on royal decrees without any administrative hierarchy.
(d) Complete autonomy of local units with no oversight from the centre.
[1 mark]
4.
Read the following passage:
"The village assemblies had small committees known as variyams that managed specific tasks like irrigation, gardens, and temple management. These assemblies functioned relatively independently of the royal administration."
This passage describes the administrative system of which of the following dynasties?
(a) Gupta Dynasty
(b) Pallava Dynasty
(c) Mauryan Empire
(d) Satavahana Empire
[1 mark]
5.
Imagine you are a historian examining the economic life of early India. You find evidence of extensive irrigation systems, including dams and canals, mentioned in inscriptions.
Why would the construction and maintenance of irrigation structures be considered important enough to be recorded in inscriptions by rulers?
(a) It was a way to showcase military might.
(b) It ensured agricultural productivity, which was the backbone of the economy and a major source of revenue.
(c) It was a purely religious practice with no economic significance.
(d) It was a method to control trade routes.
[1 mark]
6.
The Rigveda contains a verse that states: "I am a poet; my father is a physician, my mother is a grinder of corn; having various occupations, desiring riches we remain (in the world) like cattle (in the stalls)."
What does this verse suggest about the nature of occupations and social mobility in early Vedic society?
(a) Occupations were strictly hereditary, with no possibility of change.
(b) It indicates flexibility in occupations within a family and challenges the notion of fixed social status by birth.
(c) It shows that only Brahmins were educated and held respected positions.
(d) It implies that all members of a family had to follow the same profession.
[1 mark]
7.
A researcher is studying the concept of ‘dharma’ in early Indian texts. They find that the term is used to denote duty, obligation, righteousness, and moral conduct, and is closely linked to justice. The Pāli equivalent ‘dhamma’ in Buddhism expresses similar ethical principles.
Which of the following best reflects the meaning of ‘dharma’ as presented in the text?
(a) It exclusively refers to religious rituals and ceremonies.
(b) It is a principle of cosmic order that governs nature.
(c) It encompasses a way of life guided by ethical values and the performance of one's duties.
(d) It is a political ideology for establishing empires.
[1 mark]
8.
Assertion (A): The Gupta period saw the introduction of a new minister of peace and war (sāndhivigrahika).
Reason (R): This indicates a more specialised and organised approach to administration, particularly in managing external relations and conflicts.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
[1 mark]
9.
Consider the following scenario: A group of students is discussing the administrative divisions of early Indian kingdoms. One student points out that the kingdom was divided into provinces, which were further subdivided into districts and then villages. Another student adds that in the absence of modern communication systems, such divisions were crucial for effective governance.
What advantage does this hierarchical administrative structure offer to rulers of large empires?
(a) It allowed for swift decision-making and direct communication with every citizen.
(b) It enabled efficient management of vast territories by delegating authority and responsibilities.
(c) It eliminated the need for any central authority or king.
(d) It led to complete decentralisation of power with no accountability.
[1 mark]
10.
Source: The Nāśhik cave inscription (2nd century CE) of Uṣhavadāta records: “Uṣhavadāta, son of Dinika, son-in-law of king Nahapāna … has bestowed this cave on the Saṁgha generally; he has also given a perpetual endowment, three thousand—3000 kāhāpaṇas, which, for the members of the Saṁgha of any sect, and any origin dwelling in this cave, will serve as cloth money and money for outside life (kuśhaṇa); and those kāhāpaṇas have been invested in guild dwelling at Govadhana—2000 in a weavers’ guild, interest one pratika (monthly) for the hundred, (and) 1000 in another weaver’s guild, interest three quarters of a paḍika (monthly) for the hundred.”
Based on this inscription, what can be inferred about the role of guilds in early Indian society?
(a) Guilds were primarily religious organisations.
(b) Guilds were entrusted with financial responsibilities and acted as investment institutions.
(c) Guilds only engaged in manufacturing and had no role in economic transactions.
(d) Guilds were strictly controlled by the king and had no independent functions.
[1 mark]
11.
A history teacher presents a case study on the administrative structure of the Chola empire. They highlight how the empire was divided into manḍalams (provinces), then valanāḍus (districts), nāḍus (groups of villages), and finally Urs (individual villages). They also mention that village councils played an important role in managing local affairs and revenue collection.
What does this detailed administrative breakdown suggest about the Chola rulers' approach to governance?
(a) They favoured a highly centralised system with all power concentrated in the hands of the king.
(b) They implemented a system of decentralised administration with significant local autonomy at the village level.
(c) They relied entirely on military force to govern their vast empire.
(d) They did not believe in organised administrative structures and relied on informal methods.
[1 mark]
12.
In early Indian society, the concept of samatva (the principle of sameness) was important. This principle suggested that all bodies are made of the same matter, and all forms of consciousness are manifestations of one supreme consciousness.
How did the principle of samatva influence social interactions and ethical thought in early India?
(a) It justified discrimination and social hierarchy.
(b) It promoted the idea of equality and non-discrimination, as seen in epics critiquing societal divisions.
(c) It encouraged materialistic pursuits and disregard for spiritual values.
(d) It led to a complete rejection of all social norms and traditions.
[1 mark]
13.
The Sangam literature describes a prosperous, dynamic, trade-oriented society where different occupational groups interacted actively. This suggests that society was organised more on the basis of occupation and economic functions than on a rigid varṇa classification.
What does this observation tell us about the social structure in the Tamil region during the Sangam period?
(a) The varṇa system was the sole determinant of social status.
(b) Society was rigidly divided into four fixed varṇas with no mobility.
(c) Occupational roles and economic functions played a significant role in social organisation.
(d) There was no social interaction between different occupational groups.
[1 mark]
14.
Assertion (A): Women in the Vedic period participated in scholarly learning and performed rituals.
Reason (R): Several hymns of the Rigveda are attributed to women sages like Apālā, Viśhvavārā, Ghoṣhā, and Lopāmudrā, indicating their intellectual and religious engagement.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
[1 mark]
15.
A historian is comparing the educational systems of early India with modern systems. They note that in early India, education aimed at holistic development, cultivating inner values like truth, patience, humility, and control of senses, alongside practical skills and moral conduct. The teacher-student relationship was regarded as sacred, with students treated as part of the teacher's family.
What was the primary objective of education in early India, as suggested by this description?
(a) Solely to impart vocational training for employment.
(b) To prepare students for a career in administration or warfare.
(c) To achieve holistic development, fostering both knowledge and moral values for a balanced life and societal harmony.
(d) To encourage competition and individual achievement above all else.
[1 mark]
16.
Scenario: A new student joins a school in India and is learning about early Indian history. The teacher explains that the term ‘dharma’ does not just mean religion but also encompasses duty, obligation, righteousness, and moral conduct. The student asks, "So, if a king ensures justice and protects his people, he is acting according to dharma?"
Based on your understanding of the chapter, how would you respond to the student?
(a) Yes, because dharma involves ethical principles and the king's duty to his subjects.
(b) No, dharma is only related to religious rituals and prayers.
(c) No, dharma is only applicable to common people and not rulers.
(d) Yes, but only if the king performs elaborate Vedic sacrifices.
[1 mark]
17.
The political organisation of Vedic society evolved significantly over time. Initially, it was based on kinship ties within janas. Later, it transformed into territorial entities known as janapadas and then more complex political units called mahājanapadas. This evolution ultimately led to the formation of large empires.
Explain the significance of this transition from janas to mahājanapadas for the development of political structures in ancient India. [3 marks]
18.
The Arthaśhāstra, a significant text on statecraft, identifies seven constituents of the state: the king, ministers, territory, forts, treasury, army, and allies. It emphasises that the state can function effectively only if these constituents remain properly integrated.
a) What does this concept of the seven constituents of the state reveal about the understanding of governance in early India?
b) How does the statement "one wheel does not move the carriage" relate to this idea of state constituents? [3 marks]
19.
The Uttaramerur inscription provides details about the 'Kudavolai' or 'ballot pot' system used in village elections during the Chola period. Eligible candidates' names were put into a pot, and a child drew them out to select representatives.
a) What does this system suggest about the democratic practices or participation in local governance during the Chola period?
b) Why do you think such a system was considered fair and transparent at the time? [2 marks]
20.
The chapter discusses the emergence of Bhakti as a path to connect directly with deities like Vishnu and Shiva, accessible to all regardless of class or gender, without elaborate Vedic rituals. The Āḻvārs and Nāyanmārs contributed significantly to this tradition through their Tamil hymns.
a) What was the appeal of the Bhakti tradition compared to Vedic rituals?
b) How did the Bhakti movement contribute to cultural and religious developments in the Tamil region? [2 marks]
