Solved 2023: Archaeology and Museology FYUG Odd Semester Exam, 2023

Subject: History

Course No.: HISSEC-101T

Semester: 1st Semester (FYUG)

Exam Year: 2023 (Held in 2024)

Full Marks: 50 | Pass Marks: 20

Time: 2 Hours

1

1. What is archaeology?

Archaeology is the scientific study of past human life and activities through the recovery and analysis of material remains such as artifacts and structures

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2. Name one prominent archaeologist.

Sir Mortimer Wheeler is a prominent archaeologist

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3. From which language the word 'archaeology' is derived?

The word 'archaeology' is derived from the Greek language

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4. Name one branch of study which is closely related to archaeology.

History (or Anthropology) is closely related to archaeology

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5. When was the Asiatic Society founded?

The Asiatic Society was founded in 1784

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6. "Alexander Cunningham laid the foundation of the Asiatic Society." Is this statement true or false?

False

. (Note: It was founded by Sir William Jones).

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7. What is the full form of ASI?

The full form of ASI is Archaeological Survey of India

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8. Who laid the foundation of Taxila Museum?

Sir John Marshall laid the foundation of the Taxila Museum

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9. Which Indus Valley Site was discovered by R. D. Banerji?

R. D. Banerji discovered Mohenjo-daro.

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10. Name the first Indian to be appointed as the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Daya Ram Sahni was the first Indian Director General of the ASI

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11. What does the word 'Mohenjo-daro' mean?

The word 'Mohenjo-daro' means 'Mound of the Dead'

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12. Who was Nani Gopal Majumdar?

Nani Gopal Majumdar was an Indian archaeologist who is credited with discovering the Indus Valley site of Chanhudaro

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13. In which State of India, Sun Temple of Konark is situated?

The Sun Temple of Konark is situated in Odisha

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14. Name any one prominent archaeological site of Assam.

Madan Kamdev (or Ambari) is a prominent archaeological site in Assam

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15. By whom was Sanchi Stupa commissioned?

The Sanchi Stupa was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka

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16. "The Kachari Kingdom of Khaspur is situated in present Karimganj district." Is this statement true or false?

False

. (Note: It is located in the Cachar district).

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17. What is museology?

Museology is the science or profession of museum organization and management

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18. Who is a curator?

A curator is a professional responsible for the care and management of a museum's collection

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19. "Ministry of Culture looks after the museums in India." Is this statement true or false?

True

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20. Where is Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra situated?

It is situated in Guwahati, Assam

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21. Name any two prominent archaeologists of India.

Two prominent Indian archaeologists are Daya Ram Sahni and R. D. Banerji.

UNIT-II

UNIT-III

UNIT-IV

UNIT-V

SECTION-C (5 Mark Questions)

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit.

UNIT-I

5

32. Discuss the relationship between archaeology and history.

Archaeology and History are complementary disciplines that work together to reconstruct the human past

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Archaeology provides primary material evidence (artifacts, structures) that can verify or challenge written historical records.

For prehistoric periods where written records do not exist, archaeology is the sole source of historical information.

History provides the cultural and chronological context that helps archaeologists interpret their findings.

Together, they offer a more complete and accurate picture of civilizations than either could provide alone.

UNIT-II

5

34. Assess the contribution of Sir John Marshall in Indian archaeology.

Sir John Marshall, as the Director General of ASI (1902–1928), revolutionized Indian archaeology

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He oversaw the landmark excavations of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, pushing back the date of Indian civilization by thousands of years.

He was instrumental in the excavation and conservation of sites like Taxila, Sanchi, and Sarnath.

Marshall introduced modern scientific methods to Indian archaeology and focused on the conservation of standing monuments.

He established several site museums, ensuring that artifacts remained close to their original historical context.

UNIT-III

5

35. Assess the contribution of R. D. Banerji in the field of archaeology.

Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay (R. D. Banerji) was a pioneering Indian archaeologist whose most significant contribution was the discovery of Mohenjo-daro in 1922

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While searching for Buddhist remains, he recognized the prehistoric significance of the mound at Mohenjo-daro, identifying it as a site much older than previously thought.

His discovery provided the first tangible evidence of the Indus Valley Civilization's antiquity.

Beyond Mohenjo-daro, he conducted extensive research on Indian epigraphy, numismatics, and medieval history.

His work helped lay the groundwork for an indigenous school of archaeological thought in India.

UNIT-IV

5

37. Give a brief description of the Sun Temple of Konark.

The Sun Temple of Konark, built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture

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The temple is designed as a colossal chariot for the Sun God (Surya), complete with 12 pairs of exquisitely carved stone wheels and pulled by seven stone horses.

It is renowned for its intricate carvings, depicting everything from daily life and mythological scenes to erotic figures.

The structure was built using Khondalite rocks and was originally much taller before parts of the main sanctum collapsed.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of India's most iconic archaeological landmarks.

UNIT-V

5

40. Give an account of the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

The Indian Museum in Kolkata, founded in 1814, is the oldest and largest museum in India

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It was established by the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is often referred to as "Jadu Ghar" (House of Magic) by locals.

The museum houses a massive collection across various sections: Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology, and Botany.

Its archaeological gallery is famous for the Bharhut Stupa railings and a rich collection of Gandhara and Mathura art.

It serves as a central institution for research and preservation of India's cultural and natural heritage.