History of India (Earliest Times to 300 BCE) FYUG Odd Semester Exam 2023

Q1. Name two literary works of ancient India. [2]

Two major literary works are the Arthashastra (by Chanakya) and the Abhijnanashakuntalam (by Kalidasa).

Q2. Name two Chinese travellers who visited India during the ancient period. [2]

The two most famous Chinese travellers were Fa-Hien (during the Gupta era) and Hiuen Tsang (during Harsha's reign).

Q3. Mention the names of two Puranas. [2]

Two well-known Puranas are the Vishnu Purana and the Matsya Purana.

Q4. From which word has the word 'Palaeolithic' been derived? [2]

It is derived from two Greek words: 'Palaios' (meaning old) and 'Lithos' (meaning stone).

Q5. What are artifacts? [2]

Artifacts are objects made, modified, or used by humans, such as tools, pottery, and ornaments, which provide archaeological evidence of past cultures.

Q6. Name two centers of Mesolithic period in India. [2]

Two prominent Mesolithic sites are Bagor in Rajasthan and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh.

Q7. Name two archaeologists associated with the excavations of Indus Valley Sites. [2]

Daya Ram Sahni (who excavated Harappa) and R.D. Banerji (who excavated Mohenjo-Daro).

Q8. Write the names of two Indus Valley Sites located within India. [2]

Lothal (Gujarat) and Kalibangan (Rajasthan).

Q9. Mention the names of two countries with which Indus Valley people had trade relation. [2]

They had established trade links with Mesopotamia (Modern-day Iraq) and Afghanistan.

Q10. What do you know about Rigveda? [2]

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, consisting of 1,028 hymns dedicated to various deities like Agni and Indra.

Q11. Mention the names of two sacrifices performed by kings during the Vedic period. [2]

The Ashvamedha (Horse Sacrifice) and the Rajasuya (Consecration Sacrifice).

Q12. Name two Vedas composed during the later Vedic period. [2]

The Samaveda and the Atharvaveda.

Q13. Name two Mahajanapadas. [2]

Magadha and Vatsa.

Q14. What was the period of Alexander's Indian campaign? [2]

Alexander campaigned in India between 327 BCE and 325 BCE.

Q15. Which ruler extended support to Alexander? Which ruler resisted him? [2]

Ambhi (Ruler of Taxila) supported him, while Porus (Ruler of the Paurava kingdom) resisted him at the Battle of Hydaspes.

Q16. Write a note on the sources of ancient Indian history. [10]

The reconstruction of ancient Indian history relies on a variety of sources, broadly classified into Literary and Archaeological sources.

• Literary Sources:
  • Religious Literature: Includes the Vedas, Puranas, Buddhist Jatakas, and Jain Agamas.
  • Secular Literature: Historical accounts like Kautilya's Arthashastra and biographies like Banabhatta's Harshacharita.
  • Foreign Accounts: Writings of Greek (Megasthenes), Chinese (Hiuen Tsang), and Roman travellers.
• Archaeological Sources:
  • Inscriptions: Ashokan edicts provide direct historical evidence.
  • Coins: Help identify economic status and dynastic chronology.
  • Monuments: Temples, stupas, and excavated cities (like Harappa) reveal architectural and social life.

Conclusion: A balanced study of both sources is essential to eliminate biases and create a comprehensive historical timeline.

Q18. Write a note on the Palaeolithic period in India. [10]

The Palaeolithic or "Old Stone Age" is the earliest phase of human history in India, characterized by nomadic life and the use of unpolished stone tools.

• Chronology: Divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic based on tool types and climate.
• Tool Technology: Humans used hand-axes, cleavers, and scrapers made mostly of quartzite.
• Subsistence: They were hunter-gatherers, living on wild fruits, roots, and hunted animals. They did not know agriculture or pottery.
• Shelter: Natural rock shelters and caves were used. Famous sites include the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh.

Q20. Give a description of the town planning system of Indus Valley Civilization. [10]

The most remarkable feature of the Indus Valley Civilization was its sophisticated urban planning.

• Grid System: Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, intersecting at right angles (90 degrees).
• Division of Cities: Cities were typically divided into two parts: a Citadel (Upper Town for the elite) and a Lower Town (for common citizens).
• Drainage System: Every house had a connection to a covered street drain, highlighting a high level of hygiene and sanitation.
• Use of Materials: Standardized burnt bricks were used for construction, unlike the mud bricks common in other contemporary civilizations.
• The Great Bath: A notable structure in Mohenjo-Daro used for ritualistic bathing.

Q22. Discuss the political and economic condition of Rigvedic period. [10]

The Rigvedic period (c. 1500–1000 BCE) represents the early life of Aryans in the Sapta-Sindhu region.

Political Condition:

• The basic unit of power was the Kula (family), led by a Kulapa.
• Tribal organization was dominant; the King (Rajan) was a tribal leader whose power was checked by assemblies called Sabha and Samiti.
• Wars were fought mainly for cattle (Gavishti).

Economic Condition:

• The economy was primarily Pastoral. Cattle were the most valued form of wealth.
• Agriculture was a secondary occupation.
• Trade was limited, and the Barter system was prevalent, with cows often used as a unit of value.

Q24. Discuss the circumstances leading to the emergence of Magadha. [10]

Among the 16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha emerged as the most powerful empire due to several strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: Magadha was situated in the fertile Gangetic plain, ensuring surplus food production and high tax revenue.
• Natural Resources: Proximity to rich iron ore deposits (in modern-day Bihar) allowed for the creation of superior weapons and agricultural tools.
• Strategic Capitals: Rajgir was surrounded by five hills (natural fort), and Pataliputra was a "Jaladurga" (river fort) at the confluence of the Ganges and Son.
• Military Innovation: Magadha was the first to use war elephants on a large scale against enemies.
• Ambitious Rulers: Leaders like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadma Nanda followed aggressive expansionist policies.