Post Views: 21
1. The evidences of ‘pit-dwelling’ have been discovered from which of the following ancient Indian sites?
[A] Lothal and Kalibangan
[B] Burzahom and Gufkaral
[C] Ropar and Rangpur
[D] Kalibangan and Surkotada
Correct Answer: B [Burzahom and Gufkaral]
Notes:
The archaeological sites of Burzahom and Gufkral in the Kashmir Valley provide significant evidence of pit-dwelling structures. These pits, characterized by their circular or oval shapes, were excavated into the earth, featuring a broader base that tapered towards the opening. The interiors of these pits were coated with a layer of soil. Additionally, the sites showcase remnants of early agricultural practices, pottery, stone implements, and animal remains. Excavations at Burzahom have uncovered four distinct phases of cultural development spanning from 3000 BC to 1000 BC.
2. Which of the following Vedas is sometimes referred as the “Veda of magical formulas”?
[A] Rig-Veda
[B] Samveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Atharvaveda
Correct Answer: D [Atharvaveda]
Notes:
Atharvaveda is sometimes referred as the “Veda of magical formulas”.The Atharvaveda contains spells, incantations, and rituals related to daily life, including marriage, funerals, and health, as well as spells to address superstitious anxiety and maladies. It is also known as the “fourth Veda”.
3. Historical fiction novels the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visited Kannauj between 399 and 414 CE during the reign of which of the following?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Harshvardhan
Correct Answer: D [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
The Chinese monk Fa-hien journeyed to Kannauj between 399 and 414 CE, during the rule of Chandragupta II. As a Buddhist pilgrim from China, Fa-hien’s travels to India coincided with the reign of Chandragupta II, who governed the Gupta Empire. His itinerary included a stop in Kannauj, an important city in northern India at that time. The Gupta Empire, under the leadership of Chandragupta II, was characterized by economic prosperity and cultural advancement, and Fa-hien’s observations offer valuable perspectives on this historical period.
4. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. What was it?
[A] occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
[B] confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
[C] ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved an when yellow robes are offered
[D] gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up affixed abode for the next four months or rainy season
Correct Answer: B [confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season]
Notes:
Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day celebrated on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. It marks the end of the month of Vassa, sometimes called “Buddhist Lent.” This day marks the end of the rainy season in some Asian countries like Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. On this day, each monk must come before the community of monks and atone for an offense he may have committed during the Vassa.
5. In which of the following Harappan sites archaeologists discovered a middle town, as distinct from the citadel and the lower town?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjadaro
[C] Dholavira
[D] Kalibangan
Correct Answer: C [Dholavira]
Notes:
At the archaeological site of Dholavira, situated in present-day Gujarat, researchers identified an intermediate settlement positioned between the citadel and the lower town. This finding illustrates a distinctive three-tiered hierarchical structure of urban design that is not observed in other prominent Harappan cities. Additionally, Dholavira is recognized for its sophisticated water management infrastructure, which features channels and reservoirs designed to capture and store rainwater. Recent excavations have also revealed a signboard inscribed with ten large characters from the Harappan script, potentially offering insights that could aid in the interpretation of this enigmatic writing system.
6. In which Harappan sites pot-stone fragment of a hut-pot of Mesopotamian origin has been found?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjodaro
[C] Chanhudaro
[D] Lothal
Correct Answer: B [Mohenjodaro]
Notes:
Archaeological investigations at the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro, part of the Indus Valley civilization, have revealed a small fragment crafted from potstone. This fragment is associated with a cylindrical vessel shaped like a hut and adorned with carvings that echo the artistic style of Mesopotamia. This discovery highlights the trade networks of the Harappan civilization and its interactions with the urban cultures of the Near East during the 3rd millennium BCE. Such findings underscore the exchanges that occurred between early Bronze Age civilizations.
7. At which of the following sites archaeologists have discovered Ash-mounds?
[A] Kupgal
[B] Chirand
[C] Utnur
[D] All the above
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
The discovery of distinctive ash mound formations at sites such as Kupgal in southern India, Chirand in Bihar, Utnur in Telangana, and Kodekal in Karnataka, which date back to approximately 2300 BCE to 1800 BCE, has intrigued archaeologists. These structures consist of substantial accumulations of ash, animal bones, and pottery fragments, likely resulting from the regular disposal of waste from cattle pens. The precise function of these mounds remains a topic of discussion, with hypotheses suggesting they may have served as ritual sites, supply camps, or pastoral living areas, all of which require further investigation.
8. The burnt bricks of the Harappan people are known for their:
[A] Standardisation
[B] Technical excellence
[C] Utilitarian value
[D] Aesthetic sense
Correct Answer: A [Standardisation]
Notes:
The Harappan civilization extensively utilized kiln-baked bricks in a variety of structures, which were characterized by their uniform dimensions and consistent width-to-thickness ratios. Notably, bricks used around drainage systems were tailored to accommodate specific slopes. This standardization suggests a centralized control over the brick production process. Additionally, bricks coated with stucco provided a polished appearance, while the use of lime and gypsum mortar as a binding agent indicates a level of specialized expertise. The durability of burnt bricks demonstrates their superior resistance to damage, reflecting a high degree of sophistication in construction techniques.
9. Which of the following is/are correct?
[A] The citadel at Harappa is in the form of a parallelogram in plan
[B] At Harappa, there are indications of gateways in the north and the south
[C] Buildings of Harappan period were built on high raised platforms
[D] All are correct
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
All the given statements about Harappan architecture and town planning are correct. Harappa’s citadel built on the western mound shows careful planning with a symmetrical layout and orientation along the cardinal directions. Fortification walls, gateways, raised platforms andgrid patterns demonstrate organized construction.
10. What is the meaning of ‘vis’?
[A] Race
[B] Religion
[C] Clan
[D] Ethnicity
Correct Answer: C [Clan]
Notes:
During the Rig Vedic Age the family was part of a larger grouping which was called vis or clan. One or more than one clans made jana or tribe. The largest social unit was known as jana.
