Ancient Civilizations Quiz

Agriculture and Early Civilizations

• Neolithic period marks the beginning of agriculture and animal domestication.
• Sir Robert Bruce Foote discovered Paleolithic tools at Pallavaram near Chennai.
• The Harappans lacked knowledge of horses while being proficient in writing, farming, and pottery.

Indus Valley and Vedic Age

• People of the Indus Valley had contact primarily with Mesopotamians.
• Vedas are the only known sources for understanding the culture of the early Vedic Age.
• Dharmamahamatras were officials tasked with community welfare during this period.

Classical Literature and Dynasties

• The Natyashastra, a classical work on performing arts, was authored by Bharata Muni.
• Coins Pana and Masaka are associated with the Maurya Period.
• Kanishka is most widely believed to have ascended the throne in 78 AD.

Economy and Governance

• Kautilya authored the Arthashastra during the Mauryan period, focusing on economy and statecraft.
• Prabhavati Gupta stands out as a notable female ruler of the Gupta Period.

Regional Powers and Military Structure

• The Chola capitals in the Sangam Age were Uraiyur and Puhar.
• Sultan-us-Sharq was a title assumed by rulers of Jaunpur.
• Cavalry was the most crucial component of the Sultanate's army.

Mughal Administration

• During the Mughal era, Zamindars acted as revenue collectors for the state.
• Akbar abolished the Jaziya, a tax on non-Muslims, in 1564.

British Colonial History

• The English East India Company was colloquially known as John Company.
• Lord Wellesley implemented the Subsidiary Alliance policy to strengthen British control.
• Francis Day was the founder of Madras, now Chennai.

Key Historical Events

• The Dual System of Government was first introduced in Bengal by the British.
• The Battle of Plassey in 1757 played a pivotal role in establishing British rule over India.
• Warren Hastings was first appointed in Calcutta and later became the first Governor-General of Bengal.
• Charles Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, altering the tax collection system.

Historical Literature

• "The History of the War of Indian Independence" was authored by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, detailing the struggles against British rule.

Test your knowledge of early human history with this quiz focused on the Neolithic period and ancient civilizations. Questions cover agriculture, tool discovery, and the Harappan civilization. See how well you understand the foundations of human society!