18 Questions
Who were the non-Aryan ethnic groups that settled in Bengal?
Nisadas or Austro-Asiatics or Austric
How many ancient Janapadas were there in the Indian subcontinent?
16
Name three of the six janapadas in ancient Bangladesh.
Vanga, Pundra, Radha
Where was the kingdom of Vanga located?
In the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, comprising part of West Bengal, India, and present-day modern Bangladesh
Which regions of Bengal were associated with non-Aryan ethnic groups in the ancient period?
Vanga, Pundra, Radha, Gauda, Samatata, and Harikela.
What challenges are faced in reconstructing the history of Bengal in the Ancient Period?
Paucity of sources, scanty references in Vedic, Epic, and Puranic literature, and limited archaeological evidence.
What was the significance of the janapada of samatata in ancient Bengal?
It was an important janapada in the trans-Meghna region of Bangladesh, with no ethnic connection.
How was the present-day Bangladesh organized in the ancient age?
It was not a single state, but consisted of different regions such as Pundra, Burdwan, Banga, Samatata, Goura, Barendra, and Horical, known from later Vedic literature as areas inhabited by non-Aryan people.
What types of prehistoric weapons have been discovered in various regions of Bangladesh?
Stone axe, burnt wood, chisel, arrowhead
How did people in the stone age live and what did they do to satisfy their food demand?
People in the stone age lived in forests as nomads, hunted birds and fish, and collected fruits for food.
What were the original settlers of Bengal known as, and which primitive peoples represent them today?
The original settlers were the non-Aryan ethnic groups, represented by primitive peoples such as Kola, Bhil, Santal, Shabara, Pulinda, etc.
Where have prehistoric stone implements been discovered in West Bengal, and what evidence do they provide?
Prehistoric stone implements have been discovered in various parts of West Bengal, providing the earliest evidence of human settlements.
What is the origin of the word 'Bangla' or 'Bengal'?
The word 'Bangla' or 'Bengal' is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word 'Vanga'.
What evidence of human habitation has been found at Uari Bateshwar?
The evidence of hole-living in the copper-stone age has been found at Uari Bateshwar.
Where was the first urban civilization in India discovered?
The first urban civilization in India was discovered at the Indus civilization (2700-1700BC).
What historical inscription bears testimony to Maurya rule in parts of Bengal?
The Mahasthan Brahmi inscription bears testimony to Maurya rule in parts of Bengal.
What is the history of ancient Bengal from the 4th century AD onwards?
The history of ancient Bengal from the 4th century AD onwards is the history of gradual Aryanisation and Aryan domination, both from the political and cultural points of view.
What is the significance of the Mahasthan Brahmi inscription?
The Mahasthan Brahmi inscription proves the existence of an urban administrative and cultural center throughout the ancient period, up to the 12th century AD.
Test your knowledge about the ancient history of Bengal and the arrival of the Aryan civilization in India. Explore the settlement of non-Aryan ethnic groups and the development of civilization in the region.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
