Themes in Indian History Part I - Class XII
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the warehouse mentioned?

  • Storage of grains (correct)
  • Manufacturing goods
  • Evidence of trade activities
  • Place for public gatherings

What unique feature made the Great Bath watertight?

  • Layer of clay on the bottom
  • Bricks set on edge with gypsum mortar (correct)
  • Plastic lining used in construction
  • Use of stone slabs

How was access to the Great Bath provided?

  • Ladders for climbing in
  • Slopes on either side
  • Flights of steps at the north and south ends (correct)
  • Single staircase at the entrance

What infrastructure surrounded the Great Bath?

<p>A corridor on all four sides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where was the large well located in relation to the Great Bath?

<p>In a room on the north side (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the lower brick portion of the warehouse indicate?

<p>Remnants of a larger structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was likely a public use for the structures found on the Citadel?

<p>Ritual baths (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be inferred about the materials used in constructing the Great Bath?

<p>A combination of bricks and gypsum mortar was essential (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who began the excavations at Harappa in 1921?

<p>M.S.Vats (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year did excavations begin at Mohenjodaro?

<p>1925 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city was excavated by M.R.Mughal in 1974?

<p>Bahawalpur (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant finding was reported by Alexander Cunningham in 1875?

<p>Harappan seal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two archaeologists started excavations at Kalibangan in 1960?

<p>B.B.Lal and B.K.Thapar (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did an American team begin excavations at Harappa?

<p>1986 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phases occurred last in the timeline of Harappan archaeology?

<p>Excavations at Dholavira (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The surface explorations at Mohenjodaro in 1980 involved a team from which countries?

<p>Germany and Italy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the distribution of Asokan inscriptions indicate about historical communication?

<p>It was widespread across various regions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations is NOT associated with Asokan inscriptions?

<p>Palenque (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these sites is closest to the Arabian Sea according to the map?

<p>Sopara (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance do the locations listed on the distribution map have in the context of Asoka's reign?

<p>They document Asoka's efforts in spreading Buddhism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which inscription location is associated with a significant Buddhist site?

<p>Taxila (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Cunningham's perception of Harappan artefacts during the nineteenth century?

<p>He did not realize how old they were. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these locations is most central in the distribution of Asokan inscriptions represented on the map?

<p>Taxila (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area experienced inscriptions primarily during the reign of Asoka based on the items shown?

<p>Northern India (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who first recognized the significance of the Harappan seals in relation to archaeology?

<p>John Marshall (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of geographical representation, which inscription site is furthest from the Ganges river?

<p>Sopara (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the discovery of Harappan seals lead archaeologists to conjecture?

<p>The sites were part of a common archaeological culture. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mound' refer to in archaeological context as described?

<p>A formation of occupational debris due to human activity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable action did John Marshall take in 1924 regarding Indian archaeology?

<p>He announced the discovery of a new civilization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reason contributed to Cunningham's oversight regarding Harappa?

<p>His narrow focus on the Early Historic time frame. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of erosion mentioned in the context of archaeological sites?

<p>It resulted in the alteration of the landscape. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who provided a Harappan seal to Cunningham?

<p>An Englishman. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the Harappans had some form of agriculture?

<p>Presence of grain finds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of animal is indicated to have been known by the Harappans as per archaeological findings?

<p>Bulls (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that the Harappans might have practiced crop rotation?

<p>Found evidence of crops growing together (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a method likely used for irrigation by the Harappans?

<p>Use of canals and well water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of tools are questioned regarding their use in harvesting by the Harappans?

<p>Stone blades set in wooden handles or metal tools (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might food processing have been carried out according to the findings?

<p>With stone, metal, and terracotta tools (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the location of most Harappan sites?

<p>They were primarily in arid regions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What likely happened to the canals found at the Harappan site of Shortughai?

<p>They have likely silted up long ago (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What materials were likely produced at Nageshwar and Balakot?

<p>Shell objects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations is NOT mentioned as a site of specialized production?

<p>Mohenjodaro (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of waste material is a strong indicator of craft production?

<p>Unfinished objects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials would NOT typically be found in a craft production area?

<p>Finished decorative pieces (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the findings at Mohenjodaro and Harappa?

<p>They likely had both small and large-scale craft production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of objects were likely taken from Chanhudaro and Lothal to urban centers?

<p>Finished products such as beads. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would larger pieces of waste suggest in the context of crafting?

<p>Potential for creating smaller objects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these centers was identified as being close to the coast and specializing in shell objects?

<p>Lothal (B), Balakot (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harappan seal is possibly the most distinctive artefact of the ______ or Indus valley civilisation.

<p>Harappan</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by archaeologists for a group of objects that are usually found together within a specific geographic area and period of time?

<p>Culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these areas are NOT mentioned in the text as places where Harappan objects were found?

<p>Bengal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harappa civilisation is dated between 2600 and 1900 BCE.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two kinds of querns mentioned in the text?

<p>Querns on which another smaller stone was pushed or rolled to and fro, and querns with which a second stone was used as a pounder</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two sections into which the settlement of Mohenjodaro is divided?

<p>Citadel and Lower Town</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Lower Town at Mohenjodaro was walled.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate pattern of roads and streets laid out in the Lower Town at Mohenjodaro?

<p>Grid pattern</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most distinctive feature of Harappan cities, according to the text?

<p>Carefully planned drainage system</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Citadel in Lothal was walled.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the probable centre of activities in a typical Harappan residential building, as described in the text?

<p>Courtyard</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scholarly estimates suggest that the total number of wells in Mohenjodaro was around 700.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the strategies mentioned in the text were used by archaeologists to try and find out whether there were social or economic differences amongst people living within a particular culture?

<p>Tracing the origin and distribution of raw materials (A), Examining the distribution of waste materials at craft production sites (B), Studying burials (D), Studying artefacts that are classified as utilitarian and luxuries (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harappans believed in burying precious things with the dead.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the material of which 'miniature pots' were made, which are found mostly in Mohenjodaro and Harappa, but scarcely in smaller settlements?

<p>Faience</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the small settlement near Mohenjodaro, which is almost exclusively devoted to craft production?

<p>Chanhudaro</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the two specialised centres near the coast mentioned in text, that produced shell objects and exported them to other settlements.

<p>Nageshwar and Balakot</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the most common signs of craft production identified by archaeologists, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Raw materials, tools, unfinished objects, rejects and waste materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Harappans used bullock carts for transporting goods within the confines of the Indus Valley.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the blue stone mined in Afghanistan, which was highly valued by the Harappans?

<p>Lapis lazuli</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the two main strategies used by the Harappans for procuring raw materials, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Establishing settlements in areas where the required materials were available and sending out expeditions to other regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the region mentioned in Mesopotamian texts, where the Harappans might have acquired copper from?

<p>Magan</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the main purposes of seals and sealings, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Facilitate long-distance communication and convey identity of the sender.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the script used in most Harappan seals, which remains undeciphered to this day?

<p>Harappan script</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the Harappan script, which differentiates it from alphabetical writing?

<p>It has far too many signs</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general shape of Harappan weights, as described in the text?

<p>Cubical</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the stone often used for making Harappan weights?

<p>Chert</p> Signup and view all the answers

The brick ratio used in Harappa civilization was standardised. The length and breadth were four times and twice the height of the brick respectively.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the earliest known Harappan settlement mentioned in the text?

<p>Harappa</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the site where the 'priest-king' statue was found, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Mohenjodaro</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the large building found at Mohenjodaro, which archaeologists labelled as a 'palace'?

<p>Warehouse</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, what does the term 'mahajanapada' mean?

<p>A large kingdom/state</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most visible trends in early Indian history, as the text points to the period of 6th century BCE onwards?

<p>Emergence of early states, empires and kingdoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types mentioned in the text, as examples of those types who shared power?

<p>Ganas and sanghas</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the renowned king mentioned in the text, whose rule is described as one of the most important turning points in early Indian history?

<p>Asoka</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the text mentioned in the text as a source to reconstruct the history of the Mauryan Empire?

<p>Arthashastra</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, whose account is mentioned in text?

<p>Megasthenes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the key factors that contributed to the growth of Magadha's political power?

<p>Ruthlessly ambitious kings (A), Availability of elephants in the region (B), Convenient transportation networks (C), Accessible iron mines (D), Abundant agricultural produce (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the first capital of Magadha as mentioned in the text?

<p>Rajagaha</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Mauryan Empire lasted for a very long time, spanning for several centuries.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the ancient Tamil country mentioned in the text that included parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Kerala & Tamil Nadu?

<p>Tamilakam</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used in the text to denote a powerful person, possibly a leader in warfare, who derives support from his kinfolk?

<p>Chief</p> Signup and view all the answers

From where did the Shakas and Satavahanas, who emerged as rulers, derive their revenue, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Long-distance trade</p> Signup and view all the answers

Asoka adopted a policy of expansion based on forceful conquest, resulting in the establishment of a vast empire.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that the Greek accounts about the size of the Mauryan army were exaggerated.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the legal text mentioned in the text as a source for understanding the administrative and military organization of the Mauryan empire?

<p>Arthashastra</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle, described in the text, that Asoka sought to propagate across his empire to unite it and ensure its well-being?

<p>Dhamma</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the title given to special officers appointed by Asoka to spread his message of 'dhamma' in various parts of the empire?

<p>Dhamma Mahamatta</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the names of the three southern kingdoms mentioned in the text?

<p>Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Culture (in archaeology)

A term used by archaeologists to describe a group of objects found together that share a specific style and are typically found in a given geographic area and timeframe.

Indus Valley

The area where many of the Indus Valley Civilization's sites were located.

Harappa

The first prominent site where the Indus Valley Civilization was discovered around 1920.

Early & Late Harappan

The early and later phases of the Indus civilization before and after its flourishing period.

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Mature Harappan

The main, flourishing period of the Harappan civilization.

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Archaeo-botany

The study of ancient plant remains to reconstruct past diets and agricultural practices.

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Archaeo-zoology

The study of animal bones from archaeological sites to understand past animal use and domestication.

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Broadcast sowing

The practice of scattering seeds on ploughed land for planting.

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Quern

A tool used for grinding grains, often made of stone.

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Drains in Harappan cities

Evidence of a carefully planned drainage system in Harappan cities.

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Lower Town

The lower and larger section of Harappan cities, typically situated near water.

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Citadel

The smaller and higher part of Harappan cities, often fortified and containing public structures.

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Great Bath

A large, well-maintained rectangular tank found in the Citadel of Mohenjodaro, possibly used for special rituals.

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Harappan Jar

A special type of pottery made with a thick layer of black clay, often used for storing liquids.

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Hoarding

The process of intentionally leaving valuable objects in a hidden place for future retrieval or safekeeping.

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Present-day analogy

The act of using current knowledge and objects to understand past objects and practices.

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Burial analysis

The process of studying burials to understand social differences and practices in past societies.

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Utilitarian objects

Materials used for daily use, typically readily available and affordable.

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Luxury objects

Objects that are rare, made from expensive or exotic materials, or require complex technologies.

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Faience

A material made from ground sand or silica mixed with color, gum, and then fired, often used for making jewelry.

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Chanhudaro

A site specifically dedicated to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metalworking, and seal-making.

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Artifact classification

The systematic process of identifying and classifying objects based on their material and function.

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Contextual analysis

Using the position of an object in its archaeological context to understand its intended function.

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Stratigraphy

The study of the layers of soil and debris at an archaeological site to understand the sequence of past occupations.

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Gamesmen

Small, intricately carved stones that were possibly used in games, but are sometimes interpreted as religious symbols.

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Linga

A polished stone object worshipped as a symbol of Shiva in Hinduism.

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Shamans

Individuals who claim to have magical abilities, including healing powers and communication with the spirit world.

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Analogical reasoning

The process of interpreting past cultures by drawing parallels with later, known traditions.

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Theories on the decline of the Harappan civilization

A theory that suggests the decline of the Harappan civilization was caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, deforestation, and overuse of the land.

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Scientific analysis in archaeology

The process of using scientific techniques to investigate archaeological evidence, such as analyzing soil samples or using carbon dating.

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Bioarchaeology

The study of human remains to understand past demographics, health, and social practices.

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Oxen for ploughing

Evidence that suggests the use of oxen for ploughing, based on representations on seals, terracotta sculptures, and models.

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Harappan canals

Traces of canals found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, indicating possible irrigation practices.

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Harappan reservoirs

Water reservoirs found in Dholavira (Gujarat) that were likely used for storing water for agriculture.

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Two crops in one field

Evidence found at Kalibangan (Rajasthan) suggesting that two different crops were grown together in the same field, indicating a sophisticated agricultural practice.

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What is the Great Bath?

A large rectangular tank surrounded by a corridor, with steps leading into it, built to hold water.

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What is the warehouse in Mohenjodaro?

A massive structure used for storing goods, primarily made of brick with wooden upper portions.

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What is the Citadel in Harappan cities?

The elevated and fortified section of a Harappan city, often containing public structures like the Great Bath and the warehouse.

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How were the tanks in Harappa made watertight?

A technique for making watertight structures by setting bricks on edge and using a mortar made of gypsum.

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Where did the water in the Great Bath come from?

A large well located within one of the rooms surrounding the Great Bath, providing water to the tank.

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How was water removed from the Great Bath?

A system that directed water from the tank and into a drainage system.

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Specialised Centres

Specialised centres focused on producing specific goods, such as shell objects.

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Nageshwar and Balakot

A settlement known for its shell-working craft, producing ornaments like bangles and inlay for other settlements.

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Centres of Craft Production

Places where ancient craftspeople made their goods. They often contained evidence of workshops, materials, and waste.

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Craft Waste

Materials left behind after craft production, providing valuable insights into the techniques and activities undertaken.

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Small Craft Centres

Small, specialized centres dedicated to specific crafts, like shell-working, bead-making, or metalworking.

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Craft Production in Cities

Evidence of craft production found in larger cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa, suggesting both specialized centres and local crafts.

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Archaeological site formation

The accumulation of debris, material, and structures as people lived in a place over time.

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Mound

A mound of soil and debris created by the continuous occupation of a site over many years.

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Artefact

An object found at an archaeological site which can be used to reconstruct past cultures.

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Stratigraphical analysis

The process of studying the sequence of different occupations of a site by exploring its layers.

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Asokan Inscriptions

A system of written records used by the ancient Indian emperor Ashoka to spread his message of non-violence, justice, and social welfare across his empire.

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Asoka's Pillars

A group of stone pillars erected by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka throughout his empire, carrying inscriptions promoting his philosophy and edicts.

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Indus Valley Civilization

A large region in the Indian Subcontinent where the Indus Valley Civilization flourished, characterized by advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and a unique writing system.

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Mohenjo-daro

A major city in the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its intricate planning, sophisticated drainage system, and the Great Bath.

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When was the first evidence of a seal from the Indus Valley Civilization reported?

The earliest evidence of a seal from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was discovered and reported by Alexander Cunningham in 1875.

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Who initiated major excavations at Harappa?

M.S.Vats began excavating the ancient city of Harappa in 1921. This marked the beginning of systematic archaeological explorations of the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Who conducted major excavations at Harappa in 1946?

R.E.M. Wheeler, a prominent British archaeologist, conducted excavations at Harappa in 1946. His work brought new techniques and scientific rigor to Indus Valley archaeology.

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Who began excavating at Lothal in 1955?

S.R.Rao began excavations at Lothal in 1955. Lothal is famous for its dockyard and its significance in understanding the Indus Valley Civilization's maritime trade.

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What was discovered in the 1920s at Mohenjodaro?

The Great Bath, a large rectangular tank at Mohenjodaro, was discovered in the 1920s. It was a crucial feature in the city's planning and likely served ceremonial purposes.

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How do archaeologists trace socio-economic differences in Harappan society?

Archaeologists use a range of methods to understand socio-economic differences in the Harappan society. These methods include analyzing the size and location of houses, the types of materials used in construction, and the presence of luxury goods.

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Does the drainage system in Harappan cities indicate town planning?

The planned drainage system in Harappan cities is a key characteristic of their town planning. Evidence includes the use of bricks, the organization of drains, and the creation of public wells.

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What materials were used to make beads in the Harappan Civilization?

Beads in the Harappan civilization were made from various materials like stone, shell, terracotta, copper, and steatite. They were crafted using techniques like drilling, carving, and polishing.

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Study Notes

Themes in Indian History Part I

  • This textbook is for Class XII students
  • Part I covers themes like Bricks, Beads and Bones, Kings, Farmers and Towns, Kinship, Caste and Class, and Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings.

Part I Contents

  • Theme One: Bricks, Beads, and Bones (The Harappan Civilization)
  • Theme Two: Kings, Farmers, and Towns (Early States and Economies, c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
  • Theme Three: Kinship, Caste, and Class (Early Societies, c. 600 BCE–600 CE)
  • Theme Four: Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings (Cultural Developments, c. 600 BCE – 600 CE)

Part II Contents

  • Theme Five: Through the Eyes of Travellers (Perceptions of Society, c. tenth to seventeenth centuries)
  • Theme Six: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions (Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts, c. eighth to eighteenth centuries)

Part III Contents

  • Theme Seven: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara (c. fourteenth to sixteenth centuries)
  • Theme Eight: Peasants, Zamindars, and the State (Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire, c. sixteenth-seventeenth centuries)
  • Theme Nine: Kings and Chronicles (The Mughal Courts, c. sixteenth-seventeenth centuries)
  • Theme Ten: Colonialism and the Countryside (Exploring Official Archives)
  • Theme Eleven: Rebels and the Raj (1857 Revolt and its Representations)
  • Theme Twelve: Colonial Cities (Urbanisation, Planning, and Architecture)
  • Theme Thirteen: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement (Civil Disobedience and Beyond)
  • Theme Fourteen: Understanding Partition (Politics, Memories, Experiences)
  • Theme Fifteen: Framing the Constitution (The Beginning of a New Era)

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This quiz focuses on Themes in Indian History Part I for Class XII students, covering significant eras such as the Harappan Civilization, early states and economies, and cultural developments. Explore the key concepts of kinship, caste, and class, alongside the contributions of thinkers and builders throughout Indian history.

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