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Ancient History

Ancient Indian History Notes 
Ancient History

[ Best ] Ancient Indian History Notes 

by Mr. DJ 06/02/2022
written by Mr. DJ

Ancient Indian History Notes 

Ancient India History Notes Available for Various Exams Preparation. like SSC Exams, IBPS Exams, UPSC Exams, IAS Exams etc. All these notes Available To study and download and read. vision ias ancient history notes pdf | ancient indian history notes pdf | ancient history notes for upsc pdf | ancient history rs sharma notes pdf | ias ancient history notes pdf | ancient history notes in hindi | vision ias ancient history notes pdf in hindi | rs sharma ancient history notes

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Ancient Indian History Notes 

Ancient Indian History Notes Topic Wise List

  1. Sources of Ancient History
  2. Archaeological Sources
  3. Stone Age Cultures
  4. Mesolithic Culture
  5. The Neolithic Age
  6. Chalcolithic Period of India
  7. Chalcolithic Culture In India
  8. Harappan Civilization
  9. Harappan Town Planning
  10. Harappan Crafts and Industries
  11. Harappan Culture
  12. Harappan Religion
  13. Harappan Chronology
  14. Vedic Civilization
  15. Vedic Society
  16. Vedic Politics
  17. Vedic Religion and Philosophy
  18. The Aryan Invasion
  19. Later Vedic Age
  20. Social System after Vedic Age
  21. Indian Philosophy
  22. Jainism
  23. Buddhism
  24. Alexander’s Campaign in India
  25. Maurya Dynasty
  26. Kalinga War and its Impact
  27. Society and Economy during Mauryas
  28. Mauryan Governance
  29. Early History of South India
  30. Age of Smaller Dynasties
  31. Literature of Satavahana Period
  32. Society of Satavahana Period
  33. Economy of Satavahana Period
  34. Technology of Satavahana Period
  35. Sangam Age
  36. Chola Dynasty
  37. Pandya Dynasty
  38. Chera Dynasty
  39. Period of Foreign Invaders
  40. Gupta Period
  41. Decline of Guptas
  42. Governance of Gupta Period
  43. Literature of Gupta Period
  44. Economy in Gupta Period
  45. Science and Tech of Gupta Period
  46. India after the Gupta Period
  47. Parivrajaka Dynasty
  48. Period of Harsha
  49. South India during the Harsha Period
  50. Kadamba Dynasty
  51. History of Kamarupa
  52. India after Harsha
  53. Gurjara Pratiharas
  54. Palas of Bengal
  55. Rashtrakutas of Deccan
  56. Literature after the Harsha Period
  57. Society after the Harsha Period
  58. Economy after the Harsha Period
  59. Religion after the Harsha Period
06/02/2022 0 comment
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Ancient History

( Best ) Ancient History MCQ Question-1 

by Mr. DJ 30/04/2021
written by Mr. DJ

Ancient History MCQ Question-1

Ancient History MCQ Question-1 :- Complete MCQs on Indian History, covering all the important topics are discussed here. Only selected MCQs are covered to maintain a good quality of MCQs. We are in progress to add a detailed discussion with every Ancient History MCQ Question-1 MCQs where it required. Most of the exams repeat the questions or roam around the important topics. We have selected these questions which have been asked in various government exam all over India. I wish this will boost your preparation and confidence at the same time. Ancient History MCQ Question-1 will help you in boost your Knowledge.

Ancient History MCQ Question-1

1. Which one of the following is more probable regarding the Harappa Script?
(A) Pictographic
(B) Summerian
(C) Proto Dravidian
(D) Sanskritic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Pictographic.
Explanation: It was written in the Boustrophedon style. Where the first line is written from left to right and the 2nd line is written from right to left. It was pictographic in nature. 400 to 500 sign or logo symbolic used in this script. It is still an undeciphered script.
2. The great Bath was found in
(A) Mohenjo-Daro
(B) Kalibangan
(C) Lothal
(D) Harappa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Mohenjo-Daro.
Explanation: The Great Bath was found in Mohenjo-Daro. A bronze dancing girl found in Mohenjodaro. Granary was the largest building of Mohenjodaro.
3. Which emperor has been called Napolean of India?
(A) Samudragupta
(B) Chandragupta II Vikramaditya
(C) Asoka
(D) Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Samudragupta.
Explanation: Samudragupta was the greatest ruler of the Gupta dynasty. He was called Napoleon of India by V. A. Smith. He was a follower of Vaishnavism but tolerant of other religions.
4. The first metal discovered by man was
(A) Zinc
(B) Copper
(C) Iron
(D) Aluminum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [B] Copper.
Explanation: Copper was the first metal discovered by man. The first domesticated animal is the dog.
5. Who composed the Allahabad Prasasti?
(A) Harisena
(B) Vasumitra
(C) Asvaghosha
(D) Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Harisena.
Explanation: Harisena was a court poet of Samudra Gupta.
6. Which was a major port of the Indus Valley?
(A) Chanhudaro
(B) Mehargarh
(C) Lothal
(D) Kalibangan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [C] Lothal.
7. What was the policy of Samudragupta in the south?
(A) Digvijay
(B) Dharmavijaya
(C) Conquest
(D) None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Digvijay.
Explanation: Digvijaya is a policy of defeating the enemy king and acquired the authority and allow them to rule.
8. Who was the first independent King of Bengal?
(A) Gopala
(B) Mahasengupta
(C) Sasanka
(D) King Ganesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [C] Sasanka.
Explanation: Sasanka was a king of the Gauda Kingdom and capital was Karnasubarna, in present-day Murshidabad in West Bengal
9. The Indus Valley Civilization belongs to the
(A) Mesolithic period
(B) Chalcolithic period
(C) Neolithic period
(D) Paleolithic period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [B] Chalcolithic period.
Explanation: Indus Valley civilization is also known as Harappan civilization. It belongs to the Chalcolithic period and Bronze age. They were not aware of iron metal. There is no clear timeline for Indus valley civilization. It is considered that they were active during 2900 BC to 1700 BC.
10. Who wrote Ramcharita ?
(A) Sandhyakara Nandi
(B) Tulsi Das
(C) Banabhatta
(D) Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [A] Sandhyakara Nandi.
11. Total number of Puranas
(A) 43
(B) 10
(C) 11
(D) 18
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [D] 18.
Explanation: There is a total of 18 Puranas. It contains many things all together like mythology, cosmology, various legends, folk belief, codes of law, miscellaneous topics. It has suggested a change in the mode of the warship from sacrifice to idol worship. It contains a description of an ancient legend that was heavily colored with superstitions. The Puranas are Brahma Puran, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, etc.
12. Sulapani was a famous artist of the
(A) Pala Period
(B) Sena Period
(C) Kushana Period
(D) Gupta Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [B] Sena Period.
Explanation: Sulapani was one of the finest artists of the Sena era. Other important people are Sandhyakar Nandi, Madhavkar, Jayadeva, Umapati, Dhoyi, etc.
13. Divya was the leader of the
(A) Munda Rebellion
(B) Santal Rebellion
(C) Kaivarta Rebellion
(D) Kol Rebellion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [C] Kaivarta Rebellion.
14. With the people of which country Harappan people carried trade ?
(A) Russia
(B) Summer
(C) China
(D) Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [B] Summer.
Explanation: Indus people used to trade with the Sumerians, Mesopotamians (now southern Iraq) on waterways and land routes. The Harappan region was known as Meluha in Sumar. There was clear evidence of trading between these two civilizations. The same seals were found in both regions.
15. Who was the court poet of Samudra Gupta?
(A) Aryabhatta
(B) Harisena
(C) Asvaghosha
(D) Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: [B] Harisena.
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Ancient History

[ Best ] Prehistoric India MCQs

by Mr. DJ 20/03/2021
written by Mr. DJ

Prehistoric India MCQs

Multiple Choice Questions and Answers with explanation on Prehistoric India for SSC, PCS, UPSC, IAS,NEET, CBSE /UGC NET, Class IX, X, XI and XII Students. You Can read our story notes on prehistoric India.

Prehistoric India MCQs

  1. Handaxe and cleavers were characteristic tools of
    [A] Lower Palaeolithic Age
    [B] Middle Palaeolithic Age
    [C] Upper Palaeolithic Age
    [D] Iron Age
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [A] Lower Palaeolithic Age
  2. Chalcolithic Age is also known as
    [A] Iron Age
    [B] Stone Age
    [C] Copper Age
    [D] Neolithic Age
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [C] Copper Age
  3. The mature phase of Harappan civilization is dated between
    [A] 3000 BC to 2000 BC
    [B] 4000 BC to 3000 BC
    [C] 1500 BC to 1000 BC
    [D] 2600 BC to 1900 BC
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [D] 2600 BC to 1900 BC
  4. Chirand in Bihar is a
    [A] Lower Palaeolithic  site
    [B] Mesolithic site
    [C] Middle Palaeolithic site
    [D] Neolithic site
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [D] Neolithic site
  5. Which of the following is also known as Micro lithic period?
    [A] Palaeolithic
    [B] Mesolithic
    [C] Neolithic
    [D] Chalcolithic
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [B] Mesolithic
  6. Which of the following is correct about Indus Valley Civilisation?
    The cities were planned
    2. Non- standardized weights were used
    3. There was elaborate water drainage system
    Select using following codes:
    [A] 1 only
    [B] 2 only
    [C] 1 and 3 only
    [D] 3 only
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer:  [C] 1 and 3 only
  7. At which of the following Indus Valley Civilization yarns of spun cotton have been found?
    [A] Harappa
    [B] Mohenjodaro
    [C] Lothal
    [D] Kalibangan
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [B] Mohenjodaro
  8. Which of the following deity was not worshipped in Indus valley civilization?
    [A] Vishnu
    [B] Peepal tree
    [C] Pashupati
    [D] Mother goddess
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [A] Vishnu
  9. The most common motif found on the seals of Indus Valley Civilisation is
    [A] Elephant
    [B] Bull
    [C] Unicorn
    [D] Rhinoceros
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [C] Unicorn
  10. Agricultural Revolution took place in
    [A] Palaeolithic Age
    [B] Mesolithic Age
    [C] Neolithic Age
    [D] Iron Age
    Show Answer
    Correct Answer: [C] Neolithic Age

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Ancient History

[ Best ] Indus Valley Civilization Study Notes

by Mr. DJ 19/03/2021
written by Mr. DJ

Indus Valley Civilization Study Notes

Indus Valley Civilization Study Notes :- Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) flourished around 2500 BC, which is often called the age of matured IVC. It forms the backbone of India as it is one of the major civilizations of the world. An important topic for IAS Exam, Indus Valley Civilization should be well-read by the aspirants. This article will provide you NCERT notes on IVC.

Indus Valley Civilization Study Notes

Introduction

  • The history of India begins with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as Harappan Civilization.
  • It flourished around 2,500 BC, in the western part of South Asia, in contemporary Pakistan and Western India.
  • The Indus Valley was home to the largest of the four ancient urban civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China.
  • In 1920s, the Archaeological Department of India carried out excavations in the Indus valley wherein the ruins of the two old cities, viz. Mohenjodaro and Harappa were unearthed.
  • In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI, announced the discovery of a new civilisation in the Indus valley to the world.
  • The Indus Valley Civilization was established around 3300 BC. It flourished between 2600 BC and 1900 BC (Mature Indus Valley Civilization). It started declining around 1900 BC and disappeared around 1400 BC.
  • This is also called Harappan Civilization after the first city to be excavated, Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan).
  • Pre-Harappan civilization has been found at Mehrgarh, Pakistan which shows the first evidence of cotton cultivation.
  • Geographically, this civilization covered Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Western Uttar Pradesh. It extended from Sutkagengor (in Baluchistan) in the West to Alamgirpur (Western UP) in the East; and from Mandu (Jammu) in the North to Daimabad (Ahmednagar, Maharashtra) in the South. Some Indus Valley sites have also been found in as far away as Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.
Important Sites of IVC
Site Excavated by Location Important Findings
Harappa Daya Ram Sahini in 1921 Situated on the bank of river Ravi in Montgomery district of Punjab (Pakistan).
  • Sandstone statues of Human anatomy
  • Granaries
  • Bullock carts
Mohenjodaro (Mound of Dead) R.D Banerjee in 1922 Situated on the Bank of river Indus in Larkana district of Punjab (Pakistan).
  • Great bath
  • Granary
  • Bronze dancing girl
  • Seal of Pasupathi Mahadeva
  • Steatite statue of beard man
  • A piece of woven cotton
Sutkagendor Stein in 1929 In southwestern Balochistan province, Pakistan on Dast river
  • A trade point between Harappa and Babylon
Chanhudaro N.G Majumdar in 1931 Sindh on the Indus river
  • Bead makers shop
  • Footprint of a dog chasing a cat
Amri N.G Majumdar in 1935 On the bank of Indus river
  • Antelope evidence
Kalibangan Ghose in 1953 Rajasthan on the bank of Ghaggar river
  • Fire altar
  • Camel bones
  • Wooden plough
Lothal R.Rao in 1953 Gujarat on Bhogva river near Gulf of Cambay
  • First manmade port
  • Dockyard
  • Rice husk
  • Fire altars
  • Chess playing
Surkotada J.P Joshi in 1964 Gujarat
  • Bones of horses
  • Beads
Banawali R.S Bisht in 1974 Hisar district of Haryana
  • Beads
  • Barley
  • Evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan culture
Dholavira R.S Bisht in 1985 Gujarat in Rann of Kachchh
  • Water harnessing system
  • Water reservoir

Phases of Indus Valley Civilization

  • Three phases of IVC are:
    • the Early Harappan Phase from 3300 to 2600 BCE,
    • the Mature Harappan Phase from 2600 to 1900 BCE, and
    • the Late Harappan Phase from 1900 to 1300 BCE.
  • The Early Harappan Phase is related to the Hakra Phase, identified in the Ghaggar-Hakra River Valley.
  • The earliest examples of the Indus script date back to 3000 BC.
  • This phase stands characterized by centralized authority and an increasingly urban quality of life.
  • Trade networks had been established and there are also evidences of the cultivation of crops. Peas, sesame seeds, dates, cotton, etc, were grown during that time.
  • Kot Diji represents the phase leading up to Mature Harappan Phase.
  • By 2600 BC, the Indus Valley Civilization had entered into a mature stage.
  • The early Harappan communities were turning into large urban centers, like Harappa and Mohenjodaro in Pakistan and Lothal in India.
  • The signs of a gradual decline of the Indus River Valley Civilization are believed to have started around 1800 BC and by 1700 BC, most of the cities were abandoned.
  • However, one can see the various elements of the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization in later cultures.
  • Archaeological data indicates the persistence of the Late Harappan culture till 1000-900 BC.

Agriculture

  • The Harappan villages, mostly situated near the flood plains, produced sufficient foodgrains.
  • Wheat, barley, rai, peas, sesame, lentil, chickpea and mustard were produced. Millets are also found from sites in Gujarat. While rice uses were relatively rare.
  • The Indus people were the earliest people to produce cotton.
  • While the prevalence of agriculture is indicated by finds of grain, it is more difficult to reconstruct actual agricultural practices.
  • Representations on seals and terracotta sculpture indicate that the bull was known, and archaeologists extrapolate shows oxen were also used for ploughing.
  • Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for agriculture.
  • Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sindh.
  • Although the Harappans practised agriculture, animals were also reared on a large scale.
  • Evidence of the horse comes from a superficial level of Mohenjodaro and from a doubtful terracotta figurine from Lothal. In any case the Harappan culture was not horse centred.

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Economy

  • The importance of trade in the life of the Indus people is witnessed by the presence of numerous seals, uniform script and regulated weights and measures in a wide area.
  • The Harappans carried on considerable trade in stone, metal, shell, etc.
  • Metal money was not used and trade was carried by barter system.
  • They practised navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
  • They had set up a trading colony in northern Afghanistan which evidently facilitated trade with Central Asia.
  • They also carried commerce with those in the land of the Tigris and the Euphrates.
  • The Harappans carried on long distance trade in lapis lazuli; which may have contributed to the social prestige of the ruling class.

Crafts

  • The Harappans were very well acquainted with the manufacturing and use of Bronze.
  • Copper was obtained from the Khetri copper mines of Rajasthan and Tin was possibly brought from Afghanistan.
  • Textile impressions have also been found on several objects.
  • Huge brick structure suggest that brick-laying was an important craft. This also attests the existence of a class of masons.
  • The Harappans practised boat-making, bead making and seal-making. Terracotta manufacture was also an important craft.
  • The goldsmiths made jewellery of silver, gold and precious stones.
  • The potter’s wheel was in full use, and the Harappans produced their own characteristic pottery, which was glossy and shining.

Institutions

  • Very few written materials have been discovered in the Indus valley and the scholars have not been able to decipher the Indus script so far.
  • As a result, there is difficulty in understanding the nature of the state and institutions of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • No temples have been found at any Harappan sites. Therefore the possibility of priests ruling Harappa can be eliminated.
  • Harappa was possibly ruled by a class of merchants.
  • If we look for a centre of power or for depictions of people in power, archaeological records provide no immediate answers.
    • Some archaeologists are of the opinion that Harappan society had no rulers, and that everybody enjoyed equal status.
    • Another theory argues that there was no single ruler, but a number of rulers representing each of the urban centers.

Religion

  • In Harappa numerous terracotta figurines of women have been found. In one figurine a plant is shown growing out of the embryo of a woman.
    • The Harappans, therefore, looked upon the earth as a fertility goddess and worshipped her in the same manner as the Egyptians worshipped the Nile goddess Isis.
  • The male deity is represented on a seal with three horned heads, represented in the sitting posture of a yogi.
    • This god is surrounded by an elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, and has a buffalo below his throne. At his feet appear two deer.The depicted god is identified as Pushupati Mahadeva.
  • Numerous symbols of the phallus and female sex organs made of stone have been found.
  • The people of the Indus region also worshipped trees and Animals.
  • The most important of them is the one horned unicorn which may be identified with the rhinoceros and the next important was the humped bull.
  • Amulets have also been found in large numbers.

The Decline of Indus Valley Civilization

  • Causes of the decline of this civilization have not been firmly established. Archaeologists now believe that the civilization did not come to an abrupt end but gradually declined. People moved eastwards and cities were abandoned. Writing and trade declined.
  • Mortimer Wheeler suggested that the Aryan invasion led to the decline of the Indus Valley. This theory has now been debunked.
  • Robert Raikes suggests that tectonic movements and floods caused the decline.
  • Other causes cited include a drying up of the rivers, deforestation, and destruction of the green cover. It is possible that some cities were destroyed by floods but not all. It is now accepted that several factors could have led to the decline of the Indus Valley civilization.
  • New cities emerged only about 1400 years later.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”What is the Indus Valley civilization known for?” answer-0=”The Indus cities are noted for their urban planning, a technical and political process concerned with the use of land and design of the urban environment. They are also noted for their baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, water supply systems, and clusters of large, nonresidential buildings.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”What is Indus Valley civilization history?” answer-1=”Indus civilization, also called Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilization, the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. The nuclear dates of the civilization appear to be about 2500–1700 bce, though the southern sites may have lasted later into the 2nd millennium bce.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”Who lived in Indus Valley Civilization?” answer-2=”There were more than 1,400 towns and cities in the Indus Valley. The biggest were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Around 80,000 people lived in these cities. The names Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were given to the cities in later times.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”What is Indus Valley Civilization in simple words?” answer-3=”The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) was a Bronze Age civilisation in the northwestern regions of South Asia, lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, and in its mature form from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”How did Indus Valley Civilization start?” answer-4=”The roots of the Indus Valley civilization can be traced back to the site of Mehrgarh in Pakistan dated to about 7000 BC. The civilization reached its peak around 2600 BC and it went into decline around 1900 BC. It depends on what you mean. Kot Diji civilization as the start? in this case around 3000 cal BCE.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h2″ question-5=”What is the religion of Indus Valley civilization?” answer-5=”The Indus Valley religion is polytheistic and is made up of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. There are many seals to support the evidence of the Indus Valley Gods. Some seals show animals which resemble the two gods, Shiva and Rudra. Other seals depict a tree which the Indus Valley believed to be the tree of life.” image-5=”” headline-6=”h2″ question-6=”What are 4 symptoms of civilization?” answer-6=”Historians have identified the basic characteristics of civilizations. Six of the most important characteristics are: cities, government, religion, social structure, writing and art.” image-6=”” headline-7=”h2″ question-7=”Which is the oldest civilization?” answer-7=”Sumerian civilization The Sumerian civilization is the oldest civilization known to mankind. The term Sumer is today used to designate southern Mesopotamia. In 3000 BC, a flourishing urban civilization existed. The Sumerian civilization was predominantly agricultural and had community life.” image-7=”” headline-8=”h2″ question-8=”How was Mohenjo-Daro destroyed?” answer-8=”Apparently the Indus civillization was likely destroyed by the Indo-European migrants from Iran, the Aryans. The cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were built of fire-baked bricks. Over the centuries the need for wood for brick-making denuded the country side and this may have contributed to the downfall.” image-8=”” count=”9″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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Ancient Indian History Notes 
Ancient History

Prehistoric Age In India – Ancient India History Notes

by Mr. DJ 18/03/2021
written by Mr. DJ

Prehistoric Age In India – Ancient India History Notes

History

History (from the Greek word – Historia, meaning “inquiry”, knowledge acquired by investigation) is the study of the past. History is an umbrella term that relates to past events as well as the discovery, collection, organisation, presentation and interpretation of information about these events.

It is divided into pre-history, proto-history, and history.

  1. Pre-history – Events that occurred before the invention of writing are considered pre-history. Pre-history is represented by the three stone ages.
  2. Proto-history – It refers to the period between pre-history and history, during which a culture or organisation had not developed yet but has its mention in the written records of a contemporary literate civilisation. For example, the scripts of the Harappan civilization remains undeciphered, however since its existence is noted in Mesopotamian writing, it is considered part of proto-history. Similarly, Vedic civilisation from 1500-600 BCE is considered part of proto-history as well. Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures are also considered part of proto-history by archaeologists.
  3. History – The study of the past after the invention of writing and the study of literate societies based on written records and archaeological sources constitute history.

Prehistoric Age In India - Ancient India History Notes

Prehistoric Age in India-Construction of Ancient Indian History

The sources which help in reconstructing history are:

  1. Non-literary sources
  2. Literary sources – which include religious literature & secular literature

Non-Literary Sources

  • Coins: Ancient Indian currency was not issued in the form of paper but as coins. The earliest coins found in India contained only a few symbols, punch-marked coins made of silver & copper, but later coins mentioned the names of the kings, gods, dates, etc. The areas where they were found indicate the region of their circulation. This enabled to reconstruct the history of several ruling dynasties, especially Indo-Greeks who came to India from Northern Afghanistan and ruled India in 2nd and 1st BCE. Coins throw light on the economic history of different dynasties and also provide input on different parameters involved such as the script, art, religion of that time. It also helps in understanding the progress made in terms of metallurgy and science and technology. (The study of coins is called Numismatics).
  • Archaeology/Material remains: The science which deals with the digging of the old mounds in a systematic manner, in successive layers and enables to form an idea of the material life of the people is called Archaeology. Material remains recovered as a result of excavation and exploration are subjected to various kinds of examinations. Their dates are fixed according to radiocarbon dating. For example, excavated sites belonging to the Harappan period help us to know about the life of the people who lived in that era. Similarly, the Megaliths (graves in south India) throw light on the life of the people living in the Deccan and south India before 300 BCE. The history of climate and vegetation is known through an examination of plant residues, especially through pollen analysis.
  • Inscriptions/Prashastis – (The study and interpretation of ancient inscriptions is called epigraphy). Writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone and metals like copper which usually record some achievements, ideas, royal orders and decisions help in understanding different religions, and administrative policies of that era. For example, inscriptions detailing state policy issued by Ashoka and inscriptions recording the land grants by Satavahanas, kings of the Deccan.
  • Foreign accounts: Indigenous literature can be supplemented by foreign accounts. To India came the Greek, Chinese and Roman visitors, either as travellers or religious converts, and left behind a rich account of our historical past. Some of the notables among them were:
    • Greek Ambassador Megasthenes wrote “Indica” and provided valuable information about the Mauryan society and administration.
    • “The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea” and “Ptolemy’s Geography” both written in Greek give valuable information about the ports and commodities of trade between India and the Roman empire.
    • Fa-Hein, a Buddhist traveller, left a vivid account of the age of the Guptas.
    • Hsuan-Tsang, a Buddhist pilgrim, visited India and gave details of India under the reign of King Harshavardhana and the glory of the Nalanda University.
  • Read Top 500 One Liners Questions and answers About Ancient History Of India

Literary Sources

  • Religious Literature: The religious literature throws light on the social, economic as well as cultural conditions of the ancient Indian period. Some of the sources are:
    • The Four Vedas – The Vedas may be assigned to c.1500 – 500 BCE. The Rigveda mainly contains prayers while the later Vedic texts (Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda) comprise not only prayers but rituals, magic and mythological stories. Read more on the four Vedas in the linked article.
    • Upanishads – The Upanishads (Vedanta) contain philosophical discussions on “Atma” and “Paramatma”.
    • Epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana – Of the two epics, the Mahabharata is older in age and possibly reflects the state of affairs from the 10th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Originally it consisted of 8800 verses (called Jaya Samhita). The final compilation brought the verses to 1,00,000 which came to be known as the Mahabharata or Satasahasri Samhita. It contains narrative, descriptive and didactic material. The Ramayana originally consisted of 12000 verses which were later raised to 24000. This epic also has its didactic portions which were added later.
    • Sutras – Sutras contain ritual literature such as Shrautasutras (which include sacrifices, royal coronation) and Grihya Sutras (which include domestic rituals like birth, naming, marriage, funeral, etc.)
    • Buddhist religious texts – The early Buddhist texts were written in Pali language and are commonly known as Tripitaka (three baskets) – Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. These texts throw invaluable light on the social and economic conditions of that era. They also make references to political events in the age of the Buddha. Read more on Buddhism.
    • Jaina’s religious texts – The Jaina texts commonly called “angas”, were written in the Prakrit language, and contain philosophical concepts of the Jainas. They contain many texts which help to reconstruct the political history of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the age of Mahavira. The Jaina texts refer repeatedly to trade and traders. Read more on Jainism.

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  • Secular Literature: There is also a large body of secular literature such as:
    • Dharmashastras/Law books – These lay down the duties for different varnas as well as for the kings and their officials. They prescribe the rules according to which property is to be held, sold and inherited. They also prescribe punishments for persons guilty of theft, murder, etc.
    • Arthashastra – Arthashastra of Kautilya reflects the state of society and economy in the age of the Mauryas.
    • Literary work of Kalidasa – The works of the great poet Kalidasa comprises kavyas and dramas, the most important being Abhijnanasakuntalam. Besides being creative composition, they give an insight into the social and cultural life of northern and central India in the age of the Guptas.
    • Rajatarangini – This is the famous book written by Kalhana and depicts the social and political life of 12th century CE Kashmir.
    • Charitas/Biographies – Charitas are the biographies written by court poets in admiration of their rulers such as Harshacharita written by Banabhatta in praise of King Harshavardhana.
    • Sangam literature – This is the earliest south Indian literature, produced by poets who assembled together (Sangam), and provides valuable information about the social, economic and political life of the people living in deltaic Tamil Nadu. This Tamil literature contains literary gems such as ‘Silappadikaram’ and ‘Manimekalai’. Read more on Sangam Literature in the linked article.

Prehistoric Periods in India – According to Tools

Ancient history can be divided into different periods according to the tools used by people then.

  1. Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age): 500,000 BCE – 10,000 BCE
  2. Mesolithic Period (Late Stone Age): 10,000 BCE – 6000 BCE
  3. Neolithic Period (New Stone Age): 6000 BCE – 1000 BCE
  4. Chalcolithic Period (Stone Copper Age): 3000 BCE – 500 BCE
  5. Iron Age: 1500 BCE – 200 BCE

Stone Age

The stone age is the prehistoric period, i.e., the period before the development of the script, therefore the main source of information for this period is the archaeological excavations. Robert Bruce Foote is the archaeologist who discovered the first palaeolithic tool in India, the Pallavaram handaxe.

On the basis of geological age, the type and technology of stone tools, and subsistence base, the Indian stone age is classified primarily into three types-

  • Palaeolithic age (old stone age): Period – 500,000 – 10,000 BCE
  • Mesolithic age (late stone age): Period – 10,000 – 6000 BCE
  • Neolithic age (new stone age): Period – 6000 – 1000 BCE

Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age)

The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘palaeo’ which means old and ‘lithic’ meaning stone. Therefore, the term Palaeolithic age refers to the old stone age. The old stone age or palaeolithic culture of India developed in the Pleistocene period or the Ice Age, which is a geological period of the age when the earth was covered with ice and weather was so cold that human or plant life could not survive. But in the tropical region, where ice melted, the earliest species of men could exist.

Main characteristics of the Palaeolithic age –

  1. The Indian people are believed to have belonged to the ‘Negrito’ race, and lived in the open air, river valleys, caves and rock shelters.
  2. They were food gatherers, ate wild fruits and vegetables, and lived on hunting.
  3. There was no knowledge of houses, pottery, agriculture. It was only in later stages they discovered fire.
  4. In the upper palaeolithic age, there is evidence of art in the form of paintings.
  5. Humans used unpolished, rough stones like hand axes, choppers, blades, burins and scrapers.

Palaeolithic men are also called ‘Quartzite’ men in India as the stone tools were made of a hard rock called quartzite.

The old stone age or palaeolithic age in India is divided into three phases according to the nature of the stone tools used by the people and also according to the nature of the change of climate.

  1. Lower Palaeolithic Age: up to 100,000 BC
  2. Middle Palaeolithic Age: 100,000 BC – 40,000 BC
  3. Upper Palaeolithic Age: 40,000 BC – 10,000 BC

Lower Palaeolithic Age (Early Palaeolithic Age)

  • It covers the greater part of the Ice Age.
  • Hunters and food gatherers; tools used were hand axes, choppers and cleavers. Tools were rough and heavy.
  • One of the earliest lower Palaeolithic sites is Bori in Maharashtra.
  • Limestone was also used to make tools.
  • Major sites of lower Palaeolithic age
    • Soan valley (in present Pakistan)
    • Sites in the Thar Desert
    • Kashmir
    • Mewar plains
    • Saurashtra
    • Gujarat
    • Central India
    • Deccan Plateau
    • Chotanagpur plateau
    • North of the Cauvery River
    • Belan valley in UP
  • There are habitation sites including caves and rock shelters.
  • An important place is Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.

Middle Palaeolithic age

  • Tools used were flakes, blades, pointers, scrapers and borers.
  • The tools were smaller, lighter and thinner.
  • There was a decrease in the use of hand axes with respect to other tools.
  • Important middle Palaeolithic age sites
    • Belan valley in UP
    • Luni valley (Rajasthan)
    • Son and Narmada rivers
    • Bhimbetka
    • Tungabhadra river valleys
    • Potwar Plateau (between Indus & Jhelum)
    • Sanghao cave (near Peshawar, Pakistan)

Upper Palaeolithic age

  • The upper palaeolithic age coincided with the last phase of the ice age when the climate became comparatively warmer and less humid.
  • Emergence of Homo sapiens.
  • The period is marked by innovation in tools and technology. A lot of bone tools, including needles, harpoons, parallel-sided blades, fishing tools and burin tools.
  • Major sites of Upper Palaeolithic age
    • Bhimbhetka (South of Bhopal) – hand axes and cleavers, blades, scrapers and a few burins have been found here.
    • Belan
    • Son
    • Chota Nagpur plateau (Bihar)
    • Maharashtra
    • Orissa and
    • The Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh
    • Bone tools have been found only at cave sites of Kurnool and Muchchatla Chintamani Gavi in Andhra Pradesh.

Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)

The term Mesolithic is derived from two Greek words – ‘meso’ and ‘lithic’. In Greek ‘meso’ means middle and ‘lithic’ means stone. Hence, the Mesolithic stage of prehistory is also known as the ‘Middle Stone Age’.

Both Mesolithic and Neolithic phases belong to the Holocene era. In this era, there was a rise in temperature, the climate became warm which resulted in melting of ice and also brought changes in flora and fauna.

Characteristic Features of the Mesolithic Era

  • The people of this age lived on hunting, fishing and food gathering initially but later on they also domesticated animals and cultivated plants, thereby paving the way for agriculture.
  • The first animal to be domesticated was the wild ancestor of the dog. Sheep and goats were the most common domesticated animals.
  • The Mesolithic people lived in semi-permanent settlements along with occupying caves and open grounds.
  • The people of this era believed in life after death and hence they buried the dead with food items and other goods.
  • The characteristic tools of this era were microliths – the miniature stone tools usually made of crypto-crystalline silica, chalcedony or chert, both of geometrical and non-geometrical shapes. They were not only used as tools but were also used to make composite tools, spearheads, arrowheads, and sickles after hafting them on wooden or bone handles. These microliths enabled the Mesolithic man to hunt smaller animals and birds.
  • The Mesolithic men started to wear clothes made of animal skin.
  • The Mesolithic people were art lovers and initiated rock art. The subject matter of these paintings was mostly wild animals and hunting scenes, dancing and food collection were also depicted in such paintings. These rock paintings give an idea about the development of religious practices and also reflect the division of labour on the basis of gender.
  • The first human colonization of the Ganga Plains happened during this period.

Important Mesolithic Sites

  • Bagor in Rajasthan is one of the biggest and best-documented Mesolithic sites in India. Bagor is on river Kothari where microliths along with animal bones and shells have been excavated.
  • Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh provides the earliest evidence for the domestication of animals.
  • There are about 150 Mesolithic rock art sites across India, with a rich concentration in Central India such as Bhimbetka caves (Madhya Pradesh), Kharwar, Jaora and Kathotia (M.P), Sundargarh and Sambalpur (Odisha), Ezhuthu Guha (Kerala).
  • Microliths have also been found in some valleys of river Tapi, Sabarmati, Narmada, and Mahi.
  • Langhnaj in Gujarat and Biharanpur in West Bengal are also important Mesolithic sites. Bones of wild animals (rhinoceros, blackbuck, etc.) have been excavated from Langhnaj. Several human skeletons and a large number of microliths have been recovered from these places.
  • Though pottery is absent at most Mesolithic sites, they have been found in Langhnaj (Gujarat) and in the Kaimur region of Mirzapur (U.P).

Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)

The term Neolithic is derived from the Greek word ‘neo’ which means new and ‘lithic’ meaning stone. Thus, the term Neolithic Age refers to the ‘New Stone Age’. It is also termed as ‘Neolithic revolution’ since it introduced a lot of important changes in man’s social and economic life. The Neolithic age saw man turning into a food producer from food gatherer.

Characteristic Features of the Neolithic Age

  • Tools and Weapons – The people used microlithic blades in addition to tools made of polished stones. The use of celts was especially important for ground and polished hand axes. They also used tools and weapons made of bones – such as needles, scrapers, borers, arrowheads, etc. The use of new polished tools made it easier for humans to cultivate, hunt and perform other activities in a better manner.
  • Agriculture – The people of the Neolithic age cultivated land and grew fruits and corn like ragi and horse gram (kulati). They also domesticated cattle, sheep and goats.
  • Pottery – With the advent of agriculture, people were required to store their food grains as well as to cook, eat the product, etc. That’s why it is said that pottery appeared in this phase on a large scale. The pottery of this period was classified under greyware, black-burnished ware, and mat impressed ware. In the initial stages of the Neolithic age, handmade pottery was made but later on, foot wheels were used to make pots.
  • Housing and Settled Life – The people of Neolithic age lived in rectangular or circular houses which were made of mud and reeds. Neolithic men also knew how to make boats and could spin cotton, wool and weave cloth. The people of the Neolithic age led a more settled life and paved the way for the beginning of civilization.

The neolithic people did not live far away from the hilly areas. They inhabited mainly the hilly river valleys, rock shelters and the slopes of the hills, since they were entirely dependent on weapons and tools made of stone.

Important Neolithic Sites

  • Koldihwa and Mahagara (lying south of Allahabad) – This site provides evidence of circular huts along with crude hand made pottery. There is also evidence of rice, which is the oldest evidence of rice, not only in India but anywhere in the world.
  • Mehrgarh (Balochistan, Pakistan) – The earliest Neolithic site, where people lived in houses built of sun-dried bricks and cultivated crops like cotton and wheat.
  • Burzahom (Kashmir) – The domestic dogs were buried along with their masters in their graves; people lived in pits and used tools made of polished stones as well as bones.
  • Gufkral (Kashmir) – This neolithic site is famous for pit dwelling, stone tools and graveyards in houses.
  • Chirand (Bihar) – The neolithic men used tools and weapons made of bones.
  • Piklihal, Brahmagiri, Maski, Takkalakota, Hallur (Karnataka) – The people were cattle herders. They domesticated sheep and goats. Ash mounds have been found.
  • Belan Valley (which is located on the northern spurs of the Vindhyas and middle part of Narmada valley) – All the three phases i.e., palaeolithic, mesolithic and neolithic ages are found in sequence.

Chalcolithic Age (Stone Copper Age)

The Chalcolithic Age marked the emergence of the use of metal along with stone tools. The first metal to be used was copper. The chalcolithic age largely applied to the pre-Harappan phase, but in many parts of the country, it appears after the end of the bronze Harappan culture.

Characteristics of the Chalcolithic Age

  • Agriculture & cattle rearing – The people living in the stone-copper age domesticated animals and cultivated food grains. They domesticated cows, sheep, goats, pig and buffaloes and hunted deer. It is not clear whether they were acquainted with the horse or not. People ate beef but did not take pork on any considerable scale. The people of the Chalcolithic phase produced wheat and rice, they also cultivated bajra. They also produced several pulses such as lentil (masur), black gram, green gram, and grass pea. Cotton was produced in the black cotton soil of the Deccan and ragi, bajra and several millets were cultivated in the lower Deccan. The people belonging to the stone-copper phase in the eastern regions lived mainly on fish and rice, which is still a popular diet in that part of the country.
  • Pottery – The people of the stone-copper phase used different types of pottery, one of which is called black and red pottery and seems to have been widely prevalent in that era. The ochre-coloured pottery was also popular. The potter’s wheel was used and painting with white linear designs was also done.
  • Rural settlements – The people living in the stone age were characterised by rural settlements and were not acquainted with burnt bricks. They lived in thatched houses made of mud bricks. This age also marked the beginning of social inequalities, as chiefs lived in rectangular houses while the commoners lived in round huts. Their villages consisted of more than 35 houses of different sizes, circular or rectangular in shape. The chalcolithic economy is considered as a village economy.
  • Art and Craft – The chalcolithic people were expert coppersmiths. They knew the art of copper smelting and were good stone workers as well. They knew spinning and weaving and were well acquainted with the art of manufacturing cloth. However, they did not know the art of writing.
  • Worship – Small clay images of earth goddesses have been found from the chalcolithic sites. It is thus possible to say that they venerated the Mother Goddess. In Malwa and Rajasthan, stylised bull terracottas show that the bull served as a religious cult.
  • Infant mortality –  Infant mortality was high among the Chalcolithic people, as is evident from the burial of a large number of children in West Maharashtra. In spite of being a food-producing economy, the rate of infant mortality was very high. We can say that the Chalcolithic social and economic pattern did not promote longevity.
  • Jewellery – The Chalcolithic people were fond of ornaments and decoration. The women wore ornaments of shell and bone and carried finely worked combs in their hair. They manufactured beads of semi-precious stones such as carnelian, steatite, and quartz crystal.

Important Chalcolithic Sites

  • Ahar (Banas valley, South Eastern Rajasthan) – The people of this region practised smelting and metallurgy, supplied copper tools to other contemporary communities. Rice was cultivated here.
  • Gilund (Banas valley, Rajasthan) – Stone blade industry was discovered here.
  • Daimabad  (Ahmadnagar, Gujrat) – The largest Jorwe culture site in Godavari valley. It is famous for recovery of bronze goods such as bronze rhinoceros, elephant, two wheeled chariot with a rider and a buffalo.
  • Malwa (Madhya Pradesh) – The settlements of Malwa culture are mostly located on the Narmada and its tributaries. It provides evidence of the richest chalcolithic ceramics, and also spindle whorls.
  • Kayatha (Madya Pradesh) – The settlement of Kayatha culture was mostly located on the Chambal River and its tributaries. Houses had mud-plastered floors, pre-Harappan elements in pottery along with copper objects with sharp cutting edges were found.
  • Chirand, Senuar, Sonpur (Bihar), Mahishdal (West Bengal) – These are the prominent chalcolithic sites in these states.
  • Songaon, Inamgaon and Nasik (Maharashtra) – Large mud houses with ovens and circular pit houses have been discovered here.
  • Navdatoli (on Narmada) – It was one of the largest chalcolithic settlements in the country. It was spread over 10 hectares and cultivated almost all food grains.
  • Nevasa (Jorwe, Maharashtra) and Eran (Madhya Pradesh) – These sites are known for their non-Harappan culture.

Prehistoric Period – Iron Age

Prehistoric Period – Iron Age

  • Arrival of the Aryans: Vedic Period
  • Jainism, Buddhism
  • Mahajanapadas: the first major civilisation on the banks of the river Ganga after the Indus Valley.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”What are the 3 prehistoric periods?” answer-0=”The Prehistoric Period—or when there was human life before records documented human activity—roughly dates from 2.5 million years ago to 1,200 B.C. It is generally categorized in three archaeological periods: the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”How many ages are there in Indian prehistory?” answer-1=”three ages The prehistoric period is divided into three ages, namely the stone, bronze and iron ages. These ages, besides being technological stages, also have economic and social implications. The Stone Age is divided into three periods, namely palaeolithic, mesolithic and neolithic.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”What is meant by prehistoric period?” answer-2=”The prehistoric age covers the millions of years that transpired before human beings began to create written records of their life and of the world in which they lived.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”What is prehistoric culture?” answer-3=”prehistoric cultural stage, or level of human development, characterized by the creation and use of stone tools. The Stone Age, whose origin coincides with the discovery of the oldest known stone tools, which have been dated to some 3.3 million years ago, is usually divided” image-3=”” headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”What came before prehistoric?” answer-4=”After Prehistory, which includes the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic, the Bronze Age is the first period of « Protohistory », also called the « Metal Ages ». Marked by significant technological and social advances, the Bronze Age was an important step in the evolution of European societies.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h2″ question-5=”What is the difference between prehistoric and historic?” answer-5=”The main difference between history and prehistory is the existence of records; history is the recorded events of the past whereas Prehistory is the time before writing was introduced. Thus, history is an area that deals with written records of the past.” image-5=”” headline-6=”h2″ question-6=”What are the four prehistoric cultures?” answer-6=”4 Prehistoric Culture Groups Set ( Paleo, Archaic, Woodlands, Mississippians )” image-6=”” count=”7″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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Ancient History

( Best 100+ ) Ancient Indian History MCQs

by Mr. DJ 14/02/2021
written by Mr. DJ

Ancient Indian History MCQs

For the aspirants of the Civil Services IAS Exam, it is very important to choose such Study Materials which are more informative as well as less exhaustive to study. As you know that the History syllabus provided by UPSC for the IAS Prelims Exam is so vast and much comprehensive. From the subject History including the three sections of it, lots of questions to be asked in the IAS Prelims Exam. So, the IAS Exam aspirants need to study the subject History very hard to crack IAS Prelims Exam. An authenticated and more comprehensive Study Material could be helpful for their Preparation of IAS Exam.

Ancient Indian History MCQs

Questions asked from Ancient Indian History section in IAS Prelims Exam are quite easy, but the aspirants need to memorise well before appearing in the exam. The IAS Exam aspirants should have balanced preparation of overall three sections of the History and its chronology is one of the most important parts of the subject history, which the candidates have required to memorise well for the IAS Prelims Exam and as well as for the IAS Mains Exam.

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12 February 2021 Daily CA One Liners

1.What symbol represents birth of Gautama Buddha?

[A] Bodh tree
[B] Lotus
[C] Horse
[D] Wheel

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Lotus ]

Notes:
Lotus and bull resembles the symbol of birth of Gautama Buddha.

2.Which among the following Gupta emperors called himself “Lichchhavi-dauhitra”?

[A] Shrigupta
[B] Chandragupta I
[C] Chandragupta II
[D] Samudragupta

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Samudragupta ]

Notes:
Chandragupta-I married the daughter of Licchhavis, a royal influential family .His son and successor Samudragupta calls himself Lichchavi- dauhitra the son of the daughter of the Lichchavis.

3.Under whose leadership, Jainism spread in South India?

[A] Sthalabahu
[B] Bhadrabahu
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chandragupta Maurya

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bhadrabahu ]

Notes:
The Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu.

4.What was the fifth tenet added by Tirthankara Mahavira to the four basic tenets of Jainism?

[A] Non injury
[B] Non lying
[C] Observe continence
[D] Non stealing

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Observe continence ]

Notes:
The five main teachings of Jainism are do not commit violence, do not speak a lie, do not steal, do not acquire property and observe continence (brahmacharya). The brahmacharya was added by Lord Mahavira.

5.Mathura, the famous city was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?

[A] Panchal
[B] Kasi
[C] Kuru
[D] Sursena

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sursena ]

Notes:
Sursena Mathura, the famous city was the capital of Sursena Mahajanpada

6.Who was the Syrian ambassador in the court of Bindusara?

[A] Megasthenes
[B] Dimachos
[C] Dionysius
[D] Amitrochates

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Dimachos ]

Notes:
The Syrian ruler, Antiochus I sent Dimachos as an ambassador in the court of Bindusara.

7.Which Ashokan pillar edict mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas?

[A] pillar edict VII
[B] pillar edict VIII
[C] pillar edict VI
[D] pillar edict V

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ pillar edict VII ]

Notes:
The Ashokan Pillar Edict-VII mentions the Dhamma Mahamattas. It propagated a proper courtesy to slaves and servants, obedience to parents, respectful behaviour towards Brahmans and Sharmanas and generiosty towards friends, acquaintances and relatives.

8.Which Ashokan inscription prohibits animal slaughter?

[A] Major rock edict III
[B] Major rock edict I
[C] Major rock edict IV
[D] Major rock edict V

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Major rock edict I ]

Notes:
The Major rock edict I of Ashoka prohibits animal slaughter and holidays of festive gathering. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well. On the other hand, Major Rock Edict II mentions medical treatment for men and animals, construction of roads, wells and tree planting.

9.Where was the first Tamil Sangam held__?

[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Madurai ]

Notes:
The first tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. Unfortunately, no literary work of this Sangam was available. The second tamil Sangam was held in Kapatpuram, second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was a tamil poet Nakkirar.

10.Purusha sukta is a part of which among the following vedas?

[A] Sam Veda
[B] Rig Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Yajur Veda

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Rig Veda ]

Notes:
Rig Veda Purusha sukta is the Xth mandal of the Rig Veda that explains the origin of four varnas viz. Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.

Ancient History MCQs One Liner 

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Ancient History

( Best 325+ ) Ancient History One Liner

by Mr. DJ 22/12/2020
written by Mr. DJ

Ancient History One Liner

Today I am providing Ancient History One Liner Q & A 325+ GK Questions and Answers related to Competitive Exams. You can easily get 2-3 marks with the help of Ancient History Questions for SSC Exams. This post of Ancient History One liner GK Questions for Competitive Exams is very important also related to General Knowledge Questions and Answers.

I am providing you also Objective Questions with Answers of Ancient History One Liner for SSC Exams. These questions are very important for any type of Competitive exams. Very important questions Ancient Indian History One liner GK for Bank PO, IBPS, Bank Clerical Exams, SBI, IAS, RAS, UPSC, SSC Tier-1 and all other exams. Join Ours Telegram Link For regular Updates

Ancient History One Liner


Ancient History is one of the important Section in all competitive Exams, Gk By Mr Dj today share Indian History One Liner. .Ancient History.

1 .Who added the fifth principle to Jainism?

Answer:- Mahavira added celibacy (brahmacharya) to the four principles of Parsvanath (Ahimsa, Satya, Achaurya and Aparigraha)


 

2 .The language used in writing the source materials of ancient India was:
Answer:-Pali


 

3 .In the mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization, where have evidences of house-wells come from?

Answer:-Mohenjodaro


 

4 .With whose worship do we get evidence for an organic connection between the ancient culture of Indus Valley and the Hinduism of today?

Answer:-Stone, trees and animals


 

5 .What was not known to the Rigvedic period ?

Answer:-Varna system


 

6 .When and by whom were the Ashokan inscriptions deciphered for the first time ?

Answer:-1837–James Prinsep


 

7 .‘Prince of Pilgrims’ was the name attributed to

Answer:-Hiuen Tsang


 

8 .The Gandhara style of painting was introduced by:

Answer:-Mahayana sect


 

9 .In which text has special reference been made to Chandragupta Maurya?
Answer:- Vishakhadutt


10 .Which is the principal source of information on Asoka’s campaign against Kalinga ?

Answer:-Rock Edict XIII


Medieval Indian History MCQs: Gk By Mr. DJ

11 .Who was the great ruler of Kalinga in the ancient period of Indian history?

Answer:-Kharavela


 

12 .Who adopted the title of epithet of Devaputra?

Answer:-Kanishka


 

13 .Who was the author of Silappadikaram, the great Tamil epic?

Answer:-Ilango Adiggal


 

14 .The first ancient city discovered during the British times was:

Answer:-Harappa


 

15 .The art style which is considered to have synthesized the features of both Indian and Greek art is known as:

Answer:-Gandhara Art

Ancient History is one of the important Section in all competitive Exams, Gk By Mr Dj today share Indian History One Liner. .Ancient History.


16 .On which era is the Hindu Calendar of India based?

Answer:-Saka Era


17 .Which Veda contains sacrificial formulae ?

Answer:-Yajur Veda


 

18 .Which system/tradition got popularized during the time of the fourth Veda?

Answer:-Brahmana-Kshatriya-Vaishya-Shudra


 

19 .Who was the Indian ruler contemporary to Alexander the Great?

Answer:-Dhananand


 

20 .The author of Arthasastra was contemporary to:

Answer:-Chandragupta Maurya


Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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Ancient History

Ancient History of Bihar

by Mr. DJ 13/12/2020
written by Mr. DJ

Ancient History of Bihar

The Ancient History of Bihar extends to the very dawn of human civilization and also associated with the advent of the earliest legends of Sanatana Dharma. In this article, we have given the complete study material of ‘Ancient Bihar History’ that will ease the journey of aspirants to crack the competitive examinations like BPSC and other state-level examinations.

Ancient History of Bihar

Ancient History of Bihar

The Ancient History of Bihar extends to the very dawn of human civilization and also associated with the advent of the earliest myths and legends of Sanatana Dharma. It was the center of a powerful kingdom, learning as a cultural center for thousands of years under the patronage of able kingdoms. The word ‘Bihar’ has originated from the ‘Viharas’ which means resting house of Buddhist monk but it was the Muslim rulers of 12th Century who started calling the state as ‘Bihar’.

Ancient History of Bihar

Jagranjosh

Advent of Aryans in Bihar

1. Aryans started moving towards Eastern India in the later Vedic period (1000-600 BC).

2. Satapatha Brahmana mentioned the arrival and spread of Aryans.

3. Varah Puran mentions that Kikat as inauspicious place and Gaya, Punpun and Rajgir as auspicious place.

The Mahajanpada

The Buddhist and Jaina literature mentioned that 6th century India was ruled by a number of small kingdoms or city states dominated by Magadha.  By 500 BC witnesses the emergence of sixteen Monarchies and Republics known as the Mahajanapada.

1. Anga: Modern divisions of Bhagalpur and Munger in Bihar and also some parts of Sahibgunj and Godda districts of Jharkhand.

2. Magadha: Covering the divisions of Patna and Gaya with its earlier capital at Rajgriha or Girivraj.

3. Vajji: a confederacy of eight republican clans, situated to the north of river Ganges in Bihar, with its capital at Vaishali.

4. Malla : also a republican confederacy covering the modern districts of Deoria, Basti, Gorakhpur and Siddharth nagar in Eastern U.P. with two capitals at Kusinara and Pawa.

5. Kashi: covering the present area of Banaras with its capital at Varanasi.

6. Kosala: covering the present districts of Faizabad, Gonda, Bahraich etc. with its capital at Shravasti.

7. Vatsa: covering the modern districts of Allahabad and Mirzapur etc. with its capital at Kaushambi.

8. Chedi: Modern Bundelkhand with its capital at Shuktimati.

9. Kuru: covering the modern Haryana and Delhi area to the west of river Yamuna with its capital at Indraprastha (Delhi).

10. Panchala: covering the area of Western U.P. upto the East of river Yamuna, with its capital at Ahichhatra.

11. Surasena: covering Braj-mandal with its capital at Mathura.

12. Matsya: Covering the area of Alwar, Bharatpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan.

13. Avanti: Modern Malwa, with its capital at Ujjayani and Mahismati.

14. Ashmaka: between the rivers Narmada and Godavari with its capital at Potna.

15. Gandhara: covering the area of western part of Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan, with its capital at Taxila and Pushkalvati.

16. Kamboja: identified with Modern Hazara district of Pakistan.

Summary on the Rise and Growth of Magadha Empire

Buddhism and Bihar

Bihar is the birth place of Buddhism because it is the place where the divine light of enlightenment was showered on Gautama Buddha. It was a place where Buddha attained enlightenment, delivered his first sermon which was called “Dharma Chakra Pravartana”, and announced his “Parinirvana”.

Buddhist Literature
1. Vinaya Pitaka: It contains rules and regulations of monks and nuns. 2. Sutta Pitaka: It is a collection of short sermons of Buddha which is further divided into 5 Nikayas. 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka: It contains the meta-physics of Buddha. i.e. Religious Discourse 4. Jatakas: It is a collection of short stories related to the previous birth of Buddha. 5. Millindapanho: It contains the conversational dialogues between Greek King Menander and the Buddhist saint Nagasena. Note: Tripitakas were finally compiled during the fourth Buddhist Council and They were written in Pali.

Four Noble Truths

1. Sarvam Dukkham: Life is full of misery.

2. Dukha Smundra: Desire is the cause of rebirth and misery.

3. Dukha Nirodha: Misery and rebirth can be ended by conquering desire.

4. Gamini pratipad: Nirvana or salvation could be attained i.e man will be free from the circle of birth and death by following the Eight Fold Path, ‘Astangika Marg’.

List of the Buddhist Councils| Venue, Patronage and Outcome

Eight-Fold Paths

1. Samma-Ditthi — Complete or Perfect Vision

2. Samma-Sankappa — Perfected Emotion or Aspiration

3. Samma-Vaca — Perfected or whole Speech

4. Samma-Kammanta — Integral Action

5. Samma-Ajiva — Proper Livelihood

6. Samma-Vayama — Complete or Full Effort, Energy or Vitality

7. Samma-Sati — Complete or Thorough Awareness

8. Samma-Samadhi — Full, Integral or Holistic Samadhi

Note: The term Samma means ‘proper’, ‘whole’, ‘thorough’, ‘integral’, ‘complete’, and ‘perfect’.

Jainism and Bihar

Jainism came into existence with the advent of Vardhman Mahavira. He was 24th Trithankara as per Jain text. At the age 0f 30, he left his home in search for salvation and for that matter, he followed the practice of an ascetic group called ‘Nirgranthas.’ The original texts of Jainas were called ‘Purvas’ and were 14 in number. The list of Jain Trithankaras is given below:

Trithankaras of Jainism
Tirthankar Symbol Place of Nirvan
Lord Rishabha Bull Ashtapad(Kailasha)
Ajitnath Elephant Samet Sikhar
Sambhavanath Horse Samet Sikhar
Abhinandannath Monkey Samet Sikhar
Sumatinath Red Goose Samet Sikhar
Padmaprabha Lotus Samet Sikhar
Suparshvanath Swastika Samet Sikhar
Chandraprabha Moon Samet Sikhar
Pushpadanta Crocodile Samet Sikhar
Sheetalnath Kalpavriksha Samet Sikhar
Shreyansanath Rhinoceros Samet Sikhar
Vasupujya Female buffalo Champapuri
Vimalnath Pig Samet Sikhar
Anantnath Porcupine Samet Sikhar
Dharmanath Vajra Samet Sikhar
Shantinath Deer Samet Sikhar
Kunthunath Goat Samet Sikhar
Aranath Fish Samet Sikhar
Mallinath Kalasa Samet Sikhar
Munisuvrata Tortoise Samet Sikhar
Nami Natha Blue-Water Lily Samet Sikhar
Neminatha Conch Mount Girnar
Parshva Snake Samet Sikhar
Mahavira Lion Pava Puri

Doctrine of Jainism

1. The doctrine is moving around five concept: Satya; Ahimsa; Aparigraha ; Asteya ; Brahamacharya.

2. Salvation could be achieved by the purification of soul through severe penance and practicing triratnas.

3. Nayavada of Jainism states that reality can be approaches from different view point and therefore relative and knowledge cannot be absolute.

Pre-Maurya Dynasties under Magadha Empire

Brihadrath Dynasty

Brihadrath was the earliest known king of Magadha and his name has been memtioned in Rigveda.According to the Mahabharta and Puranas, Brihadrath was the eldest son of Vasu, the Kru kind of Chedi. Jarasandha was the famous king of the dynasty and was the son of Brihadrath.

Haryanka Dynasty

Bimbisara was the founder of the dynasty.He expanded the boundaries of his kingdom through matrimonial alliances. His first wife Kosaladevi was a Kaushal princess, sister of Prasenjit. His second wife Chellana was a Licchhavi princess and third wife Kshema was a princess of Madra clan of Punjab.

Ajatshatru was succeeded Bimbisara. It was during his reign that Mahatama Buddha attained ‘Mahaparinirvana’ and Lord Mahavira died in Pavapuri. First Buddhist Council was conducted under his patronage. Udayin succeeded Ajatshatru. He founded the city of Patliputra and made it capital city.

Shishunaga Dynasty

Shishunaga was the founder of the dynasty.During this dynasty, Magadha has two capital– Rajgir & Vaishali.  Second Buddhist Council was organised under the Patronage of Kalasoka.

Nanda Dynasty

The dynasty was founded by the Mahapadmananda after killing the last Shishinaga ruler Nandivardhana. He has been described in the Purans as Mahapadma or Mahapadmapati. He was also referred as Ugrasena in Mahabodhivamsa. Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of Nanda dynasty and was contemporary of Magadha.

Mauryan Empire

Mauryan period witnessed the developments in every field of human existence like social, political, cultural, religious or economic. It was geographically extensive, powerful and politically military empire in ancient India. The empire had its capital at Patliputra. It was ruled great rulers like Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara and Ashoka.

Mauryan Society
1. Megasthenese divided the Mauryas Society into seven castes: Philospher, farmers, soldiers, herdsman, artisan, magistrate and councilors. They mentioned that there was no existence of slavery but it is contradicted by other Indian sources. 2. Kautilya recommended the recruitment of vaishayas and shudras in the army but their actual enrolment is extremely doubtful.He refers the existence of four castes. 3. The position of shudra improved somewhat for hitherto agricultural labourers and domestic slaves. They could own their land.

Maurya Empire: A Detailed Summary

Post- Mauryan Dynasties

Sunga Dynasty

Pushyamitra Sunga was the founder of the dynasty. Two Ashwamedha Yagya was held which is supported by Ayodhya inscription of Dhandev. Patanjali, the great Sanskrit scholar was the main priest. Agnimitra succeeded the Pushyamitra Sunga. He was the hero of Kalidasa’s drama ‘Malavikagnimitram’. According to the Puranas, Devbhuti was the 10th and the last ruler Sunga dynasty.

 Kanva Dynasty

Vasudeva was the founder of the dynasty. Susharman was the last ruler of the dynasty. This dynasty was come to an end as result of rise to power of rulers of Satavahanas dynasty.

Kushan Dynasty

Remains of Kushan Era have been discovered from Magadh region. They started their campaign into this region around 1st century AD.  There are evidences of Kushan ruler Kanishka attacking Patliputra and took along with him the famous Buddhist monk Asvaghosa.

The Gupta Empire

This dynasty signifies the establishment of second empire in ancientIndian History. Gupta succeeded in bringing major parts of India under a unified administration to a great extent. The difference between Gupta empire’s and Mauryan empire’s administration was that in the Mauryan administration and power was centralised but the in the Gupta administration, powr was more decentralised. Inscriptions state that the Sri Gupta was the first king.

Bihar during Pala Empire

The Pala Empire was a Buddhist supreme power in ancient India. The term ‘Pala’ means protector and was used as an ending to the names of all Pala monarchs. Palas were the follower of the Mahayana and Tanric school of Buddhism. Gopala was the first ruler of the dynasty.

According to the Pala copper plate inscription, Devpala exterminated the Ukalas, conquered the Praggyotisha (Assam), shattered the pride of the Hunas and humbled the lords of Pratiharas, Gurjara and the Dravidas. The Pala created many temples and works of art as well as supported the universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila.

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CO-OPERATIVE THEORY AND PRACTICE MCQ
Ancient History

Ancient India Quiz [ Best ]

by Mr. DJ 10/12/2020
written by Mr. DJ
8
Created on December 10, 2020 By Dineshjatdj

Ancient History Quiz

1 / 15

Which among the following kings was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler)?
[A]Pulakesi II
[B]Mahendravarman I
[C]Narasimhavarman I
[D]None of the above

2 / 15

The earliest evidence of rice cultivation comes from which among the following valleys?
[A] Central Ganga Valley
[B] Belan Valley
[C] Gomal Valley
[D] Bolan Valley

3 / 15

At which among the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization, the rows of distinctive fire altars with provision of ritual bathing have been found ?

4 / 15

In Pali texts, who among the following is referred to as Nigantha N?taputta?

5 / 15

Which among the following Gupta emperors called himself “Lichchhavi-dauhitra”?

6 / 15

Which among the following Kushana king adopted the epithet Dharma-thida?

7 / 15

Which among the following is the most unique feature of Dholavira site of the Indus Valley Civilization?

8 / 15

The Satapatha Brahmana and Taitriya Brahmana are the Brahmana texts of ___:

9 / 15

Who among the following was the 23rd Jain Tirthankara ?

10 / 15

Which among the following Vakataka ruler performed all the seven sacrifices viz. Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Ukthya, Shodasin, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Brihaspatisava, Sadyaskra and four Asvamedhas ?

11 / 15

Which among the following places have given the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent?

12 / 15

As per Asoka’s inscriptions, which among the following place was declared tax free and proclaimed only 1/8th part as taxable?

13 / 15

Who among the following succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of Gupta Dynasty ?

14 / 15

Where and when was the second Buddhist council held?

15 / 15

Which among the following is the correct set of the plays written by Harshavardhan in Sanskrit?

Your score is

The average score is 49%

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