Daily Static Quiz (History) March 19, 2025
Daily Static Quiz
1. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
The civilization flourished through its early years of 3300-1300 BCE and its mature period of 2600-1900 BCE
It was more widespread than the contemporary civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt
Harappa was located on the banks of the river Indus
Evidence suggests that iron technology was used in the late Harappan phase
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. Consider the following pairs regarding the Harappan sites and their adjacent rivers:
Harappa : Ravi River
Mohenjo-daro : Indus River
Lothal : Mahi River
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
Silver was used for the first time in the Indian subcontinent during this period
The civilization had extensive trade contacts with Mesopotamia
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro emerged around 2600 BCE
The civilization was centered exclusively along the Indus River
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
4. With reference to the Vedic Period, which of the following statements is/are correct?
The Early Vedic period was centered in Punjab region, while the Later Vedic period flourished in the Western Gangetic plains
The Painted Grey Ware pottery is associated with the Later Vedic Period found in Western UP, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan
The Kurus initially lived between Sarasvati and Drishadvati rivers before moving to the Ganga-Yamuna Doab
Rig Veda Samhita contains information about the Later Vedic age
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
5. Consider the following statements about the religious practices during the Vedic period:
Agni was considered an intermediary between people and Gods
Varuna was known as the upholder of the natural order
The prayers were primarily for spiritual upliftment and end of misery
Soma was considered the God of plants
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 3 and 4 only
6. With reference to Vedic texts, consider the following:
Rigvedic Samhita – Contains hymns sung in praise of gods like Agni and Indra
Sama Veda Samhita – Contains collection of melodies and chants
Yajur Veda Samhita – Contains ritual offering mantras
Atharva Veda Samhita – Contains charms and spells to ward off evil and diseases
Which of the statements given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
7. With reference to the Mahajanapadas of ancient India, consider the following statements:
The Mahajanapadas on the Gangetic plains were all monarchies
Vedic orthodoxy was not an established practice in these kingdoms
The priestly class enjoyed a preeminent status in the gana-sanghas unlike in monarchies
The Vajji sangha practiced collective control of resources like land
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
8. The sixth century BCE is regarded as a major turning point in early Indian history. It is associated with which of the following?
Use of silver for the first time
Development of coinage
Practice of “gana” oligarchies in mahajanapadas
Growth of diverse systems of thought including Buddhism and Jainism
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
9. Which of the following Mahajanapadas were most prominent in the sixth century BCE?
(a) Gandhara and Kamboja
(b) Kuru and Panchala
(c) Magadha and Kosala
(d) Avanti and Vatsa
10. Consider the following statements regarding urban development during the Mahajanapada period:
Cities emerged mainly due to political factors rather than economic reasons
Iron technology played a crucial role in the expansion of agriculture and settlements
The rise of Buddhism and Jainism had no impact on urban development
All the Mahajanapada capitals were located on major trade routes
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer Key with Explanations
Answer 1: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Indus Valley Civilization existed through its early years of 3300-1300 BCE, with its mature period from 2600-1900 BCE. It was indeed the most widespread of the three early civilizations, extending along the Indus River from northeast Afghanistan into Pakistan and northwest India. Statement 3 is incorrect as Harappa was situated on an old bed of the river Ravi, not the Indus River. Statement 4 is incorrect as iron technology wasn’t used during the Harappan civilization; iron use became widespread later during the Later Vedic period.
Answer 2: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched. Harappa was situated on an old bed (sukbrawa) of the river Ravi in Sahiwal District of Punjab, and Mohenjo-daro was on the right bank of the Indus river in Larkana District of Sind. However, Lothal was not located near the Mahi River but was a port city on the Gulf of Khambhat (western India).
Answer 3: (a) 1 and 4 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 4 are incorrect. Silver was being used since Harappan times, not introduced during this period4. The civilization was not exclusively centered along the Indus River but extended from northeast Afghanistan into Pakistan, northwest India, and parts of Afghanistan and Iran. Statements 2 and 3 are correct – the civilization had trade relations with Mesopotamia, and Harappa and Mohenjo-daro emerged around 2600 BCE.
Answer 4: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The Early Vedic period was centered in Punjab, while the Later Vedic period flourished in western Gangetic plains. Painted Grey Ware pottery from the Later Vedic period (1000-600 BCE) has been found in Western UP, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The Kurus initially lived between Sarasvati and Drishadvati before moving to the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. Statement 4 is incorrect as Rig Veda Samhita contains information about the Early Vedic age, not the Later Vedic age.
Answer 5: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. Agni was considered an intermediary between people and Gods, Varuna was known as the upholder of natural order, and Soma was the God of Plants. Statement 3 is incorrect as prayers were not for spiritual uplift or end of misery but for children, cattle, food, wealth, health, etc..
Answer 6: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: All statements are correctly matched. The Rigvedic Samhita contains hymns sung in praise of gods like Agni and Indra. Sama Veda Samhita is a collection of melodies and chants. Yajur Veda Samhita contains ritual offering mantras, and Atharva Veda Samhita contains charms and spells to ward off evil and diseases.
Answer 7: (b) 1 and 4 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 4 are correct. The Mahajanapadas on the Gangetic plains were all monarchies. In the Vajji sangha, the rajas probably controlled resources such as land collectively. Statement 2 is incorrect as Vedic orthodoxy was an established practice in these kingdoms. Statement 3 is incorrect as the priestly class enjoyed a preeminent status in the monarchical Mahajanapadas, not in the gana-sanghas.
Answer 8: (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: Statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct. The sixth century BCE was associated with the development of coinage, practice of gana oligarchies in mahajanapadas, and the growth of diverse systems of thought including Buddhism and Jainism. Statement 1 is incorrect as silver was being used since Harappan times, not introduced in the sixth century BCE.
Answer 9: (c) Magadha and Kosala
Explanation: Among the sixteen Mahajanapadas, Magadha and Kosala were the most prominent during the sixth century BCE. They emerged as powerful kingdoms and played crucial roles in the political landscape of ancient India during this period.
Answer 10: (c) 2 and 4 only
Explanation: Statements 2 and 4 are correct. Iron technology played a crucial role in expanding agriculture and settlements during this period. Most Mahajanapada capitals were located on major trade routes, facilitating economic growth. Statement 1 is incorrect as cities emerged primarily due to economic factors like trade and commerce, not just political reasons. Statement 3 is incorrect as the rise of Buddhism and Jainism had significant impacts on urban development during this period.