Static Quiz 07 March 2026 (Ancient History)

Q1. With reference to the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), consider the following statements:

1. The civilization was primarily urban in character.
2. Evidence of iron tools has been found at Harappan sites.
3. The civilization had a standardized system of weights and measures.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct — IVC was one of the earliest urban civilizations with planned cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira.

Statement 2: Incorrect — Iron was not known to the Harappans; they mainly used copper and bronze.

Statement 3: Correct — Harappans used standardized cubical stone weights based on binary multiples.

Q2. Which of the following features are associated with the Rig Vedic society?

1. Predominantly pastoral economy
2. Use of iron ploughshare
3. Tribal political organization under a chief called Rajan

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

• Rig Vedic economy was largely pastoral, with cattle as the main measure of wealth.
• Iron technology became common later in the Later Vedic period, not in early Rig Vedic times.
• Political organization was tribal, headed by a Rajan.

Q3. With reference to Buddhist councils, consider the following statements:

1. The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha during the reign of Ajatashatru.
2. The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaishali.
3. The Third Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of Ashoka at Pataliputra.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

• First Council (Rajagriha) — Patron: Ajatashatru; presided by Mahakassapa.
• Second Council (Vaishali) — dealt with monastic discipline issues.
• Third Council (Pataliputra) — Patron: Ashoka; presided by Moggaliputta Tissa.

Q4. Assertion (A): Ashokan inscriptions are important sources for reconstructing Mauryan history.

Reason (R): They provide direct evidence about the administration and moral policies of Ashoka.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is correct but R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect but R is correct

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

• Ashokan rock and pillar edicts provide information on:
  • Dhamma policy
  • Administrative measures
  • Welfare activities
  • Relations with neighbouring kingdoms.

They are among the earliest deciphered inscriptions (James Prinsep, 1837).

Q5. With reference to the Sangam literature, consider the following statements:

1. It provides information about early Tamil society.
2. The works were composed mainly in Prakrit language.
3. It mentions the Chera, Chola and Pandya rulers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct — Sangam texts describe society, economy, warfare and trade of early Tamilakam.

Statement 2: Incorrect — They were composed mainly in classical Tamil, not Prakrit.

Statement 3: Correct — References to Chera, Chola and Pandya kingdoms are frequent.

---