12 NCERT CBSE
History: Kings,
Farmers and Towns: Early States and Economics
Kings, Farmers, and Towns: Early States and Economies in Ancient India
High School History | Comprehensive MCQ Assessment & Review
Lesson Summary & Overview
This lesson assessment delves into the fascinating period of early Indian history, spanning from the post-Harappan era to the rise of major empires like the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE). Explore the evolution of agricultural settlements, the emergence of pastoral societies, and significant developments such as the composition of the Rigveda and the creation of megaliths. The module meticulously examines the socio-economic and political transformations that led to the formation of early states, including the influential sixteen Mahajanapadas, with a particular focus on the ascendancy of Magadha and the subsequent Mauryan Empire.
Key concepts covered include the crucial role of historical sources like inscriptions (deciphered by figures like James Prinsep), texts, coins, and archaeological finds in reconstructing ancient narratives. Students will understand the principles of Asoka's Dhamma, the administrative structure of early empires, and the diverse forms of governance, from monarchies to oligarchies. The assessment also explores economic innovations such as plough agriculture, transplantation, and irrigation, alongside the development of urban centers, trade networks, and the introduction of coinage. Learn about the social stratification within rural communities, the practice of land grants, and the concept of divine kingship adopted by rulers like the Kushanas.
This comprehensive assessment is designed to reinforce understanding of the political, economic, and social landscape of early India. It emphasizes critical thinking by analyzing the strengths and limitations of historical evidence, popular perceptions of rulers, and the complex interplay between political changes and societal developments. Mastering these topics is essential for a holistic grasp of ancient Indian civilization and its enduring legacy.
Theme Analysis & Strategy
Main ThemeEarly Indian States and Economies
Subject CategoryHistory
Key Concepts
Question FocusThis assessment focuses on testing factual recall, conceptual understanding, and analytical skills regarding the political, economic, and social developments in early India. Questions cover major dynasties, key individuals, historical sources, administrative systems, and economic practices.
What is the study of inscriptions called?
Hint: The answer is a specialized term for the study of writings engraved on hard surfaces.
Answer
Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions.
Explanation
The text explicitly defines 'Epigraphy' as the study of inscriptions, which are writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal, or pottery.
Who was responsible for deciphering the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in the 1830s?
Hint: He was an officer in the mint of the East India Company.
Answer
James Prinsep deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
Explanation
The text states that James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in the 1830s.
The sixth century BCE is considered a major turning point in early Indian history due to which of the following developments?
Hint: Think about the political and urban changes mentioned for this period.
Answer
The sixth century BCE is associated with the emergence of early states and cities.
Explanation
The text states, 'The sixth century BCE is often regarded as a major turning point in early Indian history. It is an era associated with early states, cities, the growing use of iron, the development of coinage, etc.'
What were the sixteen states mentioned in early Buddhist and Jaina texts known as?
Hint: This term refers to the 'great states' of that era.
Answer
The sixteen states were known as Mahajanapadas.
Explanation
Early Buddhist and Jaina texts mention sixteen states known as 'mahajanapadas'.
In some Mahajanapadas, power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called rajas. What were these states known as?
Hint: Think about the form of government where power is exercised by a group.
Answer
These states were known as oligarchies, or ganas/sanghas.
Explanation
The text explains, 'While most mahajanapadas were ruled by kings, some, known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies... where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called rajas.'
Which Sanskrit texts laid down norms for rulers and other social categories from c. sixth century BCE onwards?
Hint: These texts prescribed ideal behavior for various social groups, including kings.
Answer
Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras.
Explanation
The text states, 'From c. sixth century BCE onwards, Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras. These laid down norms for rulers (as well as for other social categories)...'
What was considered a legitimate means of acquiring wealth for states in ancient India?
Hint: Consider the methods states used to gain resources beyond taxation.
Answer
Raids on neighbouring states were recognized as a legitimate means of acquiring wealth.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'What we do know is that raids on neighbouring states were recognised as a legitimate means of acquiring wealth.'
Which of the following was NOT a reason for Magadha becoming the most powerful mahajanapada between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, according to modern historians?
Hint: Review the specific geographical and resource advantages mentioned for Magadha.
Answer
Exclusive control over all long-distance trade routes was not listed as a reason for Magadha's power.
Explanation
Modern historians explain Magadha's power through productive agriculture, accessible iron mines, elephants for the army, and cheap communication via the Ganga. Exclusive control over all long-distance trade routes is not mentioned as a specific reason.
Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Hint: He was Asoka's grandfather.
Answer
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire.
Explanation
The text states, 'Chandragupta Maurya, who founded the empire (c. 321 BCE), extended control as far northwest as Afghanistan and Baluchistan...'
Which famous Mauryan ruler conquered Kalinga?
Hint: He is arguably the most famous ruler of early India.
Answer
Asoka conquered Kalinga.
Explanation
The text mentions Asoka, 'arguably the most famous ruler of early India, conquered Kalinga (present-day coastal Orissa).'
Which of the following is considered one of the most valuable sources for reconstructing the history of the Mauryan Empire, particularly for Asoka's reign?
Hint: These were messages inscribed directly by the ruler.
Answer
Asokan inscriptions are among the most valuable sources for the Mauryan Empire.
Explanation
The text states, 'While these are useful, the inscriptions of Asoka (c. 272/268-231 BCE) on rocks and pillars are often regarded as amongst the most valuable sources.'
What did Asoka proclaim as 'dhamma' through his inscriptions?
Hint: Think about the ethical and moral guidelines he promoted.
Answer
Asoka's dhamma included principles like respect for elders, generosity, and kind treatment of slaves.
Explanation
Asoka used inscriptions to proclaim 'dhamma', which 'included respect towards elders, generosity towards Brahmanas and those who renounced worldly life, treating slaves and servants kindly, and respect for religions and traditions other than one’s own.'
Which city served as the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
Hint: It is present-day Patna.
Answer
Pataliputra was the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
Explanation
The text lists Pataliputra as the capital and Taxila, Ujjayini, Tosali, and Suvarnagiri as provincial centres of the Mauryan Empire.
Why did historians conclude that the vast Mauryan Empire likely did NOT have a uniform administrative system?
Hint: Consider the geographical and cultural variations across the empire.
Answer
The diversity of regions within the empire made a uniform administrative system unlikely.
Explanation
Historians have increasingly come to realise that a uniform administrative system was unlikely due to the sheer diversity of regions included within the empire, citing the contrast between Afghanistan's hilly terrain and Orissa's coast.
What were the special officers appointed by Asoka to spread the message of dhamma called?
Hint: Their role was to propagate Asoka's principles.
Answer
Special officers known as the dhamma mahamatta were appointed to spread the message of dhamma.
Explanation
The text states, 'Special officers, known as the dhamma mahamatta, were appointed to spread the message of dhamma.'
The chiefdoms of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas emerged in which region of the subcontinent?
Hint: This region is known as the ancient Tamil country.
Answer
The Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas emerged in the Deccan and further south, in Tamilakam.
Explanation
The text specifies, 'The new kingdoms that emerged in the Deccan and further south, including the chiefdoms of the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas in Tamilakam...'
Which of the following describes a 'chief' in a chiefdom, as explained in the text?
Hint: Distinguish between a chief and a king based on how they acquire resources and maintain power.
Answer
A chief is a powerful man who receives gifts from subordinates and distributes them, often without regular armies.
Explanation
The text defines a chief as 'a powerful man whose position may or may not be hereditary. He derives support from his kinfolk... He receives gifts from his subordinates (unlike kings who usually collect taxes) and often distributes these amongst his supporters. Generally, there are no regular armies and officials in chiefdoms.'
Which rulers adopted the title 'devaputra' or 'son of god' to claim high status?
Hint: They ruled a vast kingdom from Central Asia to northwest India.
Answer
Kushana rulers adopted the title 'devaputra'.
Explanation
The text states, 'Many Kushana rulers also adopted the title devaputra, or “son of god”, possibly inspired by Chinese rulers who called themselves sons of heaven.'
What were 'samantas' in the context of the Gupta Empire?
Hint: Their power could fluctuate depending on the strength of the central ruler.
Answer
Samantas were men who maintained themselves through local resources and provided military support to rulers.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Many of these depended on samantas, men who maintained themselves through local resources including control over land. They offered homage and provided military support to rulers.'
What are 'prashastis'?
Hint: The Prayaga Prashasti is a famous example.
Answer
Prashastis are inscriptions composed in praise of kings and patrons by poets.
Explanation
The text mentions 'prashastis, composed in praise of kings in particular, and patrons in general, by poets.'
What did stories like the Gandatindu Jataka suggest about the relationship between kings and their subjects?
Hint: The story describes subjects cursing a wicked king and abandoning their village.
Answer
The Jataka stories suggested that the relationship between kings and subjects could often be strained due to high taxes and oppression.
Explanation
The Gandatindu Jataka describes subjects cursing a wicked king for their miseries and complaining about tax collectors, indicating a strained relationship where 'kings frequently tried to fill their coffers by demanding high taxes, and peasants particularly found such demands oppressive.'
Which agricultural strategy involved first broadcasting seeds and then transplanting saplings in waterlogged fields?
Hint: This method ensures higher survival rates for saplings.
Answer
This strategy is called transplantation, primarily used for paddy cultivation.
Explanation
The text defines transplantation: 'Here, seeds are first broadcast; when the saplings have grown they are transplanted in waterlogged fields. This ensures a higher ratio of survival of saplings and higher yields.'
Why was the iron-tipped ploughshare's use restricted to certain parts of the subcontinent, such as the Ganga and Kaveri valleys?
Hint: Consider the type of soil and climate where it would be most beneficial.
Answer
The iron-tipped ploughshare was effective in fertile alluvial river valleys with high rainfall, limiting its use elsewhere.
Explanation
The text states, 'The iron-tipped ploughshare was used to turn the alluvial soil in areas which had high rainfall. While the iron ploughshare led to a growth in agricultural productivity, its use was restricted to certain parts of the subcontinent – cultivators in areas which were semi-arid... did not adopt it... and those living in hilly tracts... practised hoe agriculture, which was much better suited to the terrain.'
What term was often used in Pali texts to designate landless agricultural labourers, small peasants, and large landholders?
Hint: This term also referred to the owner or head of a household.
Answer
The term 'gahapati' was often used in Pali texts.
Explanation
The text states, 'The term gahapati was often used in Pali texts to designate the second and third categories [small peasants, as well as large landholders].' The definition box further clarifies its meaning as owner/master of a household and often a marker of status.
What was an 'agrahara'?
Hint: This was a special type of land grant with specific exemptions.
Answer
An agrahara was land granted to a Brahmana, usually exempted from paying land revenue.
Explanation
The text defines an 'agrahara' as 'land granted to a Brahmana, who was usually exempted from paying land revenue and other dues to the king, and was often given the right to collect these dues from the local people.'
What is one of the debated impacts of land grants among historians?
Hint: Consider the two main viewpoints presented by historians.
Answer
Historians debate whether land grants were a strategy to extend agriculture or an indication of weakening political power.
Explanation
The text states, 'The impact of land grants is a subject of heated debate among historians. Some feel that land grants were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to extend agriculture to new areas. Others suggest that land grants were indicative of weakening political power...'
Which of the following was NOT a typical location for major towns in early India?
Hint: Think about the primary factors that facilitated trade and communication for urban centers.
Answer
Major towns were not typically located deep within dense, inaccessible forests.
Explanation
The text states, 'Virtually all major towns were located along routes of communication. Some such as Pataliputra were on riverine routes. Others, such as Ujjayini, were along land routes, and yet others, such as Puhar, were near the coast, from where sea routes began.' Dense, inaccessible forests would hinder these communication routes.
What were 'shrenis' or 'guilds' in early urban centers?
Hint: These organizations managed aspects of production and trade.
Answer
Shrenis or guilds were organizations of craft producers and merchants.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Sometimes, guilds or shrenis, organisations of craft producers and merchants, are mentioned as well. These guilds probably procured raw materials, regulated production, and marketed the finished product.'
What goods were in high demand in the Roman Empire, leading to their transport across the Arabian Sea from India?
Hint: The 'Periplus of the Erythraean Sea' describes these exports.
Answer
Spices, especially pepper, textiles, and medicinal plants were in high demand in the Roman Empire.
Explanation
The text states, 'Spices, especially pepper, were in high demand in the Roman Empire, as were textiles and medicinal plants, and these were all transported across the Arabian Sea to the Mediterranean.'
What type of early coins were made of silver and copper, with symbols punched or stamped onto their surface?
Hint: Their name describes their manufacturing method.
Answer
Punch-marked coins were made of silver and copper with symbols punched onto them.
Explanation
The text describes 'Punch-marked coins made of silver and copper (c. sixth century BCE onwards) were amongst the earliest to be minted and used. These have been recovered from excavations at a number of sites...'
Which rulers issued the first coins to bear the names and images of rulers?
Hint: They established control over the north-western part of the subcontinent.
Answer
The Indo-Greeks issued the first coins to bear the names and images of rulers.
Explanation
The text states, 'The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by the Indo-Greeks, who established control over the north-western part of the subcontinent c. second century BCE.'
Which dynasty issued the largest hoards of gold coins first, virtually identical in weight with those issued by contemporary Roman emperors?
Hint: These rulers also adopted the title 'devaputra'.
Answer
The Kushanas issued the largest hoards of gold coins first.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'The Kushanas, however, issued the largest hoards of gold coins first gold coins c. first century CE. These were virtually identical in weight with those issued by contemporary Roman emperors and the Parthian rulers of Iran...'
What is 'Numismatics'?
Hint: This field helps reconstruct commercial networks.
Answer
Numismatics is the study of coins.
Explanation
The text defines 'Numismatics' as 'the study of coins, including visual elements such as scripts and images, metallurgical analysis and the contexts in which they have been found.'
Most scripts used to write modern Indian languages are derived from which ancient script?
Hint: This script was used in most Asokan inscriptions.
Answer
Most modern Indian scripts are derived from Brahmi.
Explanation
The text states, 'Most scripts used to write modern Indian languages are derived from Brahmi, the script used in most Asokan inscriptions.'
Which two titles were adopted by Asoka and mentioned in his inscriptions, often translated as 'beloved of the gods' and 'pleasant to behold'?
Hint: These titles helped epigraphists identify his inscriptions.
Answer
Asoka adopted the titles Devanampiya and Piyadassi.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Note that the name of the ruler, Asoka, is not mentioned in the inscription (Source 10). What is used instead are titles adopted by the ruler – devanampiya, often translated as “beloved of the gods” and piyadassi, or “pleasant to behold”.'
What is one of the limitations of inscriptional evidence, particularly regarding widespread understanding?
Hint: Consider the general literacy rates in ancient times.
Answer
Most people were probably not literate, which limited who could read the inscriptions.
Explanation
The text highlights this limitation: 'If a king’s orders were inscribed on natural rocks near cities or important routes of communication, would passers-by have stopped to read these? Most people were probably not literate.'
What type of elaborate stone structures for the disposal of the dead emerged in central and south India from the first millennium BCE?
Hint: These structures often contained iron tools and weapons.
Answer
Megaliths were elaborate stone structures for the disposal of the dead.
Explanation
The text states, 'New modes of disposal of the dead, including the making of elaborate stone structures known as megaliths, emerged in central and south India from the first millennium BCE.'
When scholars began reconstructing early Indian history in the nineteenth century, what was a significant aspect of the Mauryan Empire that resonated with Indian historians under colonial rule?
Hint: Think about the context of India being part of the British empire at that time.
Answer
The possibility of an empire in early India was both challenging and exciting for Indian historians under colonial rule.
Explanation
The text explains, 'India was then under colonial rule, and was part of the British empire. Nineteenth and early twentieth century Indian historians found the possibility that there was an empire in early India both challenging and exciting.'
What was the Prakrit name for present-day Rajgir, the initial capital of Magadha?
Hint: The name means 'house of the king'.
Answer
Rajagaha was the Prakrit name for Rajgir.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Initially, Rajagaha (the Prakrit name for present-day Rajgir in Bihar) was the capital of Magadha.'
Why did European scholars, working on deciphering Kharosthi, find the coins of Indo-Greek kings particularly helpful?
Hint: Knowing one script helped unlock the other.
Answer
Indo-Greek coins contained names of kings in both Greek and Kharosthi, which scholars could compare.
Explanation
The text explains, 'These coins contain the names of kings written in Greek and Kharosthi scripts. European scholars who could read the former compared the letters.'
According to Megasthenes, which branch of the Mauryan military committee was responsible for managing transport and provisions?
Hint: This subcommittee's activities included arranging carts and procuring food.
Answer
The second subcommittee managed transport and provisions.
Explanation
Megasthenes mentions a committee with six subcommittees, and 'the second managed transport and provisions.'
What is one of the theories historians propose for the tapering off of gold coin finds from c. sixth century CE onwards?
Hint: This theory links the economic situation in India to a major event in the Roman world.
Answer
One theory is that long-distance trade declined with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
Explanation
The text states, 'Some suggest that with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire long-distance trade declined, and this affected the prosperity of the states, communities and regions that had benefited from it.'
The 'Arthashastra,' a treatise on statecraft, is traditionally believed to have been composed by which minister of Chandragupta Maurya?
Hint: He was a key advisor to the founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer
The Arthashastra was probably composed by Kautilya or Chanakya.
Explanation
The text states, 'Another source that is often used is the Arthashastra, parts of which were probably composed by Kautilya or Chanakya, traditionally believed to be the minister of Chandragupta.'
Based on the description of 'gahapati,' which individual would most likely fit this designation?
Hint: Remember the definition of 'gahapati' and its connection to ownership and status.
Answer
A wealthy merchant who owns a large household and resources would fit the 'gahapati' designation.
Explanation
The definition box states, 'A gahapati was the owner, master or head of a household, who exercised control over the women, children, slaves and workers who shared a common residence. He was also the owner of the resources – land, animals and other things – that belonged to the household. Sometimes the term was used as a marker of status for men belonging to the urban elite, including wealthy merchants.' A wealthy merchant with a large household fits this description, including the 'urban elite' aspect.
The Rigveda was composed by people living along which rivers?
Hint: This occurred during the long span following the end of the Harappan civilization.
Answer
The Rigveda was composed by people living along the Indus and its tributaries.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'This was also the period during which the Rigveda was composed by people living along the Indus and its tributaries.'
What did James Prinsep find about most of the earliest inscriptions and coins he deciphered?
Hint: This discovery was crucial in identifying a famous ruler.
Answer
Most inscriptions and coins mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi.
Explanation
The text states, 'He found that most of these mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi – meaning “pleasant to behold”; there were a few inscriptions which also referred to the king as Asoka...'
The emergence of 'vellalar,' 'uzhavar,' and 'adimai' in early Tamil literature indicates what about rural society?
Hint: These terms represent different categories of people, from landowners to slaves.
Answer
It indicates increasing differentiation based on differential access to land, labor, and new technologies.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Early Tamil literature (the Sangam texts) also mentions different categories of people living in the villages – large landowners or vellalar, ploughmen or uzhavar and slaves or adimai. It is likely that these differences were based on differential access to land, labour and some of the new technologies.' This clearly shows growing differentiation.
Which term was used in Tamil to refer to successful merchants?
Hint: Other terms like 'setthis' and 'satthavahas' were used in Prakrit.
Answer
Successful merchants were designated as 'masattuvan' in Tamil.
Explanation
The text states, 'Successful merchants, designated as masattuvan in Tamil and setthis and satthavahas in Prakrit, could become enormously rich.'
Which Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya wrote an account that survives in fragments and is valuable for reconstructing Mauryan history?
Hint: His work provides insights into Mauryan administration and society.
Answer
Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador whose account is valuable.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Also valuable are contemporary works, such as the account of Megasthenes (a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya), which survives in fragments.'
According to Sanskrit legal texts, what was the general rule regarding women's access to resources like land?
Hint: The case of Prabhavati Gupta was noted as exceptional.
Answer
Sanskrit legal texts stated that women were not supposed to have independent access to resources such as land.
Explanation
The text states, 'According to Sanskrit legal texts, women were not supposed to have independent access to resources such as land. However, the inscription indicates that Prabhavati had access to land, which she then granted. This may have been because she was a queen... and her situation was therefore exceptional.'
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