✨ Section – A (MCQs, 1×21=21)
Q1. Who is the author of ‘My Archaeological Mission to India and Pakistan’, 1976?
(A) John Marshall
(B) R.E.M. Wheeler
(C) Cunningham
(D) Ernest Mackay
✔ Answer: (B) R.E.M. Wheeler
🔎 Explanation: R.E.M. Wheeler, a British archaeologist, carried out excavations in India and Pakistan and authored this work.
Q2. The collection of rules for monks and nuns in Buddhist monasteries is found in which Pitaka?
(A) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(B) Sutta Pitaka
(C) Vinaya Pitaka
(D) Ashokavadana
✔ Answer: (C) Vinaya Pitaka
🔎 Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka of the Tripitaka contains monastic rules for Buddhist monks and nuns.
Q3. Which European traveller gave a detailed account of South India’s trade and society?
(A) Duarte Barbosa
(B) Jean Baptiste Tavernier
(C) Bernier
(D) Manucci
✔ Answer: (A) Duarte Barbosa
🔎 Explanation: Portuguese traveller Duarte Barbosa described South India’s society and commerce.
Q4. Identify the picture –
(A) Carvings on Mahanavami Dibba
(B) Sculpture on the walls of Hazara Rama temple
(C) Lotus Mahal
(D) Elephant stables
✔ Answer: (A) Carvings on Mahanavami Dibba
🔎 Explanation: The given sculpture is from Vijayanagara’s Mahanavami Dibba.
Q5. In which Buddhist text is Ashoka mentioned as redistributing Buddha’s relics and constructing stupas?
(A) Ashokavadana
(B) Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(C) Vibhaṅga Pitaka
(D) Abhidhamma Pitaka
✔ Answer: (A) Ashokavadana
🔎 Explanation: The Ashokavadana records that Ashoka redistributed relics and built stupas.
Q6. Which statements are correct about Nath, Jogis and Siddha traditions?
(i) They were outside orthodox Brahmanical ideas.
(ii) Many followers belonged to artisan groups.
(iii) They challenged the authority of the Vedas.
(iv) They enjoyed royal patronage due to their popularity.
(A) Only (i) and (ii) are correct
(B) Only (ii) and (iii) are correct
(C) Only (i), (ii), (iii) are correct
(D) All (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) are correct
✔ Answer: (D) All are correct
🔎 Explanation: The Nath and Siddha groups challenged Brahmanical orthodoxy and attracted artisans, while rulers also patronised them.
Q7. Assertion–Reason
Assertion (A): Most Harappan sites were in semi-arid zones, therefore irrigation was necessary.
Reason (R): At Dholavira (Gujarat), reservoirs were used for water storage for agriculture.
(A) Both A and R are true and R explains A
(B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
(C) A is true, R is false
(D) A is false, R is true
✔ Answer: (A)
🔎 Explanation: The water management system at Dholavira proves the need for irrigation in semi-arid Harappan regions.
Q8. Who prepared the first survey map of India?
(A) Thomas Hickey
(B) Bernier
(C) Colonel Colin Mackenzie
(D) Domingo Paes
✔ Answer: (C) Colonel Colin Mackenzie
🔎 Explanation: Mackenzie prepared India’s first systematic survey map.
Q9. The sculpture of ‘Shalabhanjika’ is considered a symbol of –
(A) Peace
(B) Love
(C) Auspiciousness
(D) Beauty
✔ Answer: (C) Auspiciousness
🔎 Explanation: Shalabhanjika (tree nymph) represents fertility and auspiciousness.
Q10. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding Vijayanagara empire?
(A) It was founded by Harihara and Bukka.
(B) Krishnadeva Raya belonged to the Gupta dynasty.
(C) He conquered the Raichur Doab.
(D) He established the suburban town of Nagalapuram.
✔ Answer: (B)
🔎 Explanation: Krishnadeva Raya was of the Tuluva dynasty, not the Gupta dynasty.
Q11. This Shaka ruler of the 2nd century CE repaired the Sudarshan lake.
(A) Samudragupta
(B) Chandragupta
(C) Kanishka
(D) Rudradaman
✔ Answer: (D) Rudradaman
🔎 Explanation: The Junagadh inscription states that Rudradaman repaired Sudarshan lake.
Q12. Who among the following described land revenue as ‘remuneration of sovereignty’?
(A) Abul Fazl
(B) Bernier
(C) Abdur Razzaq
(D) Peter Mundy
✔ Answer: (A) Abul Fazl
🔎 Explanation: In Ain-i-Akbari, Abul Fazl justified land revenue as the king’s due remuneration.
Q13. Match the following:
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| (i) Tree | (d) Buddha’s enlightenment |
| (ii) Tirtha place | (a) Mahaparinirvana |
| (iii) Wheel | (c) Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath |
| (iv) Stupa | (b) Buddha’s meditation state |
✔ Correct Answer: (B) i-d, ii-a, iii-c, iv-b
Q14. ‘Anutsavaplya’ is a text in which language?
(A) Tamil
(B) Telugu
(C) Kannada
(D) Sanskrit
✔ Answer: (B) Telugu
Q15. Archaeologists named the Ganeshwar–Jodhpura culture after which site?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Shodhpur
(C) Khetri
(D) Balakot
✔ Answer: (C) Khetri
🔎 Explanation: The copper artefacts of Ganeshwar–Jodhpura culture were linked to Khetri mines.
Q16. Which is the most didactic portion of the Mahabharata?
(A) Adi Parva
(B) Drona Parva
(C) Bhishma Parva (Bhagavad Gita)
(D) Virata Parva
✔ Answer: (C) Bhishma Parva (Bhagavad Gita)
Q17. From which Harappan site no faience vessels have been found?
(A) Mohenjodaro
(B) Harappa
(C) Kalibangan
(D) Nageshwar
✔ Answer: (C) Kalibangan
Q18. The anthology of Tamil hymns known as the Tamil Veda is –
(A) Nalayira Divyaprabandham
(B) Tatsama
(C) Padmavat
(D) Nedunalvadai
✔ Answer: (A) Nalayira Divyaprabandham
Q19. Why did Bernier consider the absence of private property in Mughal India harmful?
(A) He thought it harmful for both rulers and subjects.
(B) Because the Mughal emperor had no control over all land.
(C) He regarded absence of private ownership as good.
(D) State ownership reduced productivity.
✔ Answer: (A)
🔎 Explanation: Bernier argued that lack of private ownership discouraged agricultural development.
Q20. This was the capital of Magadha in the 4th century BCE; Hsuan Tsang saw its ruins in the 7th century CE.
(A) Ujjain
(B) Pataliputra
(C) Mathura
(D) Kaveripattinam (Puhar)
✔ Answer: (B) Pataliputra
Q21. Hampi was declared a site of national importance in which year?
(A) 1976 CE
(B) 1977 CE
(C) 1978 CE
(D) 1980 CE
✔ Answer: (A) 1976 CE
✨ Section – B (3 Marks Questions)
Q22. What do archaeologists learn about social and economic differences among Harappan people? Explain the methods used.
Answer:
- Study of Burials: Different grave goods (beads, pottery, ornaments) show economic and social variations.
- House Patterns: Larger houses with many rooms vs. smaller ones indicate class distinctions.
- Artefacts & Crafts: Precious materials like gold/jewellery were confined to elites; commoners used pottery/stone.
(OR Alternative Q22) “In Harappan civilisation, public structures were used for specific purposes.” Evaluate this statement.
Answer:
- Great Bath at Mohenjodaro: Possibly used for ritual bathing and ceremonies.
- Granaries & Warehouses: For storage and distribution of grains, showing state control.
- Town planning features: Large platforms and citadels were for collective/public functions, not private use.
Q23. Describe the role of coins in reconstructing the history of the Gupta period.
Answer:
- Political History: Gold and silver coins bear names and titles of rulers, confirming dynasties and succession.
- Economic Conditions: Abundance of gold coins under Gupta kings indicates prosperity and trade.
- Religion & Culture: Coins depict deities (Lakshmi, Vishnu) and royal images, showing patronage of Hinduism and cultural life.
Q24. Explain any three features of the teachings of the Sufi saints.
Answer:
- Unity of God: Belief in one supreme God; stressed love and devotion to Him.
- Universal Brotherhood: Rejected caste distinctions; equality of all before God.
- Simple Living: Opposed external rituals; emphasised meditation, music (sama), and spiritual devotion.
Q25. Explain the significance of the Amara-Nayaka system under Vijayanagara rulers.
Answer:
- Military Chiefs: Amara-nayakas were military commanders who maintained troops for the king.
- Administrative Role: They collected taxes from their territories and maintained law and order.
- Loyalty to the King: In return, they received land grants; their power ensured stability of the Vijayanagara empire.
Q26. What is the importance of inscriptions for reconstructing history? Give examples.
Answer:
- Political Events: Inscriptions record conquests, land grants, royal titles (e.g., Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta).
- Economic Life: Mention land ownership, taxation, donations to temples.
- Religious & Cultural Information: Copper plates and temple inscriptions describe patronage to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
Q27. What were the features of the administration of Akbar as given in Ain-i-Akbari?
Answer:
- Centralised Administration: Emperor was supreme; nobles held mansabs according to rank.
- Revenue System: Todar Mal introduced Dahsala system – revenue based on average yield and prices.
- Religious Policy: Akbar promoted Sulh-i-kul (universal peace) ensuring tolerance and harmony.
✨ Section – C (8 Marks Questions, Detailed Answers)
Q28. Examine the religious developments that took place in India during 600 BCE – 600 CE.
Answer (Approx. 330 words):
The period between 600 BCE and 600 CE was marked by major religious changes in India. While Vedic traditions such as sacrifices and hymns continued, new religions emerged to question ritualism.
Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha, who taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasising a Middle Way of moderation. He rejected caste distinctions and stressed ethical living, meditation, and nirvana. Buddhist sanghas and viharas grew, and stupas like Sanchi and Amaravati became important centres of worship. Later, Buddhism divided into Hinayana (which followed original teachings) and Mahayana (which worshipped Buddha in image form).
At the same time, Jainism, founded by Mahavira, emphasised ahimsa (non-violence), truth, celibacy, and strict asceticism. Jain monks followed the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas). Jainism attracted traders and artisans and spread across western and southern India.
Hinduism also underwent changes. Vedic sacrifices became less central, while worship of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti grew popular. Temples and cults developed around these gods. Bhakti traditions also began, which stressed personal devotion to God.
Thus, this period saw the co-existence of Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and early Bhakti traditions, marking a transformation in Indian religious life.
Q29. Describe the expansion of the Mughal Empire under Akbar.
Answer (Approx. 340 words):
Akbar (1556–1605) was the greatest Mughal ruler who expanded his empire widely. After consolidating Delhi and Agra, he conquered Malwa and Gondwana. In 1572, he annexed Gujarat, giving control of rich ports like Surat and access to western trade. In 1574, he conquered Bengal, extending Mughal authority to eastern India.
Akbar followed a wise Rajput policy: he married Rajput princesses and secured alliances with Amer and Jodhpur, gaining loyalty of Rajput rulers. This helped integrate diverse regions.
He expanded northwards, annexing Kashmir (1586), Sindh (1591), and Kabul (1585), which secured Mughal frontiers. In the Deccan, he annexed Ahmadnagar, Berar, and Khandesh, though expansion in the south remained incomplete.
His empire stretched from Kabul in the northwest to Bengal in the east, and from Kashmir in the north to the Deccan in the south. Along with conquests, Akbar introduced Mansabdari system to maintain a strong army and Todar Mal’s revenue reforms, which strengthened control.
Thus, Akbar created a vast, stable, and integrated empire, making the Mughal state the strongest power in India.
Q30. Discuss the contributions of Krishnadeva Raya to the glory of Vijayanagara Empire.
Answer (Approx. 340 words):
Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529 CE) of the Tuluva dynasty was the greatest ruler of Vijayanagara. Militarily, he achieved victories over Orissa, Bijapur, and Raichur Doab, making Vijayanagara the most powerful state in South India. Foreign travellers like Domingo Paes praised his strength and administration.
He consolidated the Amara-Nayaka system, giving military chiefs land in return for loyalty and soldiers. This strengthened his army and administrative control. He also patronised different faiths: though a Vaishnava devotee, he supported Shaivism and other sects.
Culturally, Krishnadeva Raya was a great patron of literature. He himself composed Amuktamalyada in Telugu, and supported Sanskrit and Kannada scholars. His court was adorned by the “Ashtadiggajas” (eight great poets).
In architecture, he beautified Hampi, building temples, halls, and shrines. Notable works include the Hazara Rama temple and Vitthala temple with its famous stone chariot.
Thus, Krishnadeva Raya’s reign marked the political peak, cultural prosperity, and artistic splendour of Vijayanagara, earning him the title “Andhra Bhoja”.
Section D – Source Based (4 Marks each)
Q31. Harappan Seals
Made of steatite, terracotta, copper.
Important for script & motifs.
Used in trade, identity marks, rituals.
Q32. Ain-i-Akbari (Abul Fazl)
Provinces called Subas.
Headed by Subadar (Governor).
Duties: maintain law/order, collect revenue.
Q33. Domingo Paes on Vijayanagara
Described Krishnadeva Raya.
Qualities: cheerful, intelligent, feared by enemies.
Foreign accounts help reconstruct economy, polity, society.
Section E – Map Based (5 Marks)
Locate & label the following on outline map of India:
- Dholavira (Harappan site, Gujarat)
- Sanchi (Buddhist site, Madhya Pradesh)
- Prayag/Allahabad (Gupta centre, Uttar Pradesh)
- Amritsar (Bhakti-Sufi centre, Punjab)
- Hampi (Vijayanagara, Karnataka)
