Question bank

Chapter-1   New Ideas
Q-1

Match the following columns:
Q-2

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) What is the 'Eight Fold Path'?
(2) Name a few countries where Buddhism spread.
(3) What is the meaning of 'Upanishad'?
(4) Mention the factors responsible for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism.
(5) What do you know about the life of Vardhman Mahavira?
(6) Describe briefly the teachings of Jainism.
(7) Give a short account of the life of Lord Buddha.
(8) List the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Q-3

Distinguish between:
(1) Buddhism and Jainism
(2) Shwetambaras and Digambaras
(3) Moksha and Nirvana
Q-4 Fill in the blanks:
(a) The word 'Upanishad' literally means ______________.
(b) Buddha was the prince of _____________.
(c) Siddhartha was married to ______________.
(d) Buddha delivered his first sermon at _______________.
(f) When Siddhartha left his home, the event is known as _____________
(e) The father of Mahavira was the head of a ____________
Q-5 True or False:
(a) Gautam Buddha had a son named Rahul.
(b) The tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment is called Peepal tree.
(c) Jainism suggests three jewels to achieve moksha from the cycle of birth and death.
(d) Buddha and Mahavira preached in Sanskrit.
(e) Buddhism and Jainism tried to do away with the evils of the Vedic religion.
Q-6 One word answer:
(a) Sitting at the feet of the guru.
(b) Freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
(c) Salvation of an individual from death and birth.
(d) Jains who wear white clothes.
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 Buddhism was found by ______.

(i)

Mahavira

(ii)

Zoroaster

(iii)

Ramkrishna Paramhansa
Q-2 Jainism was founded by ________.

(i)

Mahavira

(ii)

Buddha

(iii)

none of these
Q-3 The Vinaya Pitaka is a sacred text of ________.

(i)

the Buddhists

(ii)

the Jainas

(iii)

the Hindus
Q-4 Buddha used ____________ to communicate with people.

(i)

Prakrit

(ii)

Sanskrit

(iii)

none of these
Chapter-2   The First Empire: Mauryan Empire
Q-1

Match the following columns:
Q-2 Fill in the blanks:
(a) Chandragupta's chief minister _____________ wrote the Arthashastra.
(b) _________________is a part of our national flag.
(c) The best known stupas of Ashoka's reign is at ______________.
(d) Chandragupta defeated ______________.
(e) Ashoka's appointed new officials, called the __________ to preach his Dhamma.
(f) The author of lndica is _________
(g) The capital of Mauryan empire was ______________
(h) The founder of Mauryan empire was ________
(i) The Kalinga war was fought in ___________ BC.
(j) Patliputra is situated in ____________
Q-3 True or False:
(a) Ashoka's empire included the kingdoms of the far or extreme south.
(b) Seleucus sent the Greek ambassador, Megasthenes, to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
(c) The edicts of Ashoka are written in Sanskrit language.
(d) Kalinga was conquered in 281 BC.
(e) Chandragupta was the founder of Mauryan dynasty. 
Q-4 One word answer:
(a) A group of provinces ruled under a single supreme ruler.
(b) A statement issued by the government for the public.
(c) Dome like structures where Buddhist monks lived.
(d) Structures in which monks lived and prayed.
Q-5

Answer the following questions in one or two lines:
(1). Who was the founder of the great Mauryan empire?
(2) Who was Ashoka the Great?
(3) What do you understand by Dhamma?
(4) What is the importance of Ashoka's edicts?
(5) Name the books that are the main sources for the study of the Mauryas.
Q-6

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) Write a short note on Alexander the Great.
(2) Who was Seleucus? What were his terms of surrender to Chandragupta Maurya?
(3) Indicate the three main sources of history of the Mauryan period. 
(4) State two causes of the downfall of the Mauryan empire.
(5) Write two important features of the pillars of Ashoka.
(6) Give two reasons for the prosperity of the Mauryan empire.
(7) Where did Ashoka send his missions to?
Q-7

Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Who was Chandragupta Maurya? How did he lay the foundation of the Mauryan dynasty?
(2) The Kalinga war was the turning point in the life of Ashoka. Explain.
(3) How did Ashoka promote Buddhism?
(4) Write ten sentences on the art and architecture of the Mauryas.
(5) Give an account of the salient features of Ashoka's reign.
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 Which are the animals shown in our national Emblem?

(i)

Goats

(ii)

Lions

(iii)

Bulls
Q-2 How many lions are shown in our national Emblem?

(i)

two

(ii)

three

(iii)

four
Q-3 What was the name of grandfather of Ashoka?

(i)

Krishna

(ii)

Mahavira

(iii)

Chandragupta Maurya
Q-4 Who was supported by a wise man named Chanakya?

(i)

Chandragupta

(ii)

Bindusar

(iii)

Ashoka
Chapter-3   Early Middle Kingdoms: The Golden Age
Q-1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) The capital of the Pandya kingdom was at ____________.
(b) A port town in Pandya Kingdom was ___________.
(c) The Pandyans Kingdom was famous for ____________.
(d) He was known as the Lord of South _____________.
Q-2 True or False:
(a) The king was assisted by a council of ministers.
(b) The Cheras were one of the ruling dynasties of the Sangam age who ruled over parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
(c) The Chola kingdom was situated between the Pennar and the Velur rivers.
(d) The Pandya empire was founded by a men ruler.
Q-3 One word answer:
(a) A title which kings of the north India used for themselves.
(b) Skilled workers who practice some trade or handicraft.
(c) Literary assemblies of poets held in South India.
Q-4

Match the following columns:
Q-5

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) Who was Pushyamitra Sunga?
(2) What do you know about 'Sangam Literature'?
(3) Name two important kings of the Chola dynasty.
(4) How many poems were composed during the last Sangam assembly?
Q-6

Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Briefly discuss the Satavahana administration.
(2) What do you know about the Sangam Age?
(3) Briefly discuss the life of the people under the Cholas, the Pandayas and the Cheras.
(4) Write short note on: (a) Karikala , (b) Gautamiputra Satakarni, (c) The Pandyas, (d) Sangam literature
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 ____________ was a powerful ruler of his dynasty.

(i)

Ashvamedha Yajna

(ii)

Vasudeva

(iii)

Pushyamitra Sunga
Q-2 The Sunga and Kanava dynasties were unable to make a strong hold ___________ India.

(i)

northern

(ii)

eastern

(iii)

western
Q-3 _________ were societies or academies of learned people.

(i)

Dynasties

(ii)

Sangams

(iii)

none of these
Q-4 The Sangam age produced a huge volume of _________ poetry.

(i)

English

(ii)

Hindi

(iii)

Tamil
Chapter-4   Contacts with Distant Lands
Q-1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) The capital of Kanishka was ___________.
(b) Kanishka was a great ___________.
(c) Nagasena is also known as ___________.
(d) Ashvaghosha was in the court of _____________.
(e) ______________ kingdom was once ruled by a woman.
Q-2 True or False:
(a) Menander was a Parthian.
(b) The Sakas are also called the Kushanas.
(c) Charaka was a great Indian physician.
(d) Ashvaghosha was a great Buddhist scholar.
(e) Orthodox Buddhism was called the Mahayana.
(f) Kanishka'a capital was at Purushpura.
(g) The Saka era was started by the Parth ians.
Q-3 One word answer:
(a) The Lesser Vehicle (the original form of Buddhism).
(b) The Greater Vehicle (the new form of Buddhism).
(c) The trade route between China and West Asian Rome that passed through Central Asia.
(d) A governing system where kingdom was divided into provinces.
Q-4

Match the following columns:
Q-5

Answer the following questions in short.
(1) Name the capital of Kanishka's kingdom.
(2) Where did Kanishka call the Fourth Buddhist council?
(3) To which sect of Buddhism was Kanishka related?
(4) Who is the author of 'Buddha Charita'?
(5) Who was Nagarjuna?
(6) Who was Charakka?
Q-6

Answer the following questions in detail.
(1) Write an account of Menander.
(2) Write a note on the system of government under the Sakas.
(3) Write about the achievements of Kanishka.
(4) What were the differences between the Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Art?
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 The Mauryan rulers were succeded by the __________ and the Kanavas.

(i)

Kauravas

(ii)

Pandavas

(iii)

Sungas
Q-2 The first to invade India were the _________.

(i)

Indians

(ii)

Greeks

(iii)

English
Q-3 The Greeks were followed by the ________ who came from eastern Iran.

(i)

Sakas

(ii)

Kauravas

(iii)

Pandavas
Q-4 The '__________' introduced the 'Satrap' system of government.

(i)

Kauravas

(ii)

Sakas

(iii)

none of these
Chapter-5   Political Developments (Gupta Empire)
Q-1

Match the following columns:
Q-2

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) What do you know about Chandragupta I? 
(2) Write a brief note on Samudragupta.
(3) Who assumed the title of Vikramaditya?
(4) What was the aim of Fa-Hien's visit to India?
(5) Why is the third century AD called the 'Dark Age' of ancient Indian History?
(6) Who was Kumara Devi?
(7) Which inscription throws light on Samudragupta's conquests and personal qualities?
(8) Why is Samudragupta called the 'Indian Nepoleon'?
(9) Who was Fa-Hien?
Q-3

Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Who was the founder of the Gupta empire? When and how did he found this empire?
(2) Give an account of the Gupta administration and society as described by Fa-Hien.
(3) Why is the Gupta Age called the Golden age of the ancient history of India?
(4) Discuss the progress made in the field of science, technology, art and architecture during the Gupta period.
Q-4

Write the periods of following Gupta rulers:
(1) Chandragupta I
(2) Samudragupta
(3) Chandragupta II
(4) Kumargupta
(5) Skandagupta
Q-5 Fill in the blanks:
(a) The author of Allahabad Pillar inscription was ______________.
(b) A person who travels to a holy place is called a __________.
(c) The ruler who titled himself as Vikramaditya is ____________.
(d) The greatest ruler of the Gupta dynasty was _____________.
(e) ______________invaded India during the reign of Kumaragupta.
Q-6 True or False:
(e) The Lichchahvi princess Kumara Devi was the wife of Samudragupta.
(a) The age of Gupta dynasty is called the Golden age of Indian history.
(b) Samudragupta was succeeded by Skandagupta.
(c) Kalidasa was a great Sanskrit author and poet.
(d) Fa-Hien was a Greek pilgrim.
Q-7 One word answer:
(a) Union by marriage or treaty.
(b) A piece of writing on a hard surface.
(c) Horse sacrifice indicating the supremacy of a ruler over other rulers.
(d) Person who gives support and shelter for a cause.
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 The __________ kingdom was set up in about 300 AD at Kanchi (Kanjeevaram, near Chennai).

(i)

Pallava

(ii)

Kshatriya

(iii)

none of these
Q-2 Pallavas fought many wars against the Pandyas and the ___________.

(i)

Chalukyas

(ii)

Guptas

(iii)

none of these
Q-3 Narasimhavarman I was the greatest ruler of the Pallavas.

(i)

Mahendravarman I

(ii)

Pulakeshin II

(iii)

Narasimhavarman I
Q-4 Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchi during the reign of _______.

(i)

Narasimhavarman I

(ii)

Mahendravarman I
Chapter-6   Political Developments - Harshvardhana
Q-1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) Rajyashri was the sister of ___________.
(b) Grahavarman was the ruler of ________________.
(c) The capital of the Vardhanas was ____________.
(d) Banabhatta was the court poet of _____________.
(e) Harshvardhana was a great ruler of the _________ dynasty
Q-2 True or False:
(a) Harsha ascended the throne at the age of 17 years.
(b) Su-yu-ki is a book written by Fa-Hien.
(c) Fa-Hien visited India during Harsha's time.
(d) Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese pilgrim.
(e) Harsha called the Kanauj assembly to honour himself.
Q-3 One word answer:
(a) A woman whose husband is dead.
(b) Chinese word which means 'Records of the western world'
(c) Increasing strength.
(d) The act of acceding, coming to an office.
Q-4

Match the following columns:
Q-5

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) Who was Hiuen Tsang?
(2) Who was Rajyashri?
(3) Who was Grahavarman?
Q-6

Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Why did Harshavardhana shift his capital?
(2) Why did Harsha not extend his empire to the Deccan?
(3) What were the conquests of Harsha?
(4) Harsha was a great scholar. Explain.
(5) What did Hiuen - Tsang write about Harsha's society?
(6) What were the military campaigns of Harsha?
Q-7

Answer the following questions in 30 to 40 words:
(1) How did Harshvardhana become the ruler of Kanauj?
(2) With which countries did Harsha have diplomatic relations?
(3) How do we know that Harsha was a great patron of learning?
(4) Why is Harshavardhana called the 'Indian Hatim'?
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 The first ruler of the Gupta dynasty who adopted the grand title of maharaj- adhiraja was _________.

(i)

Samudragupta

(ii)

Chandragupta

(iii)

Skandhagupta
Q-2 The dynasty of the Vardhanas ruled at ________.

(i)

Thanesar

(ii)

Tamil Nadu

(iii)

none of these
Q-3 Prabhakar Vardhana had _____ sons and one daughter.

(i)

three

(ii)

two

(iii)

four
Q-4 _______ was a great patron of art and literature.

(i)

Harsha

(ii)

Sati

(iii)

Banabhatta
Chapter-7   Political Developments - Pallavas and Chalukyas
Q-1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) The Rath Temple was built by the _____________.
(b) The devotee of Lord Shiva was known as_________________.
(c) Narsimhavarman was the ruler of ______________.
(d) The devotees of Lord Vishnu were called ____________.
(e) The capital of the Chalukays was _____________
(f) Pulkeshin II was defeated and killed by ____________
(g) ______________a Chinese traveller, visited the court of Pulkeshin II.
Q-2 True or False:
(a) The Tamil saints were patronised by the Chalukya rulers.
(b) The rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram, near Chennai were built by the Pallavas.
(c) The Pallava king Mahendravarman was a worshipper of Shiva.
(d) Hieun Tsang visited the Chalukya and the Pallava kingdoms.
Q-3 One word answer:
(a) The Tamil saints of South India who were the followers of Lord Vishnu.
(b) Tamil saints of South India who were followers of Lord Shiva.
(c) A person who supports and encourages someone for a cause.
(d) Temples chiselled out of huge rocks.
Q-4

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) In which year and where was the Pallava kingdom set up?
(2) Who was the greatest ruler of the Pallavas?
(3) Which was the reputed seat of learning in the South?
(4) Who was Dandin?
(5) Who was the founder the Chalukya dynasty?
(6) Who was the greatest ruler of the Chalukya dynasty?
Q-5

Math the following columns:
Q-6

Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Who was the most powerful king of the Chalukya dynasty? Give the names of any two kings defeated by him.
(2) Who were the Pallavas? What were their achievements in the field of architecture?
(3) The Pallavas were great patrons of art. Discuss.
(4) What do you know about the literature of the Pal lava period?
(5) What do you know about Pulakeshin II?
(6) Write a short note on art and architecture under the Chalukayas.
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 The ________ rulers were great patrons of architecture and sculpture.

(i)

Gupta

(ii)

Chalukya

(iii)

Pallava
Q-2 Kanchi was a reputed seat of learning in _________ India.

(i)

West

(ii)

South

(iii)

North
Q-3 The founder of the _________ dynasty was Pulkeshin I.

(i)

Pallava

(ii)

Chalukya

(iii)

Gupta
Q-4 _________ was the capital of Chalukyas.

(i)

Vietnam

(ii)

Vatapi

(iii)

none of these
Chapter-8   Culture and Science
Q-1 Fill in the blanks:
(a) The epic Ramayana was composed by ___________.
(b) The Bhagvad Gita is a part of ____________.
(c) Ved Vyasa has composed the epic ______________.
(d) Meghdoot was written by ____________.
(e) First ancient, residential university of the world was at _____________
Q-2 True or False:
(a) Ashoka built a large number of Stupas and Viharas.
(b) In Garbhagriha, people assemble for a meeting.
(c) The Nalanda University was built by Gupta rulers.
(d) Aryabhatta explained the cause of eclipses.
(e) Panini was the great grammarian of the 5th century BC
Q-3 One word answer:
(a) A set of running comments on a book, etc.
(b) The science of sound.
(c) Pertaining to do or done with the hands.
(d) Mounds containing remains of Buddha.
Q-4

Match the following columns:
Q-5

Answer the following questions in short:
(1) What are the Vedas?
(2) Write the names of two secular texts of ancient India.
(3) What are Stupas and Chaityas?
(4) What are the Upanishads?
(5) What is the importance of epics?
(6) Which literature gives an account of South India?
(7) Write the names of four Vedas.
(8) Which Veda is the most ancient?
(9) Write the name of six Vedangas.
(10) What is the use of Vedangas?
(11) Who was the great teacher of Buddhism?
Q-6

Answer the following questions in detail:
(1) Who was Aryabhatta? What was his contribution to science?
(2) What were the achievements made by Indians in the field of medicine?
(3) What have been India's contributions in the field of mathematics?
(4) What is the significance of the Gupta age in the field of architecture?
(5) Write a short note on the Tamil literature.
Q-7

Distinguish between:
(2) The Yajurveda and the Atharvaveda
(3) Brahmanas and Aranyakas
(4) The Srautasutras and the Grihyasutras
(5) The Ramayana and the Mahabharata
(1) The Jataka tales and the Pitikas
Q-8

Define the following:
(1) Astronomy
(2) Phonetics
(3) Grammar
(4) Etymology
(5) Hymns
Multiple Choice Questions
Q-1 ________ is the motherland of our race.

(i)

UK

(ii)

India

(iii)

USA
Q-2 The __________ literature is very rich and old as compared to the literature of any other country in the world.

(i)

UK

(ii)

USA

(iii)

Indian
Q-3 The word 'Veda' means ___________.

(i)

knowledge

(ii)

information

(iii)

none of these
Q-4 There are ________ great epics.

(i)

two

(ii)

three

(iii)

four