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2. Which of the following Harappan sites is located in present-day Gujarat and was a major center for bead-making?
a) Mohenjo-Daro
b) Harappa
c) Chanhudaro
d) Lothal
Answer: d) Lothal
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Explanation: Lothal, located in Gujarat, was one of the southernmost cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was a vital port and a major center for crafts, especially bead-making and metallurgy. A large bead-making factory was discovered here.
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3. Who among the following rulers was instrumental in the spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka?
a) Ashoka
b) Kanishka
c) Harshavardhana
d) Samudragupta
Answer: a) Ashoka
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Explanation: Emperor Ashoka, after the deadly Kalinga war, renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra as missionaries to Sri Lanka to spread the teachings of Buddha, which led to the establishment of Buddhism there.
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4. The 'Manusmriti', a foundational text of ancient Indian law, primarily deals with:
a) Principles of statecraft and economics
b) Rituals and sacrifices
c) Duties and ethical codes for different varnas (social classes)
d) The life and teachings of a sage
Answer: c) Duties and ethical codes for different varnas (social classes)
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Explanation: The Manusmriti, or "Laws of Manu," is one of the most important Dharmashastras. It is not a book of law in the modern sense but a compilation of social norms, duties, and ethical codes governing the various varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) and stages of life.
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5. The Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) is a valuable source of information for the reign of:
a) Chandragupta II
b) Skandagupta
c) Samudragupta
d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: c) Samudragupta
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Explanation: The Prayag Prashasti was composed by the court poet Harishena. It is inscribed on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad and provides a detailed account of the military campaigns, conquests, and personality of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta, often called the 'Napoleon of India'.
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6. The 'Sangam Literature' is associated with the history of:
a) Bengal
b) Kashmir
c) Maharashtra
d) Tamilakam (Southern India)
Answer: d) Tamilakam (Southern India)
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Explanation: Sangam Literature is the earliest known literature from South India, composed in Tamil between 300 BCE and 300 CE. It was compiled in three assemblies (Sangams) held in Madurai. This corpus of poems provides crucial information about the political, social, and economic life of the ancient Tamil kingdoms: the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
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7. Which of the following was NOT a prominent feature of the Indus Valley Civilization?
a) Well-planned drainage system
b) Extensive use of iron tools and weapons
c) Worship of mother goddess and Pashupati seal
d) Standardized weights and measures
Answer: b) Extensive use of iron tools and weapons
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Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization. Its people primarily used tools and weapons made of copper and bronze. The widespread use of iron in India came much later, during the Vedic period (around 1000 BCE), after the decline of the Indus Valley cities.
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8. The 'Aihole Inscription', which provides a historical record of the Chalukya dynasty, was composed by:
a) Banabhatta
b) Ravikirti
c) Harishena
d) Kalidasa
Answer: b) Ravikirti
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Explanation: The Aihole Inscription was composed by the Jain poet Ravikirti, who was a court poet of the Chalukya King Pulakeshin II. It is a key source for the history of the Chalukyas of Badami and provides a vivid account of Pulakeshin II's reign, including his victory over Harshavardhana.
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9. The concept of "Varnashrama Dharma" in ancient India refers to:
a) The division of society into four varnas and the four stages of life
b) The ritual of fire sacrifice
c) The path of renunciation and meditation
d) The administrative system of the Mauryan empire
Answer: a) The division of society into four varnas and the four stages of life
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Explanation: Varnashrama Dharma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism that outlines the social and ethical framework for an individual's life. It combines two ideas: Varna (the four-fold social division: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) and Ashrama (the four stages of life: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa).
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10. The 'Kailasanatha Temple' at Ellora, a magnificent rock-cut monument, was built by:
a) The Rashtrakuta king Krishna I
b) The Chola king Rajaraja I
c) The Pallava king Narasimhavarman II
d) The Gupta king Kumaragupta
Answer: a) The Rashtrakuta king Krishna I
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Explanation: The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at Ellora is the world's largest monolithic rock-cut structure. It was commissioned in the 8th century CE by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. It is designed to resemble Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.