Ancient History: Practice Questions
Overview
The following high-fidelity practice questions are designed to test granular data points and conceptual clarity across the Ancient History module. They focus on common UPSC traps and technical details found in standard source materials.
1. Prehistoric & Chalcolithic
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Chalcolithic social markers:
- The domesticated animals were primarily used for dairy products like milk and curd.
- Female potters were restricted from using the potter's wheel.
- Infant mortality was high, as evidenced by burials in Western Maharashtra.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
- Rationale: Animals were primarily slaughtered for food and not used for dairy production. Female potters typically did not use the wheel. High infant mortality is a well-documented feature of the Jorwe and other Chalcolithic cultures.
2. Indus Valley Civilisation
Q2. Which of the following is the correct ratio for Harappan bricks used in city walls? (a) 1:2:4 (7 x 14 x 28 cm) (b) 1:2:4 (10 x 20 x 40 cm) (c) 1:3:6 (10 x 30 x 60 cm) (d) 1:1:2 (7 x 7 x 14 cm)
Answer: (b) 1:2:4 (10 x 20 x 40 cm).
- Rationale: While the 1:2:4 ratio was standardized across the civilization, city walls utilized larger bricks (10x20x40 cm) compared to standard residential house bricks (7x14x28 cm).
3. Vedic Age
Q3. Match the following Vedic terms with their definitions:
- A. Gavyuti — 1. Daughter (one who milks)
- B. Duhitr — 2. Measure of distance
- C. Goghna — 3. Treasurer
- D. Sangrihitri — 4. Guest (one fed on beef)
Select the correct code: (a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 (d) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
Answer: (a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
- Rationale: Gavyuti (distance), Duhitr (daughter), Goghna (guest), and Sangrihitri (treasurer/tax collector) are critical administrative and social terms from the Vedic period.
4. Mahajanapadas
Q4. The official responsible for collecting voting sticks (salakas) in the Gana-Sangha assembly was known as: (a) Gana-mukhya (b) Salaka-gahapaka (c) Balisadhaka (d) Shaulkika
Answer: (b) Salaka-gahapaka.
- Rationale: In the republican traditions (Gana-Sanghas) of the Mahajanapada era, the Salaka-gahapaka was the designated stick/vote collector.