Q1: Which of the following ports during the ancient/medieval era were situated on the west coast of South India?
1. Kaveripattinam
2. Korkai
3. Musiri
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Musiri and Tondi were indeed located on the west coast of South India. These regions were significant coastal areas with trade connections during the medieval period.
Q2: Which among the following was prevalent in the Indian Society before the Muslim conquest?
1. Purdah System
2. Child Marriage
3. Sati System
4. Slavery
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The statement suggests that certain social practices like the Purdah system, child marriage, and Sati came into practice after the Muslim invasions in India. While there is a historical debate on the origins of these practices, it is generally accepted that they became more widespread and rigid during certain periods of Indian history, including the medieval era.
Q3: Which of the following led to changes in the economy in the early medieval period?
1. Constant change of rulership
2. Migration to various parts of the country
3. Various geographical events
4. The rise of certain new castes and the decline of some of the old castes
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The rise of certain new castes and the decline of some of the old castes Changes in the economy during the early medieval period were also the result of the rise of certain new castes and the decline of some of the old castes. This led to shifts in social and economic dynamics.
Q4: Which of these began during the early medieval period society?
1. Child Marriage
2. Widow Remarriage
3. Sati System
4. Both (a) and (c)
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Child marriage and the Sati system did indeed become more prevalent in the early medieval period. The practice of remarriage of widows declined during this time, leading to significant changes in social norms and customs.
Q5: What were the revenue assignments named, which were temporarily granted by a ruler to his officers?
1. Taluks
2. Bhagidars
3. Bhogas
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Revenue assignments or bhogas were indeed temporarily granted by rulers to their officers in medieval India. These assignments could be revoked at the ruler’s discretion, and they often served as a form of reward or compensation for services rendered.
Q6: Araghatta and Ghatiyantra are what kind of devices used in agriculture during the early medieval period?
1. Water-lifting devices
2. Land Tiller
3. Seed sower device
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: Araghatta and Ghatiyantra were indeed mentioned in inscriptions and literary works as water-lifting devices used in agriculture during the early medieval period. These devices played a crucial role in irrigation, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Q7: During which century was a change seen when the agricultural economy expanded and local markets emerged for local exchange?
1. 8th Century
2. 7th Century
3. 9th Century
4. 11th Century
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The growth of local markets and the expansion of trade during the early medieval period had a significant impact on the economy. It led to increased commercial activities, reflecting the changing economic landscape of the time.
Q8: During which early medieval period, a decline in trade and the monetary system was observed?
1. 900-1200 AD
2. 700-900 AD
3. 500-700 AD
4. 1000-1200 AD
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The first phase of the early medieval period did indeed witness a decline in trade, the monetary system, and deurbanization. Economic and commercial stagnation characterized this period, leading to significant changes in urban centers and trade networks.
Q9: During the early medieval period society, what did the chieftains who were forced to submit after a defeat become known as?
1. Samantas
2. Ranaks
3. Rauttas
4. All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Chieftains who submitted after a defeat in war were known as Samantas, Ranaks, or Rauttas. They were required to pay tribute, provide military aid, and pay homage to the victorious lord. This practice was common in the medieval feudal system.
Q10: Which of the following is true regarding trade and commerce during the first phase of the early medieval period?
(i) The coins in circulation were of very poor quality and had little purchasing power.
(ii) Palas and Senas minted a lot of coins during their government.
(iii) The lack of a monetary economy during the first phase of this period suggests declining trade.
1. Both (i) and (iii)
2. Only (i)
3. Both (i) and (ii)
4. All of (i), (ii), and (iii)
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: During the early medieval period, the circulation of coins of poor quality with little purchasing power was a common issue. Some ruling dynasties, such as the Palas and Senas, did not heavily mint coins during their rule.
Q11: What is true regarding the development of the economy in the early medieval period?
1. Only a few punch-marked coins were found, which contradicted a growing economy.
2. The increasing use of iron in agriculture and crafts led to underproduction.
3. Foreign trade during this period declined, whereas internal trade grew.
4. A significant development of the economy in the early medieval period was due to the widespread use of iron, the extensive cultivation of rice, sugar, and cotton, the growth of numerous cities.
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The economy in the early medieval period witnessed significant development due to factors such as the widespread use of iron, extensive cultivation of crops like rice, sugar, and cotton, and the growth of numerous cities. This period also saw active trade, as evidenced by the presence of punch-marked coins.
Q12: During the early medieval period, what was the main source of irrigation?
1. Dams
2. Wells
3. Seasonal Rains
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: While seasonal rains were essential for agriculture, the primary source of irrigation during the early medieval period was wells. Dams were also constructed to irrigate fields, contributing to agricultural productivity.
Q13: During the second phase of rising economy in the early medieval period, what instrument might have been used by merchants for commercial transactions?
1. Cowrie shells
2. Kaudi
3. Hundika
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: During the second phase of the early medieval period, merchants might have used Hundika or a bill of exchange for commercial transactions. This period witnessed partial monetization, indicating the evolution of economic practices.
Q14: During the early medieval period, India became the center of trade between the Persian Gulf and which region?
1. Southern China
2. Japan
3. Singapore
4. Burma
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: India played a significant role as a center of trade between the Persian Gulf and Southern China during the early medieval period. Inscriptions in regions like Malaya and Sumatra indicate the active participation of Indian merchants in these areas.
Q15: During the second phase of trade and commerce in the early medieval period, which of the following is true regarding the mercantile community?
(i) Giving loans became one of the main activities of merchants.
(ii) The merchant guilds became an important aspect of economic life in the second phase and played an important role in the local administration.
(iii) Some of the merchants participated in the administration and were even appointed ministers by the rulers.
1. Only ii.
2. Only i and iii
3. All of i, ii, and iii.
4. Only ii and iii
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: During the second phase of trade and commerce in the early medieval period, the mercantile community played crucial roles in lending, local administration through merchant guilds, and even holding ministerial positions, reflecting their influence in society
Q16: Which of the following is true regarding urban centers during the early medieval period?
(i) Agricultural expansion led to the transformation of rural conglomerates into urban centers.
(ii) Several of these centers were established under royal sanctions.
(iii) With the expansion of trade with South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China, as well as with the Arab countries, urban centers were closed down.
1. Only iii.
2. Both i and ii
3. Only ii
4. None of i, ii, and iii
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The expansion of agriculture contributed to the transformation of rural areas into urban centers during the early medieval period. Some urban centers were established under royal patronage, and trade with various regions did not lead to the closure of these urban centers.
Q17: Along with agricultural production, what were some important craft industries during the second phase of trade and commerce in the early medieval period?
1. Leather industry
2. Metal work
3. Textile
4. All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Craft industries, including leather, metalwork, and textiles, flourished during the second phase of the early medieval period, further contributing to economic growth.
Q18: Which of the following is true regarding agrarian expansion during the early medieval period?
(i) Land permits were also granted in areas with sedentary agriculture and in other ecological zones, particularly to integrate them into a new economic system.
(ii) Some scholars believe that land grants first began in remote, backward, and tribal areas and then gradually expanded into the Ganges valley.
(iii) In backward and indigenous areas, the Brahmins did not help in spreading new methods of cultivation.
1. Both i and ii
2. Only iii
3. Both ii and iii
4. None of i, ii, and iii
Show Answer
Explanation: Land permits were granted in areas with sedentary agriculture and other ecological zones to integrate them into the new economic system. Some scholars believe that land grants began in remote, backward, and tribal areas and gradually expanded into the Ganges valley. Brahmins played a significant role in spreading new methods of cultivation, including in backward and indigenous areas.
Q19: In the early medieval period, who assumed the central role in agrarian expansion and organization from the eighth century AD?
1. Landlords
2. Temple
3. The British Empire
4. Chieftains
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: In the early medieval period, the temple assumed a central role in agrarian expansion and organization from the eighth century AD. Temples received grants of land and villages, known as Devadana in the South Indian context, and became significant landowners.
Q20: During the early medieval period, What were the individual plots or entire villages given to the Brahmins called?
1. Devadana
2. Brahmadans
3. Devadeya
4. Brahmadeya
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The individual plots or entire villages given to the Brahmins during the early medieval period were called Brahmadeya. These grants made the Brahmins the owners or stewards of the land, and they were exempt from taxes.
Q21: During the early medieval period, what was the land given to the Brahmins in individual plots or entire villages called?
1. Devadana
2. Brahmadans
3. Devadeya
4. Brahmadeya
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The land given to the Brahmins in individual plots or entire villages during the early medieval period was called Brahmadeya.
Q22: Which of the following is true regarding Brahmadeya?
(i) Brahmadeyas were invariably located near large irrigation systems, such as tanks or lakes.
(ii) The taxes from those villages were allocated to the Brahmins, but they did not receive the right to cultivate the donated land.
(iii) Sometimes two or more settlements merged into a Brahmadeya or an Agrahara.
1. Only iii
2. Both i and iii
3. Both ii and iii
4. Only ii
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: In ancient India, Brahmadeyas were territorial units where land was donated to Brahmins, typically near significant sources of water for irrigation purposes. The revenue generated from the villages within the Brahmadeya was allocated to the Brahmins, who not only benefited from the tax income but also had the right to cultivate the donated land. Sometimes, multiple settlements merged to create a Brahmadeya or an Agrahara, which served as centers for both religious and economic activities.
Q23: Which of the following is true regarding officials of the state given land grants during the early medieval period?
(i) The donation of land to officials of the administrative departments is already mentioned in c. 200 AD, but the practice accelerated in the post-Gupta period.
(ii) Starting in the 4th century, officials were also rewarded with land grants.
(iii) Available evidence suggests that Bengal had more service grants than Assam, Orissa, and Bihar combined.
1. Only i
2. Both ii and iii
3. Only iii
4. Both i and iii
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: During the 4th century and in the post-Gupta period, the practice of granting land as a reward to officials became increasingly common. This land grant system aimed to compensate officials for their services. Notably, Bengal received a substantial number of these service grants, surpassing the combined grants in Assam, Orissa, and Bihar. These land grants were used to reinforce administrative structures and secure the loyalty of officials.
Q24: Which of this is true regarding nadus which developed in the early medieval period?
(i) In the early medieval period, autonomous agricultural regions called nadus developed in southern India.
(ii) The members of this assembly were velalas, or non-brahmin farmers.
(iii) They were organized on the basis of clan and kinship relations.
1. Only i
2. Both ii and iii
3. All i, ii, and iii
4. Only i and iii
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The early medieval period in southern India witnessed the emergence of autonomous agricultural regions known as nadus. These regions were characterized by self-governance and were primarily inhabited by non-Brahmin farmers known as velalas. The organization within nadus was based on clan and kinship relations, emphasizing local autonomy and community-based governance.
Q25: Which of the following is true regarding Nagarams which were formed in the early medieval period?
(i) The Nagaram served as a market for Nadu or Kurram.
(ii) Some of them arose out of the Nadu’s need for exchange.
(iii) Nagarams were not integrated into an intraregional and interregional trade network but only used during foreign trades.
1. Only iii
2. Both i and iii
3. All of i, ii, and iii
4. Both i and ii
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: Nagarams were market towns that played a crucial role in the economic life of the nadus and kurrams in southern India. They emerged as centers for trade and commerce, often evolving to meet the exchange needs of the surrounding regions. These Nagarams were not only involved in intraregional and interregional trade networks but also participated in foreign trade activities, demonstrating their importance as economic hubs.
Q26: What caused the decay of towns during the early medieval period?
1. Attacks from various foreign rulers
2. Fighting between the various Indian kingdoms
3. Decline of trade
4. Pandemics
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: During the early medieval period in India, the decline of trade had a detrimental effect on urban centers. As trade dwindled, markets within these towns disappeared, leading to the decay of many urban areas. This shift in economic activity impacted the vitality and sustainability of these towns.
Q27: What can be said regarding the position of merchants during the first phase of the early medieval period?
(i) When trade collapsed and markets disappeared, merchants had to seek refuge and protection from temples and other large emerging landowners.
(ii) It deprived them of their independent business activity and forced them to attend to the needs and requirements of their protectors.
(iii) Trade did not completely disappear, as few traders were active and dealing with luxuries required by kings, chiefs, and temples.
1. All i, ii, and iii
2. Only ii
3. Only i and iii
4. Only i and ii
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: With the decline of trade and markets, many merchants in the early medieval period sought refuge and protection from temples and emerging large landowners. This dependence on protectors often limited their independent business activities and required them to cater to the needs and demands of those providing protection. While general trade declined, some merchants continued to operate, focusing primarily on supplying luxury goods to rulers, chiefs, and temples.
Q28: Which of the following statements are correct regarding the period between the eighth and twelfth century CE?
1) There was the absence of any effective central authority in India.
2) It is also referred to as the pre-Sultanate age.
3) It witnessed a mushrooming of innumerable kingdoms which appeared and disappeared from the scene.
Choose the right answer:
1. ) Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 2 and 3
4. All 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: During the period between the 8th and 12th centuries CE in India, often referred to as the pre-Sultanate age, there was a notable absence of a centralized authority. This era was marked by the rise and fall of numerous kingdoms, each vying for regional dominance. The political landscape was characterized by fragmentation, with multiple smaller kingdoms emerging and disappearing over time.
Q29: Which of the following statements are correct regarding the pre-Sultanate age?
1.There was the presence of a rigid caste system.
2.There was the growth of feudalism in the country.
3.There were conglomerates of small, enclosed, and self-contained units that demonstrated the inability to unite and forge common objectives together.
Choose the right answer:
1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 2 and 3
4. All 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: In the pre-Sultanate period, India experienced the coexistence of a rigid caste system and the growth of feudalism. The society was structured hierarchically, and feudal lords held significant power. However, these feudal entities often operated as self-contained units and struggled to unite for common objectives, which contributed to the fragmented political landscape.
Q30: Which of the following statements are correct regarding trade during the pre-Sultanate period?
1. A large number of trading centers emerged across the subcontinent.
2. Emerging cities and towns acted as nodal points for the exchange of agrarian produce.
Choose the right answer:
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Only 1 and 2
4. None
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: The pre-Sultanate period witnessed the emergence of a multitude of trading centers throughout the Indian subcontinent. These cities and towns served as pivotal nodes for the exchange of agrarian produce, facilitating economic activities and regional trade.
Q31: During the early medieval period, which of the following is true?
(i) Public officials were given land in lieu of cash wages.
(ii) In northern India, the rulers assigned villages as gifts to the feudal lords.
(iii) Individuals also received lands for special heroic deeds.
Choose the right answer:
1. Only 1 and 2
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 1 and 3
4. All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: During the early medieval period, public officials were indeed given land in lieu of cash wages. In northern India, rulers assigned villages as gifts to feudal lords, and individuals also received lands for special heroic deeds.
