Vedic Culture in North India and Megalithic Culture in South India 6th Social Science Lesson 9 Questions in English
6th Social Science Lesson 9 Questions in English
9. Vedic Culture in North India and Megalithic Culture in South India
1. The first phase of urbanization in India came to an end with_____
a. Decline of Indus Civilization
b. Beginning of Indus Civilisation
c. Departure of Aryans
d. None
Explanation
The first phase of urbanization in India came to an end with the decline of Indus Civilisation. A new era, called Vedic Age began with the arrival of Aryans.
2. What is the era of Vedic age?
a. 1500 BC (BCE) – 600 BC (BCE)
b. 500 BC (BCE) – 1600 BC (BCE)
c. 1000 BC (BCE) – 900 BC (BCE)
d. 1500 BC (BCE) – 600 A.D
Explanation
Vedic Age is a period in the History of India between 1500 BC (BCE) – 600 BC (BCE). It gets its name from four ‘Vedas’
2. The Aryans were_______
a. Nomadic pastoralists
b. Semi nomadic pastoralists
c. Agrarian
d. Both b and c
Explanation
The Aryans were Indo–Aryan language speaking, semi nomadic pastoralists.
3. The Aryans came from_______
a. Sri Lanka
b. Central Asia
c. Arab
d. German
Explanation
Aryans came from Central Asia in several waves of migration through Khyber Pass of Hindu Kush Mountains.
4. What was the main occupation of Aryans?
a. Agriculture
b. Cattle rearing
c. Forestry
d. Fishing
Explanation
Though cattle rearing was Aryans main occupation, they also practiced slash and burn agriculture.
5. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. Slash and burn agriculture is a farming method that involves clearing the land by cutting and burning all the trees and plants on it
2. Though cattle rearing was their main occupation, they also practised slash and burn agriculture
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Slash and burn agriculture is a farming method that involves clearing the land by cutting and burning all the trees and plants on it. Though cattle rearing was their main occupation, they also practised slash and burn agriculture.
6. Slash and burn Cultivation is done for_____
a. Long time
b. Short time
c. Periodically
d. None
Explanation
Slash and burn agricultural cultivation is done there for a short time and then abandoned. People then move to a new piece of land for cultivation.
7. The Vedic age belongs to_____ age
a. Copper
b. Iron
c. Bronze
d. Stone
Explanation
Geographical range – North India, Period – Iron Age, Time – 1500 BC (BCE) – 600 BC (BCE), Sources – Vedic Literature, Nature of Civilisation – Rural
8. What was the Nature of Civilisation of Vedic age?
a. Urban
b. Rural
c. Sub- Urban
d. None
Explanation
Geographical range – North India, Period – Iron Age, Time – 1500 BC (BCE) – 600 BC (BCE), Sources – Vedic Literature, Nature of Civilisation – Rural
9. What was the main source of wealth of Aryans?
a. Land
b. Gold
c. Cattle
d. All the above
Explanation
Aryans of the Rig Vedic Period were seminomadic. They were basically pastoral people with cattle as their main source of wealth.
10. What was the home land of Aryans during rig Vedic period?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Punjab
d. Himachal Pradesh
Explanation
In the Rig Vedic times, the Aryan homeland was the Punjab, which was at that time called Sapta Sindhu, the land of seven rivers.
11. Around which era Aryans moved to India moved eastward Indo-Gangetic Plain?
a. 1000 BC
b. 100 BC
c. 1500 BC
d. 1000 A.D
Explanation
Around 1000 BC (BCE), Aryans in India moved eastward and settled in Indo-Gangetic Plain.
12. Use of iron axes and ploughs became widespread during______
a. Indus valley time
b. Rig Vedic time
c. After advent of Mughals
d. None
Explanation
Use of iron axes and ploughs became widespread during the Rig Vedic period.
13. Vedic literature can be classified into___ categories
a. 4
b. 3
c. 2
d. 9
Explanation
Vedic literature can be classified into two broad categories. They are Shrutis and Smritis.
14. Which of the following is Shrutis?
a. Brahmanas
b. Aranyakas
c. Upanishads
d. All the Above
Explanation
The Shrutis comprise the four Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. They are considered sacred, eternal, and an unquestionable truth.
15. Shruti means_______
a. Listening
b. Unwritten
c. Written
d. Either a or b
Explanation
‘Shruti’ means listening (or unwritten) ones that were transmitted orally through generations.
16. Tantras and Agamas are contained in_____
a. Smritis
b. Shrutis
c. Yajur
d. None
Explanation
A body of texts containing teachings on religion such as Ithihasas, Puranas, Tantras and Agamas are called as Smritis.
17. Which of the following is not eternal?
a. Puranas
b. Aranyakas
c. Brahmanas
d. All the above
Explanation
A body of texts containing teachings on religion such as Ithihasas, Puranas, Tantras and Agamas. Smritis are not eternal. They are constantly revised.
18. Which of the following is eternal?
a. Aranyakas
b. Upanishads
c. Brahmanas
d. All the above
Explanation
The Shrutis comprise the four Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. They are considered sacred, eternal, and an unquestionable truth.
19. ‘Smriti’ means______
a. Listening
b. Written
c. Unwritten
d. Either a or c
Explanation
‘Smriti’ means definite and written literature. A body of texts containing teachings on religion such as Ithihasas, Puranas, Tantras and Agamas. Smritis are not eternal. They are constantly revised.
20. Satyameva Jayate” “(Truth alone triumphs)” is taken from_______
a. Aranyakas
b. Brahmanas
c. Mundaka Upanishad
d. None
Explanation
National Motto “Satyameva Jayate” “(Truth alone triumphs)” is taken from Mundaka Upanishad.
21. Material remains of Aryans are found in_____
a. Punjab
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Rajasthan
d. All the above
Explanation
Material remains of Aryans such as iron implements and pottery from the archaeological sites in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan along the Indus and the Ganges.
22. Which of the following is correctly matched?
1. Later Vedic Period 1500 – 1000 BC
2. Early Vedic Period 1000 – c.600 BC
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Two phases of Vedic Age –
1. Early Vedic Period 1500 – 1000 BC (BCE)
2. Later Vedic Period 1000 – c.600 BC (BCE)
23. A group of villages was called______
a. Kula
b. Grama
c. Vis
d. None
Explanation
Grama was headed by Gramani. A group of villages was called Vis (clan) and was headed by Vishayapati.
24. The Rig Vedic polity was_____ based
a. Group ruling
b. Kinship
c. Queen ship
d. None
Explanation
The Rig Vedic polity was kinship – based. Kula (clan) was the basic unit of the polity. It was under a head called Kulapati.
25. Who was the head of Jana?
a. Gramani
b. Vishayapati
c. Rajan
d. None
Explanation
Rajan was the head of the Jana (tribe) and he was addressed as Janasyagopa (guardian of the people).
26. Which among the following is a tribal kingdom of Rig Vedic period?
a. Bharatas
b. Matsyas
c. Puras
d. All the above
Explanation
There were several tribal kingdoms (Rashtras) during Rig Vedic period (Bharatas, Matsyas, Puras).
27. Which among the following tribal assembly limited Rajan’s power?
a. Vidhata
b. Sabha
c. Gana
d. All the above
Explanation
The main responsibility of the Rajan was to protect his tribe. His powers were limited by tribal assemblies namely Vidhata, Sabha, Samiti and Gana.
28. Which among the following is the oldest tribal assembly?
a. Vidhata
b. Sabha
c. Samiti
d. All the above
Explanation
The main responsibility of the Rajan was to protect his tribe. His powers were limited by tribal assemblies namely Vidhata, Sabha, Samiti and Gana. Of these Vidhata, (the tribal assembly) was the oldest.
29. Which of the following is correctly matched?
1. Sabha – a council of elders
2. Samiti – assembly of people
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
The main responsibility of the Rajan was to protect his tribe. His powers were limited by tribal assemblies namely Vidhata, Sabha, Samiti and Gana. Of these Vidhata, (the tribal assembly) was the oldest.
Sabha – a council of elders.
Samiti – assembly of people.
30. In economic, political and military matters, the king was assisted by_______
a. Purohit
b. chief priest
c. Senani
d. Gramani
Explanation
The king appointed a purohit (chief priest) to assist him. In economic, political and military matters, the king was assisted by the Senani (army chief). Gramani was the leader of the village.
31. Hereditary kingship began to emerge after the Aryan settlement in_____
a. Punjab
b. Sind
c. Ganges-Yamuna-Doab
d. Rajasthan
Explanation
When the Aryans moved east ward- into Ganges-Yamuna-Doab regions, the early settlements were replaced by territorial kingdoms. Hereditary kingship began to emerge.
32. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. Many Janas or Tribes were amalgamated to form Janapadas or Rashtras in Earlier Vedic period.
2. The importance of Samithi and Sabha diminished and the Vidhata completely disappeared.
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Many Janas or Tribes were amalgamated to form Janapadas or Rashtras in later Vedic period. The importance of Samithi and Sabha diminished and the Vidhata completely disappeared.
33. The Bali is tax of________
a. Consisting of 1/6 of the agricultural produce
b. Consisting of 1/4 of the agricultural produce
c. Consisting of 1/2 of the agricultural produce
d. Consisting of 5/6 of the agricultural produce
Explanation
Bali is a voluntary tax consisting of 1/6 of the agricultural produce or cattle for a person.
34. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. Bali was a voluntary contribution of the people to the King.
2. In the later Vedic period bali was treated as tax and collected regularly.
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Bali was a voluntary contribution of the people to the King. In the later Vedic period bali was treated as tax and collected regularly.
35. Ayodhya, Indraprastha and Mathura emerged during_______
a. Indus valley civilization
b. Later Vedic period
c. Early Vedic period
d. None
Explanation
The Kuru and Panchala kingdoms flourished and large cities like Ayodhya, Indraprastha and Mathura also emerged during Later Vedic period.
36. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
1. The Vedic family was matriarchal
2. The general public were called Vis
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
The Vedic family was patriarchal. Within the early Vedic Society there were three divisions (Treyi) ; the general public were called Vis, the warrior class was called Kshatriyas and the Priestly class was named Brahmanas.
37. Aryans distinguished themselves from dark complexioned non-Aryans whom they called_
a. Kshatriyas
b. Vis
c. Dasas
d. None
Explanation
The fair complexioned Aryans distinguished themselves from dark complexioned non-Aryans whom they called Dasyus and Dasas.
38. Varna system was developed during_____
a. Indus Valley time
b. Early Vedic period
c. Later Vedic Period
d. None
Explanation
At a later stage of Vedic period, when the Aryans had to accommodate non-Aryan skilled workers in their social arrangement, a rigid four-fold Varna system was developed, i.e., the priestly Brahmanas, the warrior Kshatriyas, the land owning Vysyas and the skilled workers sudras. Thus, a graded social order emerged.
39. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. In Rig Vedic society, women relatively enjoyed some freedom.
2. The wife was respected as the mistress of the household
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
In Rig Vedic society, women relatively enjoyed some freedom. The wife was respected as the mistress of the household.
40. Which of the following was in practice during Early Vedic period?
a. Child marriage
b. Sati
c. Widow Remarriage
d. All the above
Explanation
Child marriage and sati were unknown. There was no bar on the remarriage of widows. Nevertheless, the women were denied right to inherit property from their parents.
41. Polygamy become common during______
a. Early Vedic period
b. Later Vedic Period
c. Indus Valley era
d. None
Explanation
In the later Vedic period, Polygamy became common. Widow remarriage was not encouraged.
42. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. In the later Vedic period the role of women in society, as well as their status, even within the family, declined.
2. Education was denied to women and Inter-caste marriages were spurned during later Vedic period
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
In the later Vedic period the role of women in society, as well as their status, even within the family, declined. Polygamy became common. Widow remarriage was not encouraged. Education was denied to women. Inter-caste marriages were spurned.
43. Which of the following also occupation existed during Vedic period?
a. Chariot makers
b. Carpenters
c. Potters
d. All the above
Explanation
Though occupation of Rig Vedic Aryans was cattle rearing, there were carpenters, chariot makers, potters, smiths, weavers, and leather workers.
44. Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP) was attributed to_____ period
a. Mughal
b. Delhi Sultanate
c. Vedic Period
d. Indus Valley period
Explanation
Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP) was attributed to the Vedic period. Horses, cows, goats, sheep, oxen and dogs were domesticated. In addition to craftsmen of early Vedic period there were also jewelers, dyers and smelters. Pottery of this period was Painted Grey Ware Culture.
45. The staple crop of Aryans was_____
a. Rice
b. Maize
c. Corn
d. Yava
Explanation
When Aryans permanently settled in Sindh and the Punjab regions they began to practice agriculture. The staple crop was yava (barley).
46. Which of the following crop was not mentioned in Rig-Veda?
a. Rice
b. Barely
c. Cotton
d. Maize
Explanation
There is no mention of wheat or cotton in the Rig-Veda, though both were cultivated by the Indus people. Two crops a year were raised.
47. Which of the following animal was not tamed by Aryans?
a. Elephants
b. horse
c. Tiger
d. All the above
Explanation
In the later Vedic period the Aryans tamed elephants, apart from cow, goat, sheep and horse.
48. Which of the following are correctly matched?
a. Satmana – gold coins
b. Krishnala – silver coins
c. 1 alone
d. 2 alone
e. 1, 2
f. None
Explanation
Trade became extensive. Barter system was prevalent (exchange of goods). They used Nishka, Satmana (gold coins) and Krishnala (silver coins) for business transactions.
49. Which of the following is correctly matched?
1. Gold – Shyama
2. Iron – Ayas
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Metals Known to Rig Vedic People
• Gold (Hiranya)
• Iron (Shyama)
• Copper/ Bronze (Ayas)
50. Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped mostly______
a. Shiva
b. Vishnu
c. Earthly and celestial gods
d. Bramaha
Explanation
Rig Vedic Aryans worshipped mostly the earthly and celestial gods like Prithvi (Earth), Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), Varuna (rain), Indra (Thunder).
51. Which goddess is portrayed as appearance of dawn?
a. Aditi
b. Usha
c. Parvathi
d. Saraswathi
Explanation
There were also lesser female deities like Aditi (goddess of eternity) and Usha (appearance of dawn). Their religion was Yajna centered.
52. Which of the following are correctly matched?
1. Praja – cattle
2. Dhana – wealth
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
The mode of prayer was recitation of Vedic hymns. People prayed for the welfare of Praja (children) Pasu (cattle) and Dhana (wealth).
53._____ was considered a sacred animal of Vedic age people
a. Bull
b. Cow
c. Buffalo
d. Lion
Explanation
Cow was considered a sacred animal of Vedic age people. There were no temples. Idol worship had not yet come into existence.
54. Who is called as the creator?
a. Prajapathi
b. Vishnu
c. Rudra
d. All the above
Explanation
Prajapathi (the creator) Vishnu (the protector) and Rudra (the destroyer) became prominent. Sacrifices and rituals became more elaborate.
55. Which of the following statement is correct?
1. The gurukula system is an ancient learning method.
2. The shishyas resided with their guru and served them and simultaneously learnt and gained knowledge.
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
The gurukula system is an ancient learning method. The gurukula system is an ancient learning method. The shishyas resided with their guru and served them and simultaneously learnt and gained knowledge.
56. Which of the following was taught in gurukula?
a. Logic
b. Astrology
c. military science
d. All the above
Explanation
The subjects of the study in Gurukula included the four Vedas, Ithihasas, Puranas, grammar, logic, ethics, astrology, maths and military science.
57. Who among the following could be Shishyas?
a. People of the country
b. Dvijas
c. Both men and women of priest
d. None
Explanation
The students were also trained to lead a disciplined life. Only Dvijas could be Shishyas. No women could have formal education.
58. Which of the following is correctly matched?
1. Brahmacharya – Student Life
2. Grihastha – Married Life
a. 1 alone
b. 2 alone
c. 1, 2
d. None
Explanation
Towards the end of the later Vedic period, the concept of four stages in life (the four ashramas) developed. Brahmacharya (Student Life), Grihastha (Married Life), Vanaprastha (Going to the forest to meditate), Sanyasa (Leading a life of an ascetic so as to attain Swarga)
59. Which culture of parts of sub- continent early coincided Vedic culture in northern India?
a. Mesolithic
b. Chalcolithic
c. Neolithic
d. None
Explanation
The early Vedic culture in northern India coincided with Chalcolithic cultures that prevailed in other parts of the sub-continent.
60. The term Chalco means_____
a. Bronze
b. Copper
c. Iron
d. Silver
Explanation
The early Vedic culture in northern India coincided with Chalcolithic cultures that prevailed in other parts of the sub-continent. Since, people used copper (chalco) and stone (lithic), it was called Chalcolithic period.
61. The term ‘Megas’ means_____
a. Bronze
b. Copper
c. Big stone
d. Iron
Explanation
The term ‘Megalith’ is derived from Greek. ‘Megas’, means great and ‘lithos’ means stone. Using big stone slabs built upon the places of burial is known as Megalith.
62. Megalithic Period in ancient Tamilakam synchronised with______
a. Post sangam age
b. Pre sangam age
c. Post mauriyan
d. Pre mauriyan
Explanation
Megalithic Period in ancient Tamilakam synchronised with the Pre-Sangam period. The Black and Red Ware Pottery became the characteristic of the Megalithic period.
63. Adichanallur is in_____ district
a. Thoothukudi
b. Karur
c. Tirupur
d. Tirunelveli
Explanation
Adichanallur – Thoothukudi District, Among the artefacts unearthed were Urns, pottery of various kinds (Red Ware, Black Ware), iron implements, daggers, swords, spears and arrows, some stone beads and a few gold ornaments.
64. The domestic animals and wild animals found in Adichanallur is made of______
a. Iron
b. Gold
c. Bronze
d. Silver
Explanation
Bronze objects found in Adichanallur representing domestic animals and wild animals like tiger, antelope and elephant have been unearthed.
65. Keezhadi is located in______
a. Thoothukudi
b. Sivagangai
c. Theni
d. Madurai
Explanation
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated an ancient town dating to Sangam Age in Keezhadi village at Tirupathur taluk, Sivagangai District.
66. The inscriptions on pottery of Keezhadi where in____ language
a. Prakrit
b. Tamil – Brahmi
c. Brahmi
d. Sanskrit
Explanation
Tamil – Brahmi inscription on pottery, beads of glass, carnelian and quartz, pearl, gold ornaments and iron objects, shell bangles, ivory dice have been unearthed in Keezhadi.
67. Radio carbon dating results of Keezhadi samples showed that they were of_____
A. 200 BC
B. 1200 BC
C. 2000 BC
D. 300 BC
Explanation
In 2017, ASI sent two samples of these for Radio carbon dating to Beta Analytic, Florida, USA. They dated samples as 200 BC (BCE). The Roman artefacts found at the site add to the evidence of ancient Indo -Roman trade relations.
68. Hero Stones in Tamil Nadu are found in_____
a. Pulimankombai
b. Vellalankottai
c. Maanur
d. All the above
Explanation
Hero stones are found at Maanur village near Palani, Dindigul district, Vellalankottai, Tuticorin district, and Pulimankombai, Dindigul district.
69. Kodumanal is located in______ district.
a. Erode
b. Theni
c. Tirupur
d. Sivagangai
Explanation
Kodumanal – Erode District is identified with the Kodumanal of Pathitrupathu. More than 300 pottery inscriptions in Tamil – Brahmi have been discovered there.
70. spindles, whorls are discovered in______
a. Paiyampalli
b. Kodumanal
c. Porunthal
d. Keezhadi
Explanation
In Kodumanal, Archaeologists have also discovered spindles, whorls (used for making thread from cotton) and pieces of cloth, along with tools, weapons, ornaments, beads, particularly carnelian.
71. The date of Paiyampalli culture, based on radio carbon dating, is_____
a. 1000 BC
b. 1500 BC
c. 2000 BC
d. 100 BC
Explanation
Paiyampalli – Vellore District, the date of this culture, based on radio carbon dating, is 1000 BC (BCE).
72. Evidence for iron smelting has come to light at_____
a. Kodumanal
b. Paiyampalli
c. Porunthal
d. Keezhadi
Explanation
Iron artefacts, along with Megalithic Black and Red Ware Pottery have been found. Evidence for iron smelting has come to light at Paiyampalli.