India from 200 BC to AD 300
New Rulers, Trade and Religion
The over a The rule of the Mauryas lasted for century. After the collapse of their empire in the 3rd century BC, several new kingdoms rose across the subcontinent.
In the north, the Shungas established their dominance after defeating the last of the Mauryas. They were followed by the Kanvas.
In a significant development, a number of foreign rulers - the Indo-Greeks, the Shakas, and the Kushanas entered the northwest and managed to establish their rule over the region at different points of time.
In the south, the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas rose into prominence, while the Satavahanas rose to power in the Deccan.
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The Northern Kingdoms
THE SHUNGAS
The
last Mauryan ruler was Brihadratha. He was killed in 180 or 181 BC by his
general Pushyamitra Shunga, who wanted to established his own kingdom.
Pushyamitra proved to be a powerful ruler. He is believed to have successfully
checked the advance of the Indo-Greeks into the northwest. He is believed to
have defeated the most powerful Indo-Greek ruler, Menander, and pushed him out
of his territories.
Pushyamitra
ruled over the Shunga throne for 36 years. It was during his rule that the
Hindu religion witnessed a revival. Pushyamitra supported the traditional
brahmanical religion and is said to have even performed the ashvamedha yajna.
After his death, the Shungas ruled over Magadha and the Gangetic valley till 73
BC. The last Shunga ruler was Devabhumi. He was killed by his minister
Vasudeva, who founded his own dynasty.
THE KANVAS
By
the time Vasudeva killed the last of the Shungas, their kingdom had been
reduced to the region around Magadha. Vasudeva established his control over the
region and laid the foundation of the Kanva dynasty. The rule of the Kanvas
lasted till about 28 BC. After the Kanvas, many smaller states emerged in the
north.
Kingdoms in the Northwest
After
the fall of the Mauryas, a number of foreign rulers from Central Asia took
advantage of the weak political conditions in India to gain control of
territories in the northwest. The Indo-Greeks or the Bactrian Greeks were the
first to arrive. They occupied the north-west and parts of north India. They
were followed by the Shakas and the Kushanas.
THE INDO-GREEKS
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Importance of Greek
rule-The
Indo-Greeks had a significant impact on the Indian subcontinent:
Coins: The Indo-Greeks
were the first rulers to issue coins bearing the names and portraits of rulers.
They were also the earliest rulers in the subcontinent to mint gold coins.
Art and sculpture: The Indo-Greeks are credited with introducing Hellenistic art (the art form of the ancient Greek period) in the northwest, which ultimately gave rise to the Gandhara school of art. The Gandhara style of art deals with Indian subjects. However, the treatment of the subjects in terms of physical features is Greek.
THE SHAKAS
The
Shakas were Central Asian people. They set up kingdoms in the north, northwest,
and some parts of western India after defeating the Indo-Greeks. There were
many branches of the Shakas controlling different parts of the subcontinent.
During their rule, they fought several battles with the Satavahanas for control
over western India. They introduced the 'satrap' system of government. Under
this system, the kingdom was divided into a number of provinces each of which
was ruled by a governor, or satrap.
Rudradaman-I
was the most important ruler of the Shakas. He was a patron of Sanskrit. In
fact, Sanskrit became the court language during his rule. The rule of the
Shakas ended with the coming of the Kushanas.
Rudradaman-I
promoted Sanskrit in a big way. He was the first ruler to have issued a long
inscription in Sanskrit. Before this, inscriptions were mostly composed in
Prakrit. He is also known to have undertaken repairs of the Sudarsana lake,
which had been constructed during Chandragupta Maurya's rule for irrigation
purposes.
THE KUSHANAS
Kanishka
was a great patron of art and literature. Asvaghosa, a Buddhist scholar and
poet, and Charaka, a famous physician, are believed to have been a part of
Kanishka's court. Kanishka was also a patron of Buddhism. He helped in the
spread of Buddhism by sending missionaries to different regions such as Central
Asia, China, and Southeast Asia. He organised the Fourth Buddhist Council in
Kashmir, where scholars met to discuss important issues. Asvaghosha wrote
the biography of Buddha called Buddhacharita. From this period on, Buddhist
scholars often wrote their compositions in Sanskrit.
|
Charaka was the first physician to
formulate the concepts of digestion, metabolism, and immunity. He was also
familiar with genetics and the anatomy of the human body. He pegged the
number of bones (including teeth) in the human body at 360. His most famous
work was a medical treatise called Charakasamhita. It remained a standard
work on the subject of medicine for nearly two millenniums and was translated
into many foreign languages, such as Arabic and Latin. |
FOREIGN RULERS AND TRADE
The
rule of the Indo-Greeks, the Shakas, and the Kushanas helped boost trade ties
with West and Central Asia, especially via the Silk Route. The routes
Chinese traders followed to reach distant lands for selling silk came to be
known as the Silk Route. The Silk Route was named after the chief item of
trade, silk, manufactured in China. The Chinese began making silk around 7000
years ago. Over time, their fine quality silk generated a huge demand in
distant lands such as Iran and west Asia. Merchants from China carried silk to
these lands by foot or on animals.
Around
2000 years ago, Romans, too, began buying Chinese silk. Silk now had to be
carried across a much larger distance, and often through difficult territory. As
a result, the cost of the silk shot up. The Silk Route passed through different
territories. The kings who controlled the territories began to charge taxes, tributes
or gifts from traders travelling on the route. In this way, taxes collected
from traders became an important source of revenue.
The
Kushanas were among those who exercised this kind of control over the Silk
Route.
During
their rule, one branch of the Silk Route passed from Central Asia to ports at
the mouth of the river Indus, from where the silk was shipped to Rome. Indian
traders also used the route to export silk, pearls, cloth, precious stones, and
ivory to distant lands. The Kushanas are known to have issued gold coins, which
were used by traders along the Silk Route.
The Deccan Kingdom
THE SATAVAHANAS
The
Satavahanas, also known as Andhras, were the first to establish their state in
the Deccan after the fall of the Mauryas. They established their control over
the west and parts of central India around the 1" century BC and set up
their capital in Pratishthana (Paithan in Maharashtra). Their rule lasted for
about 400 years. Simuka was the first ruler of the dynasty. The most important
ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni. He came to
power in the 1" century AD and managed to make the Satavahanas a dominant
force in the Deccan region. He also tried to control over the eastern, western,
and southern coasts of the subcontinent. An inscription composed by his mother,
Gautami Balashri, provides valuable information about him.
Trade
The
Satavahanas are believed to have encouraged trade. The Satavahana rulers,
including Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni, were known as the lords of the Dakshinapatha, the route connecting north and south India.
Early Southern
Kingdoms
In
the south, three powerful kingdoms - the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas
- established control over much of India's long coastline. The region ruled by
them is referred to as the Tamilakam. Sangam literature is a
valuable source of information about them.
SANGAM AGE
Sangam
literature is considered the earliest Tamil literature. The Sangam texts
were called so because they were believed to have been composed and compiled
during assemblies of Tamil poets, which were also called sangam. Three
assemblies took place between 300 BC and AD 300. The Sangam poems refer to the
rulers of the Chola, Chera, and the Pandya kingdoms as muvendar. They
were involved in a constant conflict for power.
THE CHOLAS
The
Cholas set up a powerful kingdom in the Kaveri delta. They are even known to
have invaded Sri Lanka. Karikela was the most famous ruler of the dynasty. He
took over the throne in the 2nd century AD and led many military expeditions.
He was a generous ruler who gave lavish gifts.
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The land over which the Cholas ruled
was so fertile that just a patch that was big enough for an elephant to lie
down, and could feed seven people. |
Trade and craft
The
Cholas encouraged trade. Kaveripattnam, also known as Puhar, merged as an
important trading port and centre of power during their rule. The Sangam texts describe
Puhar as an important centre for trade of black pepper, gems, gold,
sandalwood, pearls, etc. They also speak of the Cholas trading with countries
like Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Uraiyur, the Chola capital, also emerged as
an important centre for craft.
THE PANDYAS
The
Pandyas controlled the region around Madurai. According to Megasthenes, the
Pandya kingdom was ruled by a woman who commanded a mighty army. The Pandyas
also encouraged trade. During their rule, Madurai emerged as an important
centre for craft and trade. The region controlled by the Pandyas was also
famous for pearls.
|
A woman ruler Historical accounts speak of a woman
ruling over the Pandya kingdom. Her name was Tatataka. She was the daughter
of the Pandyan king, Malayadhvaja. He did not have any sons. So when he died,
Tatataka performed his last rites. She took over the throne of the Pandya
kingdom. Tatataka emerged as a powerful ruler. She assembled a mighty army
and led military expeditions as far as the foot of the Himalayas. |
THE CHERAS
The Cheras ruled over Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu. Nedunjeral Adan and Senguttavan were important kings from this dynasty. Like the Cholas and the Pandyas, the Cheras also participated in trade. Tondi and Muchiri were among important ports under their control.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
LIFE IN THE SOUTHERN KINGDOMS
Agriculture
and trade were important occupations in the southern kingdoms. The rulers did
not collect regular taxes. Instead, they demanded gifts or tributes from their
people or from neighbouring areas. The kings shared their wealth with their families,
soldiers, and even gave some of it as rewards to poets. The Sangam poets, many
of whom composed poems in praise of the rulers, were often rewarded with
precious stones, gold, horses, chariots and cloth.
TRADE
The
southern kingdoms traded within the subcontinent and with countries in west
and Central Asia (such as Greece, Rome and Arabia), Sri Lanka, and Southeast
Asian countries. They enjoyed an especially thriving trade with the Roman
Empire. This is evident by the discovery of a large number of gold coins dating
back to the Roman Empire in the region. Gold, spices, pearls, and precious
stones from the region were in great demand in Rome. Traders bearing such goods
travelled over land in caravans and used ships to cross seas. As a result, many
cities developed in coastal areas, where ships carrying goods started for
distant lands or unloaded goods from other countries.
RELIGION (200 BC to AD 300)
SPREAD OF BUDDHISM
The
efforts of kings like Ashoka and Kushana ruler Kanishka helped in the spread of
Buddhism to many different regions, including Central Asia, China, and
Southeast Asia. They are both known to have sent missionaries to spread the
religion in these areas. Trade also helped in the spread of Buddhism. Buddhists
built many caves in passes through the Western Ghats, which connected the ports
to cities in the Deccan. Kings, merchants, and even farmers are believed to
have constructed such caves, which were probably used by traders who travelled
through this route. Many Buddhist pilgrims from China also travelled along
with traders to the subcontinent during the period. Prominent Chinese pilgrims
included Fa Hien, Xuan Zang, and I-Qing. Fa Hien came to the
subcontinent 1600 years ago, Xuan Zang followed 200 years later, while 1-Qing
came half a century after Zang. They came to India to visit Buddhist sites and monasteries.
Nalanda Bihar), Peshawar, Bamiyan (Afghanistan), and Kapisa emerged as the
important seats of learning.
SPLIT IN BUDDHISM
Another
important feature of this period was the development of Mahayana Buddhism. It
was characterised by:
1.
Worship of Boddhisattavas: Boddhisattavas were supposed to be enlightened
people who taught others how to attain realisation. Their worship became
popular and spread in many other countries in Central Asia, and even China,
Korea, and Japan.
2.
Construction of statues of Buddha: Before the development of Mahayana
Buddhism, Buddha was depicted through signs such as sculptures of the peepul
tree. With the spread of Mahayana Buddhism, people began to make large statues
of the Buddha. Many such statues were made in Mathura and Taxila.
In
many parts of Southeast Asia, such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and
Indonesia, people continued to follow the older form of Buddhism, or Hinayana.
BEGINNING OF BHAKTI
Hinduism
also underwent a change during the period. The worship of certain deities such
as Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga became important as the idea of Bhakti took root.
Bhakti comes from the Sanskrit word bhaj, which means 'to share'. It was based
on the idea of devotion to an ultimate power that could release humans from the
cycle of rebirth and dictates of caste. This idea was laid down in the Bhagvad
Gita, a sacred book of the Hindus.
Bhakti
focused on the idea of a personal god rather than rituals and sacrifices laid
down by the Brahmanas. Followers of Bhakti believed one could worship a deity
in any form, and if they were pure in heart, their chosen deity would appear
before them. They also belived that all man and women, irrespective of their
status or caste, could follow the path of Bhakti. As more and more people began
to take up the path of Bhakti, artists made beautiful images on deities
worshipped by them.
New Terms
Dakshinapatha: Route connecting
north and south India.
Silk
Route:
Routes Chinese traders followed to reach distant lands for selling silk.
Buddhacharita: Biography of
Buddha; written by Asvaghosha.
Boddhisattavas: Enlightened
people who taught others how to attain realisation.
Mahayana
Buddhism:
Form of Buddhism involving worship of Boddhisattavas and construction of
statues of Buddha.
Bhakti: Idea of devotion
to a god who could release humans from the cycle of rebirth and dictates of
caste; focused on worship of a personal god rather than rituals and sacrifices.
Sangam
Lliterature:
Earliest Tamil compositions; believed to have been composed and compiled during
assemblies of poets, which were known as sangams.
Rewind
1.
After the collapse of the Mauryan Empire, the Shungas established their
dominance in the north. They were followed by the Kanvas.
2.
The Indo-Greeks, the Shakas, and the Kushanas entered the north-west and
managed to establish their rule over the region.
3.
The rule of the Indo-Greeks, the Shakas, and the Kushanas helped boost trade
with West and Central Asia, via the Silk Route. Silk, pearls, cloth, precious
stones, and ivory were the main items of trade.
4.
In the south, the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas rose into prominence,
while the Satavahanas rose to power in the Deccan.
5.
The southern kingdoms enjoyed an especially thriving trade of gold, spices,
pearls, and precious stones with the Roman Empire.
6.
Hinduism and Buddhism also underwent a change during the period between 200 BC
and AD 300. Buddhism split into two sects, while the Bhakti movement took root
among Hindus.
Exercise
1. Who was the last Mauryan ruler,
killed by his general Pushyamitra Shunga in 180 or 181 BC?
A. Ashoka
B. Brihadratha
C. Bindusara
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: B. Brihadratha
Explanation: Brihadratha was the last Mauryan ruler.
His general, Pushyamitra Shunga, killed him and established the Shunga dynasty.
2.Which ruler is known for successfully
checking the advance of the Indo-Greeks and defeating the powerful ruler
Menander?
A. Ashoka
B. Pushyamitra Shunga
C. Vasudeva
D. Devabhumi
Answer: B. Pushyamitra Shunga
Explanation: Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the
Shunga dynasty, defended his kingdom against the Indo-Greeks and is credited
with defeating the Indo-Greek ruler Menander.
3. Which significant ritual, associated
with the revival of Brahmanism, was performed by Pushyamitra Shunga?
A. Rajasuya Yajna
B. Vajapeya Yajna
C. Ashvamedha Yajna
D. Soma Yajna
Answer: C. Ashvamedha Yajna
Explanation: Pushyamitra Shunga supported the revival
of the Brahmanical religion and is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajna,
symbolizing his sovereignty.
4. Question: Which foreign rulers
established their dominance in the northwest region of the Indian subcontinent
after the fall of the Maurya Empire?
A. Kanvas and Cheras
B. Indo-Greeks, Shakas, and Kushanas
C. Satavahanas and Cholas
D. Cheras and Pandyas
Answer: B. Indo-Greeks, Shakas, and
Kushanas
Explanation: Following the Maurya Empire's collapse,
the Indo-Greeks, Shakas, and Kushanas successively controlled parts of the
northwest region of the Indian subcontinent.
5. Who was the last ruler of the Shunga
dynasty, and who assassinated him?
A. Pushyamitra; killed by Menander
B. Devabhumi; killed by his minister Vasudeva
C. Brihadratha; killed by Pushyamitra
D. Menander; killed by Devabhumi
Answer: B. Devabhumi; killed by his
minister Vasudeva
Explanation:
Devabhumi, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty, was
killed by his minister Vasudeva, who went on to establish a new dynasty.
6. In southern India, which dynasties
emerged as prominent powers after the fall of the Mauryan Empire?
A. Satavahanas, Indo-Greeks, and Kanvas
B. Kushanas, Cholas, and Kanvas
C. Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas
D. Shakas, Cholas, and Satavahanas
Answer: C. Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas
Explanation: Following the Maurya Empire, the Cholas,
Cheras, and Pandyas became prominent in southern India, each establishing
regional influence.
7. Question: Who established the Kanva
dynasty by killing the last Shunga ruler?
A. Menander
B. Pushyamitra
C. Vasudeva
D. Devabhumi
Answer: C. Vasudeva
Explanation: Vasudeva, the minister of the last Shunga
ruler Devabhumi, assassinated him and established the Kanva dynasty.
8. Question: The Indo-Greek ruler
Menander, also known as Milinda, is known for his discussions on Buddhism with
which philosopher?
A. Ashvaghosha
B. Vasudeva
C. Nagasena
D. Kautilya
Answer: C. Nagasena
Explanation: Menander, an Indo-Greek ruler, had
discussions on Buddhism with the philosopher Nagasena, as recorded in the
Buddhist text Milindapanho.
9. Question: What significant
contributions did the Indo-Greeks make to the Indian subcontinent?
A. Introduction of iron ploughshares
B. Formation of shrenis (guilds)
C. Issuing coins with rulers' portraits and names
D. Introduction of the Brahmi script
Answer: C. Issuing coins with rulers'
portraits and names
Explanation:The Indo-Greeks were the first to mint
coins in the Indian subcontinent featuring the names and portraits of rulers,
and they also introduced gold coinage.
10. Question: Which art style emerged
due to the influence of the Indo-Greeks, blending Indian and Greek styles?
A. Ajanta style
B. Gandhara style
C. Mathura style
D. Maurya style
Answer: B. Gandhara style
Explanation:The Gandhara style of art was influenced
by Greek aesthetics introduced by the Indo-Greeks and combines Indian subjects
with Greek physical features and artistic methods.
11. Question: Which was the first
foreign power to take control of the north-western territories of India after
the Maurya Empire's decline?
A. Shakas
B. Kushanas
C. Indo-Greeks
D. Kanvas
Answer: C. Indo-Greeks
Explanation:The Indo-Greeks, also known as Bactrian
Greeks, were the first foreign power to occupy parts of north-west India after
the fall of the Maurya Empire.
12. Question: Which Central Asian people
established kingdoms in the north, northwest, and parts of western India after
defeating the Indo-Greeks?
A. Kushanas
B. Shakas
C. Satavahanas
D. Guptas
Answer: B. Shakas
Explanation:The Shakas, originating from Central Asia,
conquered the Indo-Greeks and established control over several regions in
India, including the north, northwest, and parts of western India.
13. Question: What was the 'satrap'
system introduced by the Shakas?
A. A system where kings were appointed by the central
government
B. A system where the kingdom was divided into
provinces, each governed by a satrap
C. A taxation system based on trade
D. A religious council for governing temple affairs
Answer: B. A system where the kingdom
was divided into provinces, each governed by a satrap
Explanation: The Shakas introduced the 'satrap'
system, dividing the kingdom into provinces managed by governors, known as
satraps.
14. Question: Rudradaman-I, a prominent
ruler of the Shakas, was known for being a patron of which language?
A. Pali
B. Sanskrit
C. Prakrit
D. Greek
Answer: B. Sanskrit
Explanation: Rudradaman-I promoted Sanskrit
significantly, making it the court language and issuing inscriptions in
Sanskrit for the first time.
15. Question: Which ruler undertook
repairs of the Sudarsana lake originally constructed during the Maurya rule?
A. Kanishka
B. Pushyamitra Shunga
C. Rudradaman-I
D. Menander
Answer: C. Rudradaman-I
Explanation: Rudradaman-I is credited with repairing
the Sudarsana lake, an irrigation reservoir initially built during Chandragupta
Maurya’s rule.
16. Question: The Kushana ruler Kanishka
came to the throne in AD 78, marking the start of which era?
A. Gupta era
B. Vikrama era
C. Saka era
D. Maurya era
Answer: C. Saka era
Explanation: Kanishka’s accession in AD 78 marks the
beginning of the Saka era, which is still used in India's official calendar.
17. Question: Which famous Buddhist
scholar and poet was associated with the court of Kanishka?
A. Nagarjuna
B. Charaka
C. Ashvaghosha
D. Patanjali
Answer: C. Ashvaghosha
Explanation: Ashvaghosha, a notable Buddhist scholar
and poet, was a prominent figure in Kanishka's court and authored
Buddhacharita, the biography of Buddha.
18. Question: Which Buddhist council did
Kanishka organize in Kashmir?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Answer: D. Fourth
Explanation: Kanishka convened the Fourth Buddhist
Council in Kashmir to discuss Buddhist teachings and clarify doctrines with
scholars.
19. Question: Which renowned Buddhist
scholar and poet was associated with the court of Kanishka and authored
Buddhacharita, the biography of Buddha?
A. Charaka
B. Patanjali
C. Nagarjuna
D. Ashvaghosha
Answer: D. Ashvaghosha
Explanation: Ashvaghosha, a celebrated Buddhist
scholar and poet, was a part of Kanishka’s court and is credited with writing
Buddhacharita, a biography of Buddha.
20. Question: Kanishka's efforts to
spread Buddhism included sending missionaries to regions such as:
A. Persia, Egypt, and Greece
B. Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia
C. Africa, Europe, and the Middle East
D. Japan, Korea, and Mongolia
Answer: B. Central Asia, China, and
Southeast Asia
Explanation: Kanishka supported Buddhism’s spread by
sending missionaries to Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia, extending its
reach beyond the Indian subcontinent.
21. Question: The Satavahanas were known
as the lords of the ‘dakshinapatha.’ What was the dakshinapatha?
A. A river in Deccan
B. A pilgrimage site
C. A trade route connecting north and south India
D. The official title of Satavahana kings
Answer: C. A trade route connecting
north and south India
Explanation: The Satavahana rulers were called lords
of the dakshinapatha, which was an important trade route that connected
northern and southern parts of India.
22. Question: Which Satavahana ruler,
regarded as one of the most significant, expanded the kingdom’s control over
the coasts and encouraged trade?
A. Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni
B. Simuka
C. Gautami Balashri
D. Vasudeva
Answer: A. Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni
23. Question:What notable contribution
did the Kushanas make to the Silk Route economy during their rule?
A. They established new agricultural systems
B. They collected taxes from traders passing through
their territories
C. They introduced Greek art in India
D. They converted to Buddhism
Answer:B. They collected taxes from
traders passing through their territories
24. Question: Which of the following
kingdoms were collectively known as the "Muvendar" in Sangam
literature?
A. Cholas, Cheras, and Satavahanas
B. Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas
C. Satavahanas, Cholas, and Pandyas
D. Mauryas, Cheras, and Cholas
Answer: B. Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas
Explanation: In Sangam literature, the Cholas, Cheras,
and Pandyas are referred to as "Muvendar," indicating their
importance and power in ancient South India.
25. Question: The Cholas established a
strong kingdom in which of the following regions?
A. Kaveri delta
B. Malabar coast
C. Ganges delta
D. Deccan plateau
Answer: A. Kaveri delta
Explanation: The Cholas built their kingdom in the
fertile Kaveri delta, which provided them with ample resources for agriculture
and trade.
26. Question: Which port city under the
Chola dynasty was famous for the trade of items like black pepper, gems, and
pearls?
A. Uraiyur
B. Tondi
C. Muchiri
D. Kaveripattnam (Puhar)
Answer: D. Kaveripattnam (Puhar)
Explanation: Kaveripattnam, also known as Puhar, was a
significant trading center during Chola rule, known for trading items like
black pepper, gems, and pearls.
27. Question: Who was the famous Chola
ruler known for military expeditions and generous gifts?
A. Karikela
B. Senguttavan
C. Malayadhvaja
D. Nedunjeral Adan
Answer: A. Karikela
Explanation: Karikela, a prominent Chola ruler of the
2nd century AD, is noted for his military campaigns and his generosity in
giving gifts.
28. Question: Which early Southern
Kingdom ruler, Tatataka, was notable for assembling a large army and leading
expeditions as far north as the Himalayas?
A. Chera king Nedunjeral Adan
B. Pandya ruler Tatataka
C. Chola king Karikela
D. Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni
Answer: B. Pandya ruler Tatataka
29. Question:The Cheras, who ruled over
Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu, controlled which of the following important
ports?
A. Madurai and Tondi
B. Puhar and Uraiyur
C. Tondi and Muchiri
D. Kanchipuram and Kaveripattnam
Answer: C. Tondi and Muchiri
Explanation: The Cheras controlled the ports of Tondi
and Muchiri, which were significant for their trade activities along the west
coast of India.
30. Question: Sangam literature was
compiled during assemblies of poets in ancient Tamilakam. How many assemblies,
or Sangams, are believed to have taken place?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: C. Three
Explanation: Sangam literature is thought to have been
composed and compiled during three poet assemblies, which took place between
300 BC and AD 300.
31. Question: In the southern kingdoms,
how did rulers primarily collect wealth from their people?
A. Regular taxes
B. Loans from merchants
C. Gifts or tributes
D. Trade profits only
Answer: C. Gifts or tributes
Explanation: Instead of regular taxes, southern rulers
collected wealth through gifts or tributes from their people and neighboring
areas, which they shared with soldiers, family members, and poets.
32. Question: What evidence suggests a
thriving trade relationship between southern India and the Roman Empire?
A. Discovery of large gold mines
B. Inscriptions in Latin found in India
C. Roman-style temples in India
D. Large numbers of Roman gold coins found in southern
India
Answer: D. Large numbers of Roman gold
coins found in southern India
Explanation: The presence of Roman gold coins in
southern India indicates active trade between the region and the Roman Empire,
especially for goods like spices, pearls, and precious stones.
33. Question: The spread of Buddhism to
Central Asia and Southeast Asia was significantly aided by which two rulers?
A. Ashoka and Kanishka
B. Chandragupta and Samudragupta
C. Harshavardhana and Bimbisara
D. Rudradaman and Karikela
Answer: A. Ashoka and Kanishka
Explanation: Ashoka and Kanishka both played key roles
in spreading Buddhism outside India by sending missionaries to Central Asia and
Southeast Asia.
34. Question: Which branch of Buddhism
involved the worship of Bodhisattvas and the construction of large Buddha
statues?
A. Vajrayana
B. Theravada
C. Hinayana
D. Mahayana
Answer: D. Mahayana
Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism popularized the worship
of Bodhisattvas and the creation of large Buddha statues, unlike earlier forms
of Buddhism that depicted Buddha through symbols.
Question: Which Hindu religious concept
introduced during this period emphasized devotion to a personal deity and was
open to followers regardless of caste?
A. Tantra
B. Bhakti
C. Karma
D. Varna
Answer: B. Bhakti
Explanation: Bhakti emphasized devotion to a personal
god and was inclusive of all castes, focusing on a direct, personal connection
with the deity instead of formal rituals.
Question: According to the Bhagavad
Gita, the path of Bhakti is based on the concept of:
A. Karma, or duty
B. Ahimsa, or non-violence
C. Bhaj, meaning to share
D. Moksha, or liberation
Answer: C. Bhaj, meaning to share
Explanation: The word "Bhakti" is derived
from the Sanskrit root "bhaj," meaning "to share," which
emphasizes sharing a personal, devoted relationship with a deity.
Question : Who were the Boddhisattavas
in the context of Mahayana Buddhism?
A) Enlightened individuals helping others to attain
spiritual realization
B) Devotees of Vishnu and Shiva
C) Priests who led sacrifices in Hinduism
D) Buddhist monks who lived in Himalayan monasteries
Answer: A Explanation: In Mahayana
Buddhism, Boddhisattavas
were enlightened beings who postponed their own nirvana to guide others on the
path to spiritual awakening.
Question : Mahayana Buddhism introduced
two key practices, including:
A) Animal sacrifice and rituals for deities
B) Devotion to Boddhisattavas and construction of
Buddha statues
C) Worship of natural elements and fasting
D) Meditation and prayer in private
Answer: B) Devotion to Boddhisattavas
and construction of Buddha statues
Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism involved the worship of
Boddhisattavas and the creation of statues of the Buddha, which became popular
across many regions in Asia.
Question: The Bhakti movement promoted
which of the following ideas?
A) Ritual sacrifices performed by Brahmins
B) Devotion to a personal god to attain liberation
from rebirth
C) Worship of ancestors
D) Vedic chanting for material prosperity
Answer: B) Devotion to a personal god to
attain liberation from rebirth
Explanation: The Bhakti movement emphasized personal
devotion to a deity who could help individuals attain liberation from the cycle
of rebirth, moving away from ritualistic practices.
Question: Sangam literature is known
for:
A) Being the earliest collection of Tamil literary
works
B) Compiling Buddhist teachings
C) Describing the Silk Route
D) Documenting the lives of Hindu saints
Answer: A) Being the earliest collection
of Tamil literary works
Explanation: Sangam literature is the earliest
collection of Tamil literature, believed to have been composed during poet
assemblies called "sangams," and contains valuable historical and
cultural information about early southern kingdoms.
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