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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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).
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
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.