Ancient India : Cultural
1. Which languages were used in ancient Indian literature?
Answer : Sanskrit, Ardhamagadhi, Pali, and Tamil.
2. What does ‘Sangham’ mean?
Answer : A gathering of learned men.
3. Name one epic from Sangham literature.
Answer : Silappadhikaram or Manimekhalai.
4. What is Ayurveda?
Answer : Ancient Indian medical science.
5. Who wrote ‘Arthashastra’?
Answer : Kautilya.
6. Which university did Chandragupta Maurya study at?
Answer : Takshashila University.
7. What is the Bhagavad Gita a part of?
Answer : Mahabharata.
8. Who was Aryabhata?
Answer : A famous mathematician and astronomer.
9. What is the significance of the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli?
Answer : It shows ancient India’s advanced metallurgy.
10. What is ‘Panchatantra’?
Answer : A collection of moral stories.
Long Questions
1. What is ‘Tipitaka’?
Answer : Tipitaka is a Buddhist text written in Pali. It consists of three parts:
Sutta Pitaka – Teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Vinay Pitaka – Rules for Buddhist monks and nuns.
Abhidhamma Pitaka – Buddhist philosophy and doctrines.
2. What is the message of the Bhagavad Gita?
Answer : The Bhagavad Gita teaches that one must do their duty without expecting rewards. It also emphasizes devotion to God and explains the importance of righteousness and selfless action.
3. What does Ayurveda focus on?
Answer : Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medical science. It studies the causes, symptoms, and treatments of diseases. It also focuses on healthy living and disease prevention through diet, exercise, and herbal medicines.
4. What were the main features of ancient Indian education?
Answer : Ancient India had famous universities like Takshashila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila. These universities taught subjects like Vedic literature, medicine, philosophy, and astronomy. Students from other countries also came to study in these institutions.
5. How did art and architecture develop in ancient India?
Answer : During the Maurya and Gupta periods, Indian architecture flourished. Ashoka built stone pillars with inscriptions. The Sanchi Stupa and cave sculptures at Ajanta and Ellora show artistic excellence. Temples at Mahabalipuram and bronze sculptures of deities were also developed during this time.
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