India, That is Bharat – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Theme B — Tapestry of the Past — Chapter 5: India, That is Bharat
40 MCQs with answers and detailed explanations — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 6.
- Board: CBSE
- Format: Topic-wise MCQs with 'Show Answer & Explanation'
Geography & Boundaries (MCQs 1-8)
1. Which of the following natural features served as a major northern barrier for the Indian subcontinent?
The Himalayas form a high mountain range in the north and act as a natural barrier affecting climate and protecting the subcontinent. They also feed major rivers that supported ancient civilizations.
2. The fertile Indo-Gangetic plain is mainly formed by which two river systems?
The Indo-Gangetic plain is largely formed by the deposition of river sediments from the Ganga and Brahmaputra systems, creating fertile agricultural land and supporting dense populations.
3. Which of these helped ancient sailors navigate seasonal sea routes around India?
Monsoon winds blow predictably in certain seasons, allowing sailors to plan voyages to and from India to West Asia and Southeast Asia, which facilitated regular maritime trade.
4. Which coastal region of India was historically important for trade with West Asia?
The Malabar Coast (west coast of India) had long-standing maritime links with West Asia and East Africa, trading spices and other commodities through ports like Muziris.
5. Rivers influenced political power in ancient India mainly because they provided:
Rivers provided fertile soil for agriculture and served as transport routes for people and goods, supporting population centers and enabling states to collect resources and exert control.
6. Which of the following is a peninsular feature of India?
The Deccan Plateau forms much of peninsular India and is characterised by elevated terrain bounded by the Western and Eastern Ghats.
7. Natural boundaries in India often led to:
Natural features like mountains, rivers and coasts created pockets where different cultures and political entities developed, leading to regional diversity rather than uniformity.
8. Which sea lies to the west of India supporting maritime trade historically?
The Arabian Sea on India’s west coast was crucial for trade with West Asia, East Africa and the Mediterranean via intermediary ports.
Political History (MCQs 9-16)
9. Which empire is known for creating one of the earliest political unities in India?
The Mauryan Empire (c. 322–185 BCE) unified large parts of the subcontinent under central administration, road networks and efficient governance, setting an early example of political unity.
10. After the decline of large empires, political power in India generally became:
Historically, the fall of large empires often led to the rise of regional kingdoms and local rulers with varied cultures and administrations.
11. Which method was commonly used by rulers to expand influence without direct conquest?
Rulers often used diplomacy like alliances and royal marriages to gain influence over neighbouring states without warfare, creating political ties and stability.
12. Ashoka is best remembered for promoting which of the following across his empire?
Ashoka promoted dhamma—moral principles like non-violence and tolerance—through edicts and public welfare measures after his conversion to Buddhism.
13. In ancient India, the term 'rajya' most closely referred to:
A 'rajya' was often defined by the extent of a ruler's power, including direct control areas and zones of influence, rather than strict literal borders.
14. Which of the following was NOT a reason for the expansion of kingdoms in ancient India?
While rulers expanded for land, trade, and prestige, 'modern ideas' is anachronistic; ancient expansions were driven by economic, strategic and political reasons.
15. Which source is most helpful to know about a ruler’s laws and instructions in ancient India?
Inscriptions and edicts on pillars and rocks record rulers' orders, donations and laws and are direct primary sources for administrative and moral instructions.
16. Which administrative innovation helped empires like the Mauryas govern large territories?
Well-maintained roads and administrative divisions with governors allowed central rulers to communicate, collect revenue, and manage large empires efficiently.
Culture & Heritage (MCQs 17-24)
17. Which of these religions originated in India and influenced other parts of Asia?
Buddhism originated in India and spread across Asia, influencing cultures, art and religious thought especially in Southeast and East Asia.
18. The spread of ideas and scripts from India to Southeast Asia is an example of:
Through trade and religious missions, Indian artistic styles, religious ideas and scripts spread to Southeast Asia—an example of cultural diffusion where ideas cross boundaries.
19. Which statement best describes India’s cultural identity?
India’s cultural identity is layered—local traditions combine with broader civilisational elements, creating both unity and diversity across regions.
20. Temple architecture in southern India is commonly called:
The Dravidian style, common in South India, features pyramidal vimanas and large entrance towers called gopurams, differing from the Nagara style in the north.
21. Festivals in India show both unity and diversity because:
Many festivals celebrate similar ideas (harvest, victory of good over evil) but customs, dishes and rituals vary regionally, showing unity amid diversity.
22. Which language family includes Sanskrit and many North Indian languages?
Sanskrit and many North Indian languages belong to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family; Dravidian languages are dominant in the south.
Trade & Contacts (MCQs 23-30)
23. Which commodities were commonly exported from ancient India?
Ancient India was known for spices, high-quality textiles (like cotton and silk) and gemstones, which were in demand across West Asia and beyond.
24. Merchant communities often acted as cultural intermediaries because they:
Traders didn't just move products; they also spread religious practices, artistic styles and technological knowledge, influencing cultural exchange.
25. Towns and ports contributed to craft specialisation because:
Ports and towns concentrated consumers and traders, encouraging artisans to specialise in weaving, metalwork and other crafts to meet demand.
26. Contacts with Southeast Asia led to which of the following in that region?
Southeast Asian kingdoms adopted Indian scripts, Hindu-Buddhist religious ideas and architectural styles, often blending them with local traditions.
27. Which factor made maritime trade regular and reliable for ancient Indian sailors?
Sailors timed voyages with monsoon winds, using predictable seasonal patterns to travel efficiently and return within safe periods, facilitating regular trade.
28. Which of the following best describes diasporic merchant communities?
Diasporic merchants established communities in foreign ports, facilitating trade networks and cultural exchange between India and other regions.
Art, Architecture & Monuments (MCQs 29-34)
29. Monuments and inscriptions are important for historians because they:
Monuments and inscriptions contain names, events, religious dedications and artistic styles that help historians reconstruct political and cultural histories.
30. Sculptures on temple walls that show daily life help historians understand:
Depictions of everyday scenes in sculpture provide visual information about crafts, clothing, festivals and community life in the past.
31. Which architectural feature is typical of northern (Nagara) temples?
Nagara temples in North India often have a curvilinear tower (shikhara) above the sanctum, differing from the pyramidal vimana of the south.
32. Which cultural achievement from India influenced architecture in Southeast Asia?
Indian temple architecture and iconography influenced Southeast Asian monuments, where local builders adapted Indian forms to create unique hybrid structures.
33. Coins found at archaeological sites are useful because they can tell us about:
Coins carry inscriptions, symbols and sometimes rulers' images, helping date sites, trace trade connections and identify political authority.
34. A stupa is primarily associated with which religion?
Stupas are dome-shaped monuments associated with Buddhism, often housing relics and used for ritual circumambulation.
Society, Administration & Sources (MCQs 35-40)
35. Which institution often acted as a centre of learning in ancient India?
Gurukulas (residential schools) and Buddhist monasteries served as educational centres teaching religious texts, philosophy, medicine and sciences to local and foreign students.
36. Which of the following is a reason historians cross-check multiple sources?
Using inscriptions, coins, traveller accounts and archaeology together helps historians verify facts and understand different perspectives, reducing misinterpretation.
37. Social divisions in ancient India often related to:
Ancient social structures often organised people by occupation—farmers, artisans, traders—and defined social duties, though real-life interactions could be more flexible.
38. Why would a king issue inscriptions in multiple languages?
Multilingual inscriptions helped rulers communicate policies and show respect for local cultures, aiding administration across diverse populations.
39. Travellers’ accounts are valuable because they:
Travel writers describe markets, customs and institutions, offering perspectives that complement local sources; however, they must be read critically for bias.
40. The phrase "India, that is Bharat" highlights:
The expression points to continuity in naming—'India' (English) and 'Bharat' (local languages)—and underlines a shared civilizational history while recognizing multiple identities.