Timelines and Sources of History – MCQs
100 MCQs — Theme B: Tapestry of the Past — Timelines & Sources of History
Section I — Basics of History (Q1–Q10)
1. The word History originally means
A. War
B. Inquiry or knowledge
C. Story
D. Legend
Answer: B — Inquiry or knowledge.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — war is a topic in history, not the meaning of the word.
- B: Correct — Historia (Greek) means inquiry/research; history is study by investigation.
- C: Incorrect — story may describe historical events but lacks the investigative meaning.
- D: Incorrect — legend is an oral tale; history aims at evidence-based study.
2. Which of the following best describes the purpose of studying history?
A. To learn only dates
B. To understand the past and learn lessons
C. To copy old books
D. To forget the present
Answer: B — To understand the past and learn lessons.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — dates are useful but not the sole purpose.
- B: Correct — history helps understand past events, causes and consequences, and learn from them.
- C: Incorrect — copying books is not the aim; analysis is.
- D: Incorrect — history enhances understanding of present, not forgetting it.
3. History as a subject is primarily based on
A. Evidence and sources
B. Fiction and imagination
C. Only oral tales
D. Songs and dances
Answer: A — Evidence and sources.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — historians rely on primary and secondary sources as evidence.
- B: Incorrect — fiction may inspire but is not the basis of historical study.
- C: Incorrect — oral traditions are useful but must be supported by other evidence.
- D: Incorrect — cultural items help but are not sole historical evidence.
4. Which one is an example of cultural heritage that history helps preserve?
A. Computer code
B. Festivals and traditions
C. Weather forecast
D. Live TV shows
Answer: B — Festivals and traditions.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — computer code is technology, not classical heritage (though it can be part of cultural change).
- B: Correct — history records origins and reasons for festivals and traditions.
- C: Incorrect — weather forecasts are scientific data, not cultural heritage.
- D: Incorrect — TV shows are contemporary culture but not traditional heritage.
5. Which of the following statements is TRUE about history?
A. It only records kings and wars.
B. It studies various aspects of human life.
C. It never changes.
D. It is only for adults.
Answer: B — It studies various aspects of human life.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — history includes social, economic, cultural life, not only kings and wars.
- B: Correct — history examines politics, society, economy, art, religion, everyday life.
- C: Incorrect — interpretations can change with new evidence.
- D: Incorrect — history is for learners of all ages.
6. A person who studies past events by examining evidence is called a
A. Geologist
B. Historian
C. Chemist
D. Cartographer
Answer: B — Historian.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — geologists study Earth’s physical structure.
- B: Correct — historians investigate and interpret past events.
- C: Incorrect — chemists study chemistry.
- D: Incorrect — cartographers make maps.
7. Which of the following is NOT usually a concern of history?
A. When events occurred
B. How people lived
C. What flavor a fruit has
D. Why events happened
Answer: C — What flavor a fruit has.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — chronology is central to history.
- B: Incorrect — everyday life is an important historical topic.
- C: Correct — fruit flavor is unrelated to historical analysis.
- D: Incorrect — causes of events are a key historical question.
8. Which phrase best expresses the historian’s method?
A. Believe stories at face value
B. Investigate evidence and cross-check sources
C. Invent events to fill gaps
D. Accept only myths
Answer: B — Investigate evidence and cross-check sources.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — historians do not take stories without checking evidence.
- B: Correct — historians verify sources and compare evidence.
- C: Incorrect — invention is not a scholarly method.
- D: Incorrect — myths may be referenced but require verification.
9. Which of these helps in creating identity and pride in a nation?
A. History and shared past
B. Ignoring all past events
C. Only watching movies
D. Eating the same food every day
Answer: A — History and shared past.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — knowledge of struggles, achievements fosters national identity.
- B: Incorrect — ignoring the past denies context and identity.
- C: Incorrect — movies can educate but are not a substitute for historical understanding.
- D: Incorrect — food habits alone don’t build collective identity.
10. Which of the following is an example of historical inquiry?
A. Testing a chemical in a lab
B. Excavating a site to search for pottery
C. Playing a musical instrument
D. Designing a video game
Answer: B — Excavating a site to search for pottery.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — scientific but not historical inquiry (unless in archaeology lab).
- B: Correct — excavation is archaeological research, a form of historical inquiry.
- C: Incorrect — music is cultural practice, not inquiry itself.
- D: Incorrect — game design is creative tech work.
Section II — Timelines & Dating (Q11–Q20)
11. The chronological arrangement of events is called a
A. Map
B. Timeline
C. Dictionary
D. Calendar
Answer: B — Timeline.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — map shows space, not sequence.
- B: Correct — timeline shows events in order.
- C: Incorrect — dictionary lists words, not events.
- D: Incorrect — calendar shows dates but not a historical sequence of events.
12. BCE stands for
A. Before Common Era
B. Before Christ’s Event
C. Before Current Era
D. Beginning of Common Era
Answer: A — Before Common Era.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — BCE is the neutral term equivalent to BC.
- B: Incorrect — not the standard expansion.
- C: Incorrect — word “current” is wrong.
- D: Incorrect — BCE means before, not beginning.
13. CE corresponds to which older term?
A. BC
B. AD
C. BCE
D. AC
Answer: B — AD.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — BC is before Christ.
- B: Correct — CE (Common Era) corresponds to AD (Anno Domini).
- C: Incorrect — BCE is the counterpart of BC.
- D: Incorrect — AC is not a standard dating term.
14. Why do historians prefer BCE/CE sometimes?
A. To make history harder
B. To use a neutral, non-religious dating system
C. To confuse students
D. Because BC/AD are wrong
Answer: B — To use a neutral, non-religious dating system.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — not the reason.
- B: Correct — BCE/CE avoids religious wording, making it inclusive.
- C: Incorrect — intent is not confusion.
- D: Incorrect — BC/AD are not wrong, but religiously specific.
15. Which of the following sequences is chronological?
A. 200 CE, 100 BCE, 50 BCE
B. 100 BCE, 50 BCE, 200 CE
C. 50 BCE, 200 CE, 100 BCE
D. 200 CE, 50 BCE, 100 BCE
Answer: B — 100 BCE, 50 BCE, 200 CE.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — moves from CE back to BCE; not chronological.
- B: Correct — earliest to latest (100 BCE → 50 BCE → 200 CE).
- C: Incorrect — 200 CE is later than 50 BCE but placed between BCE dates.
- D: Incorrect — sequence wrong.
16. A timeline is most useful because it
A. Hides the dates
B. Shows the order of events clearly
C. Creates fictional stories
D. Replaces books
Answer: B — Shows the order of events clearly.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — hides nothing.
- B: Correct — main function is to present chronological order.
- C: Incorrect — it’s factual, not fictional.
- D: Incorrect — timelines supplement, not replace, detailed books.
17. Which of the following would you put on a timeline?
A. Events and dates
B. Only names of rivers
C. Random pictures unrelated to dates
D. Mathematical formulas
Answer: A — Events and dates.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — timelines list events with their dates.
- B: Incorrect — rivers can appear but need associated events to be on timeline.
- C: Incorrect — must relate to chronological events.
- D: Incorrect — formulas are not historical events.
18. If an event is dated 300 BCE, that means it happened
A. 300 years after Christ’s birth
B. 300 years before Christ’s birth
C. In the year 300 CE
D. In the year 3000
Answer: B — 300 years before Christ’s birth.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — BCE is before, not after.
- B: Correct — BCE dates count backward before year 1 of Common Era.
- C: Incorrect — CE would indicate after.
- D: Incorrect — wrong magnitude.
19. A student wants to compare what was happening in India and Greece at 500 BCE. The best tool is a
A. Color chart
B. Timeline showing both regions
C. Cooking recipe
D. Sports scoreboard
Answer: B — Timeline showing both regions.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — color chart might show categories but not chronological comparisons easily.
- B: Correct — a comparative timeline allows synchronous events to be seen together.
- C/D: Incorrect — irrelevant.
20. Chronology helps historians to
A. Ignore causes of events
B. Understand cause and effect over time
C. Make dates secret
D. Translate foreign movies
Answer: B — Understand cause and effect over time.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — chronology helps study causes, not ignore them.
- B: Correct — ordering events shows how one may lead to another.
- C: Incorrect — chronology is transparent.
- D: Incorrect — unrelated.
Section III — Primary Sources (Q21–Q30)
21. Which of these is a primary source?
A. A modern history textbook
B. A 2,000-year-old inscription on stone
C. A documentary made last year
D. A school project summarizing events
Answer: B — A 2,000-year-old inscription on stone.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — textbook is secondary.
- B: Correct — inscription is original evidence from the period.
- C: Incorrect — documentary is a modern interpretation (secondary).
- D: Incorrect — school projects are secondary summaries.
22. Manuscripts are usually written on which of the following materials in ancient India?
A. Plastic sheets
B. Palm leaves and birch bark
C. Computer hard drives
D. Glass panels
Answer: B — Palm leaves and birch bark.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — modern materials.
- B: Correct — traditional materials used for manuscripts in India.
23. Which one of the following is NOT a primary source?
A. Coins from a king’s period
B. A letter written by a queen in her time
C. An article analyzing old coins
D. A temple inscription carved during a king’s reign
Answer: C — An article analyzing old coins.
Explanation:
- A/B/D: Correct examples of primary sources (original items or writings).
- C: Incorrect — analysis is secondary.
24. Primary sources are valuable because they
A. Show us fictional tales
B. Provide first-hand evidence of the past
C. Always contain errors intentionally
D. Are pictorial only
Answer: B — Provide first-hand evidence of the past.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — primary sources aim to be factual and varied in form.
- B: Correct — they are direct records from the time studied.
25. Which of these would a historian call a primary written source?
A. A modern summary of the Mughal period
B. A 16th-century official diary from a court minister
C. A contemporary novelist’s book on kings
D. A current school textbook
Answer: B — A 16th-century official diary from a court minister.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — these are secondary.
- B: Correct — a diary written at the time is first-hand evidence.
26. Objects found during excavation like pottery and tools are called
A. Manuscripts
B. Artifacts
C. Novels
D. Coins only
Answer: B — Artifacts.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — manuscripts and novels are texts; coins are one type of artifact.
- B: Correct — artifacts are material remains discovered in archaeology.
27. Which of the following is true about inscriptions?
A. They are always on paper
B. They are carved on durable materials like stone or metal
C. They cannot tell us any dates
D. They are always fictional stories
Answer: B — They are carved on durable materials like stone or metal.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — inscriptions are usually on stone/metal, can include dates, and are not fictional in intent.
- B: Correct — durability is why inscriptions survive.
28. A copper plate inscription is most likely to contain information about
A. A cooking recipe
B. A land grant by a ruler
C. A weather forecast
D. A movie review
Answer: B — A land grant by a ruler.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — not typical content.
- B: Correct — many copper plates record grants, donations, and official orders.
29. Which of the following best explains why coins are used by historians?
A. They only show pictures
B. They provide names, titles, and economic clues
C. They only belong in hoards
D. They are not useful at all
Answer: B — They provide names, titles, and economic clues.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — coins contain much information beyond pictures and are very useful.
- B: Correct — coins show rulers’ names, symbols, and reflect economy and art.
30. A stone pillar with royal proclamation carved on it is an example of
A. Secondary source
B. Primary source
C. A myth
D. A modern book
Answer: B — Primary source.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — pillar carved at the time is original evidence, not secondary or modern.
Section IV — Manuscripts & Inscriptions (Q31–Q40)
31. Ashoka’s edicts are written mainly to communicate his ideas about
A. War and conquest only
B. Dhamma — moral law, non-violence, and welfare
C. Agricultural recipes
D. Sports rules
Answer: B — Dhamma — moral law, non-violence, and welfare.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — while they mention Kalinga war, their main aim is moral governance.
- B: Correct — Ashoka’s edicts instruct on dhamma and welfare policies.
- C/D: Incorrect — not content of edicts.
32. The author of Akbarnama was
A. Kautilya
B. Harisena
C. Abul Fazl
D. Megasthenes
Answer: C — Abul Fazl.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — Kautilya wrote Arthashastra.
- B: Incorrect — Harisena composed an inscription for Samudragupta.
- C: Correct — Abul Fazl was Akbar’s court historian who wrote Akbarnama.
- D: Incorrect — Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador who wrote Indica.
33. Which material was commonly used for royal inscriptions in ancient India?
A. Stone and pillars
B. Plastic
C. Aluminium foil
D. Glass bottles
Answer: A — Stone and pillars.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — stone pillars and rocks were durable and used for royal messages (e.g., Ashoka).
- B/C/D: Incorrect — modern materials not used historically.
34. Harisena is known for the Allahabad Pillar Inscription which records the achievements of
A. Ashoka
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Babur
Answer: B — Samudragupta.
Explanation:
- A: Incorrect — Ashoka had his own edicts.
- B: Correct — Harisena inscribed Samudragupta’s conquests on the Allahabad Pillar.
- C/D: Incorrect — other rulers.
35. Manuscripts in ancient India were often written in which of these languages?
A. Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit
B. English only
C. Modern Hindi only
D. Mandarin only
Answer: A — Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — those were common classical languages for religious and administrative texts.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — modern languages were not commonly used in ancient manuscripts.
36. A manuscript differs from an inscription mainly because a manuscript is
A. Written on material like palm leaves and is portable
B. Always printed in books
C. Carved on rocks
D. Made of metal
Answer: A — Written on material like palm leaves and is portable.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — manuscripts are hand-written on perishable material and can be carried.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — manuscripts are handwritten, not carved on rock or metal.
37. Which of these is a reason inscriptions are important to historians?
A. They are temporary and last only a day
B. They are durable and often contain dates and names
C. They never mention rulers
D. They are always written in foreign languages
Answer: B — They are durable and often contain dates and names.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — inscriptions are durable, often mention rulers, and are in local scripts.
- B: Correct — durability and details make them valuable.
38. A part of Arthashastra gives information about
A. Statecraft, administration, and economy
B. Astronomy only
C. Poems and songs
D. Cooking methods
Answer: A — Statecraft, administration, and economy.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — Arthashastra by Kautilya is a treatise on governance and economics.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — it focuses on politics and administration.
39. Which of the following BEST explains why some inscriptions include detailed lists of donations?
A. To show generosity and legitimize rulers’ authority
B. To provide weather reports
C. To store recipes
D. To describe mythical creatures
Answer: A — To show generosity and legitimize rulers’ authority.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — recording grants showcased piety and supported royal legitimacy.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not the purpose.
40. Which script or writing might you expect to find on an Ashokan edict?
A. Brahmi script
B. Latin alphabet
C. Arabic script exclusively
D. Japanese Kanji
Answer: A — Brahmi script.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — many Ashokan inscriptions are in Brahmi (and some in Kharosthi and Prakrit languages).
- B/C/D: Incorrect — Latin, Arabic, or Kanji would not be typical for Ashokan edicts in India.
Section V — Coins & Monuments (Q41–Q50)
41. Coins can tell us about the following EXCEPT
A. Rulers’ names and titles
B. Economic prosperity
C. Which politicians like which colors today
D. Religious symbols and art styles
Answer: C — Which politicians like which colors today.
Explanation:
- A/B/D: Correct — coins carry names, metal value, images revealing religion and artistry.
- C: Incorrect — refers to modern preferences, unrelated to ancient coin evidence.
42. Gupta gold coins are important because they show
A. Poverty in the Gupta age
B. Prosperity, rulers’ portraits, and high craftsmanship
C. That coins were only made of copper then
D. That no trade existed
Answer: B — Prosperity, rulers’ portraits, and high craftsmanship.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — Gupta coins indicate wealth, not poverty; they were gold, not only copper, and point to lively trade.
- B: Correct — gold coinage reflects economic strength and artistry.
43. Which monument is associated with Buddhist architecture and contains important carvings and a stupa?
A. Qutub Minar
B. Sanchi Stupa
C. Taj Mahal
D. Red Fort
Answer: B — Sanchi Stupa.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — Qutub Minar and Red Fort are Islamic-Mughal monuments; Taj Mahal is Mughal funerary architecture.
- B: Correct — Sanchi is famous for Buddhist stupas and carvings.
44. The term “monument” usually refers to
A. Natural hills only
B. Man-made structures of historical or cultural importance
C. Modern mobile phones
D. Fast food outlets
Answer: B — Man-made structures of historical or cultural importance.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — monuments are created by humans for remembrance, not natural features or gadgets.
- B: Correct — temples, forts, stupas, tombs are monuments.
45. The Taj Mahal was built as a
A. Fort for soldiers
B. Tomb (mausoleum)
C. Market place
D. University
Answer: B — Tomb (mausoleum).
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — Taj Mahal is a funerary monument, not military or commercial.
- B: Correct — built by Shah Jahan as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal.
46. Which of the following is an architectural site known for Buddhist paintings and cave architecture?
A. Ajanta Caves
B. Charminar
C. Victoria Memorial
D. Gateway of India
Answer: A — Ajanta Caves.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — Ajanta has rock-cut caves with Buddhist murals and sculptures.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — other sites are not Buddhist cave complexes.
47. Why do historians study monuments?
A. To understand art, religion, and technology of a period
B. To find only treasure chests
C. To plant new trees there
D. To change them into shopping malls
Answer: A — To understand art, religion, and technology of a period.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — monuments reveal cultural, religious and technical achievements.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not the main historical purpose.
48. If a coin shows a king wearing a crown and a chariot, historians can infer that
A. The king loved parties only
B. The ruler claimed royal authority and possibly military success
C. It was a coin from outer space
D. Coins cannot show anything meaningful
Answer: B — The ruler claimed royal authority and possibly military success.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — coins are symbolic representations; they communicate identity and power.
- B: Correct — motifs indicate status and achievements.
49. Which of the following is NOT true about monuments like Ajanta and Ellora?
A. They show religious art and architecture
B. They were carved into rock in some cases
C. They give direct information about rulers’ daily grocery lists
D. They tell us about cultural exchanges and artistic styles
Answer: C — They give direct information about rulers’ daily grocery lists.
Explanation:
- A/B/D: Correct — these are key features of such monuments.
- C: Incorrect — monuments don’t record mundane lists; archaeology or texts would.
50. Monuments and coins together help historians to
A. Create fantasy worlds only
B. Cross-check dates, rulers, economy and art styles
C. Remove all other sources of history
D. Make maps of fish species
Answer: B — Cross-check dates, rulers, economy and art styles.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — these options are irrelevant.
- B: Correct — combining different sources gives a fuller, verified picture.
Section VI — Archaeology & Indus Civilization (Q51–Q60)
51. Archaeology is the study of the past mainly by
A. Reading novels
B. Excavation and studying material remains
C. Watching cartoons
D. Listening to music only
Answer: B — Excavation and studying material remains.
Explanation:
- B: Correct — archaeologists dig sites and analyze artifacts.
- A/C/D: Incorrect — these are unrelated methods.
52. The Harappan (Indus Valley) cities were known for which urban feature?
A. No houses at all
B. Grid-pattern streets and advanced drainage systems
C. Only tents and huts everywhere
D. Wooden skyscrapers
Answer: B — Grid-pattern streets and advanced drainage systems.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — evidence shows planned brick houses and drainage.
- B: Correct — planned urban design and sanitation are hallmarks.
53. Which of these is a major Indus Valley site?
A. Mohenjo-Daro
B. Red Fort
C. Qutub Minar
D. Hampi
Answer: A — Mohenjo-Daro.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — Mohenjo-Daro is a key Harappan site.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — these are later medieval or Mughal sites.
54. Indus seals discovered by archaeologists likely indicate that the Harappans were involved in
A. Trade and administration (possibly as identification seals)
B. Modern computer programming
C. Rocket science
D. Internet marketing
Answer: A — Trade and administration (possibly as identification seals).
Explanation:
- A: Correct — seals with symbols likely used in trade and ownership.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — anachronistic.
55. Which method helps archaeologists to estimate the age of organic remains?
A. Carbon dating (radiocarbon dating)
B. Astrology
C. Spinning a wheel
D. Asking random people on street
Answer: A — Carbon dating (radiocarbon dating).
Explanation:
- A: Correct — radiocarbon dating measures decay of carbon-14 in organic material.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — non-scientific or irrelevant methods.
56. Which evidence suggests long-distance trade by Harappans?
A. Discovery of Mesopotamian seals in Indus sites and Indus seals in West Asia
B. Only local pottery was found everywhere
C. No evidence was found
D. They only traded stories
Answer: A — Discovery of Mesopotamian seals in Indus sites and Indus seals in West Asia.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — such finds indicate trade links with Mesopotamia.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — contradicts archaeological evidence.
57. What does the presence of granaries at Harappan sites suggest?
A. Organized agriculture and storage of food grains
B. That people never ate grains
C. That the city had only shops
D. That they were space stations
Answer: A — Organized agriculture and storage of food grains.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — granaries indicate surplus production and storage systems.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — nonsensical.
58. Why is the Harappan script a problem for historians?
A. It is too easy to read
B. It is undeciphered, so its language and full meanings are unknown
C. It is written in English
D. It is not found anywhere
Answer: B — It is undeciphered, so its language and full meanings are unknown.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — not true.
- B: Correct — inability to read the script limits knowledge of their administration and beliefs.
59. Which of the following objects would archaeologists classify as an artifact?
A. A Harappan pot shard
B. A living tree
C. A modern car
D. A stock market chart
Answer: A — A Harappan pot shard.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — artifact = human-made object from the past.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — either natural or modern and not archaeological finds from ancient contexts.
60. The discovery of well-laid bricks, drains and wells at Harappan sites indicates
A. Advanced urban planning and concern for sanitation
B. That people disliked cleanliness
C. Random construction without planning
D. That no buildings existed
Answer: A — Advanced urban planning and concern for sanitation.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — systematic layout and drainage show planning and public health awareness.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — contradicted by evidence.
Section VII — Mauryan & Gupta Evidence (Q61–Q70)
61. Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism is mainly known from
A. His rock and pillar edicts describing his remorse after Kalinga war
B. Modern novels about him
C. Nothing at all
D. The internet only
Answer: A — His rock and pillar edicts describing his remorse after Kalinga war.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — Edict XIII narrates the Kalinga war and his change of heart.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — secondary or unreliable lone sources.
62. The Mauryan Empire’s administrative details are partly known through
A. Ashoka’s edicts and archaeological remains
B. Contemporary newspapers
C. Satellite imagery alone
D. Modern rumors
Answer: A — Ashoka’s edicts and archaeological remains.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — inscriptions and material culture inform about governance.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not applicable or insufficient by themselves.
63. The Gupta period is often called a “Golden Age” because of
A. Decline in arts
B. Progress in literature, science, art and prosperous economy reflected in coins and inscriptions
C. Lack of trade
D. Poor architecture
Answer: B — Progress in literature, science, art and prosperous economy reflected in coins and inscriptions.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — opposite of the Golden Age characterization.
- B: Correct — Gupta era saw flourishing culture and wealth.
64. Samudragupta is well-known from which source that praises his conquests?
A. Allahabad Pillar Inscription by Harisena
B. A modern comic book
C. A random blog post
D. A 20th-century painting
Answer: A — Allahabad Pillar Inscription by Harisena.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — the inscription lists his achievements and conquests.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not primary historical records.
65. Which type of evidence most directly confirms a ruler’s image and how he wished to be seen?
A. Coins with portraits
B. Modern television interviews
C. Weather forecasts
D. Soil tests
Answer: A — Coins with portraits.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — coins bear portraits and royal motifs showing intended public image.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — irrelevant.
66. Which of these is true about Gupta copper/gold coins?
A. They bear royal titles and artistic designs
B. They only depict fish
C. They are always made of iron
D. They have no inscriptions
Answer: A — They bear royal titles and artistic designs.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — Gupta coins often display titles like “Maharajadhiraja” and artistic scenes.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — false statements.
67. Which source would be most useful to study the policies of Ashoka?
A. His rock and pillar edicts
B. A novel set in the 20th century
C. A cooking show transcript
D. A piece of modern fiction
Answer: A — His rock and pillar edicts.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — directed messages from Ashoka explain his governance and moral policies.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — irrelevant.
68. One reason coins are often found in archaeological digs is that they
A. Were used and lost in daily life and hoarded, so survive as metal artifacts
B. Were never used historically
C. Instantly turn into dust
D. Melted into the ground
Answer: A — Were used and lost in daily life and hoarded, so survive as metal artifacts.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — coins are durable metal objects and often survive in excavations.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not true.
69. The depiction of musical instruments on Gupta coins shows us about
A. The region’s musical culture and patronage of arts
B. Musical instruments are worthless
C. That all people were musicians
D. That coins were not used for money
Answer: A — The region’s musical culture and patronage of arts.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — motifs like veena indicate cultural values and royal patronage of music.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — false or irrelevant.
70. Which combination of sources would best help reconstruct the Mauryan period?
A. Ashoka’s inscriptions + archaeological remains + foreign accounts (e.g., Megasthenes)
B. Modern movies only
C. Weather maps
D. Fiction novels alone
Answer: A — Ashoka’s inscriptions + archaeological remains + foreign accounts (e.g., Megasthenes).
Explanation:
- A: Correct — combining different primary and contemporary foreign sources gives fuller history.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — inadequate or unrelated.
Section VIII — Secondary Sources & Historiography (Q71–Q80)
71. A secondary source is best described as
A. An original document from the period
B. An interpretation or analysis written after the event
C. A coin from an ancient king
D. A stone inscription
Answer: B — An interpretation or analysis written after the event.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — these are primary sources.
- B: Correct — secondary sources analyze primary evidence.
72. Which of the following is a secondary source?
A. NCERT history textbook
B. A king’s edict carved on a pillar
C. A letter written by a 17th-century merchant
D. An ancient coin
Answer: A — NCERT history textbook.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — textbooks synthesize primary evidence into explanations.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — primary sources.
73. Why must historians be cautious about secondary sources?
A. Because they may contain bias or interpretation errors
B. Because they are always accurate with no mistakes
C. Because they are written only in ancient times
D. Because they never use primary sources
Answer: A — Because they may contain bias or interpretation errors.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — historians need to check secondary works against primary evidence for bias and accuracy.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — false statements.
74. Which would be a trustworthy secondary source for a school student?
A. A peer-reviewed history book or NCERT textbook
B. An anonymous social media post with no sources
C. A rumor passed around in the class
D. A fictional fantasy book
Answer: A — A peer-reviewed history book or NCERT textbook.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — reputable textbooks and reviewed works are reliable.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — unreliable or fictional.
75. Historiography refers to
A. The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time
B. A book of recipes
C. A type of stone carving
D. Weather measurement techniques
Answer: A — The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — historiography is reflection on historical writing and methods.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — unrelated.
76. A modern historian comparing different accounts and weighing evidence is doing which part of historiography?
A. Analysis and interpretation of sources
B. Singing a song
C. Building a house
D. Planting crops
Answer: A — Analysis and interpretation of sources.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — critical comparison of sources is central to historiography.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — irrelevant.
77. Which of these is a limitation of secondary sources?
A. They are never published
B. They may reflect the author’s viewpoint and not the whole truth
C. They always contain lists of recipes
D. They provide only images, no text
Answer: B — They may reflect the author’s viewpoint and not the whole truth.
Explanation:
- B: Correct — bias and perspective affect secondary narratives.
- A/C/D: Incorrect — incorrect descriptions.
78. Which is an example of a secondary source that students often use?
A. Reference books, encyclopedias, and school textbooks
B. A king’s throne
C. An unbroken pot shard
D. An inscription carved by a chieftain
Answer: A — Reference books, encyclopedias, and school textbooks.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — these synthesize primary materials.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — primary or physical items, not secondary analyses.
79. If two secondary books disagree about an event, historians should
A. Check the primary sources they cite and judge evidence quality
B. Accept both without question
C. Ignore primary sources entirely
D. Destroy one book
Answer: A — Check the primary sources they cite and judge evidence quality.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — always revert to primary evidence and evaluate interpretations.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — uncritical acceptance or destructive actions are wrong.
80. Which of these best improves the reliability of a historical claim made in a secondary source?
A. It cites multiple primary sources and gives evidence
B. It uses no references and is purely opinion
C. It contains only illustrations
D. It is written without dates
Answer: A — It cites multiple primary sources and gives evidence.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — strong referencing and evidence make secondary claims more reliable.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — lack of evidence weakens reliability.
Section IX — Using & Interpreting Sources (Q81–Q90)
81. Cross-checking in history means
A. Comparing different sources to verify facts
B. Always trusting the first source you find
C. Throwing away all sources
D. Only using oral tales
Answer: A — Comparing different sources to verify facts.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — cross-verification reduces errors and bias.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — unsafe or incomplete approaches.
82. Which of the following is an example of corroboration?
A. Finding the same event mentioned in an inscription and a foreign traveler’s account
B. Only having one source with no support
C. Making up evidence
D. Believing everything without checking
Answer: A — Finding the same event mentioned in an inscription and a foreign traveler’s account.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — corroboration strengthens historical claims.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not corroboration.
83. When a source shows bias, a historian should
A. Note the bias and look for additional sources to balance the view
B. Ignore the problem and accept it fully
C. Assume all sources are false
D. Publish it as absolute truth
Answer: A — Note the bias and look for additional sources to balance the view.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — recognizing bias allows critical evaluation.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — uncritical or destructive reactions are wrong.
84. Which of these is a limitation of archaeological sources?
A. They always give detailed written laws
B. They often lack written explanations and require interpretation
C. They never need dating
D. They are always complete records of life
Answer: B — They often lack written explanations and require interpretation.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Incorrect — archaeological remains don’t always include texts and are fragmentary.
- B: Correct — artifacts need careful interpretation.
85. If an inscription is broken and only part of the message remains, historians should
A. Compare it with other inscriptions and sources to fill gaps cautiously
B. Invent missing words randomly
C. Say the entire message is useless and discard it
D. Burn the inscription
Answer: A — Compare it with other inscriptions and sources to fill gaps cautiously.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — cautious reconstruction using context is standard.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — unethical or destructive.
86. Which approach helps reduce error when interpreting ancient coins?
A. Comparing coins with inscriptions, finds, and known historical records
B. Guessing based on modern images only
C. Relying on a single coin with no context
D. Ignoring the mint marks and legends
Answer: A — Comparing coins with inscriptions, finds, and known historical records.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — cross-referencing clarifies meaning and dating.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — risky and unreliable practices.
87. Oral traditions are useful because they
A. Provide human memories and local perspectives where written records are missing
B. Are always 100% accurate in details
C. Replace the need for archaeology
D. Never change over time
Answer: A — Provide human memories and local perspectives where written records are missing.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — oral sources give insights, though they need corroboration.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — oral traditions can change and must be verified.
88. Which of the following is a safe historical practice?
A. Using multiple types of sources (inscriptions, coins, archaeology, texts) to form conclusions
B. Basing conclusions on a single unsupported claim
C. Ignoring primary sources always
D. Using no evidence at all
Answer: A — Using multiple types of sources (inscriptions, coins, archaeology, texts) to form conclusions.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — triangulation strengthens historical understanding.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — poor methodology.
89. A historian who uses both the edicts of Ashoka and Greek accounts of India is practicing
A. Multi-source research and cross-cultural comparison
B. Only local bias
C. Random guessing
D. None of the above
Answer: A — Multi-source research and cross-cultural comparison.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — combining indigenous and foreign sources gives richer context.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — wrong descriptions.
90. Which of the following is an example of primary oral evidence?
A. An eyewitness account of a local festival passed down in family memory
B. A modern textbook summary
C. A fictional movie about ancient kings
D. A newscast about last month’s events only
Answer: A — An eyewitness account of a local festival passed down in family memory.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — oral testimony from participants or direct memories is primary oral evidence (but requires verification).
- B/C/D: Incorrect — secondary or contemporary media, or fictional.
Section X — Revision / Mixed (Q91–Q100)
91. Which is the best description of a primary source?
A. Something made at the time being studied (e.g., inscriptions, coins, manuscripts)
B. A modern interpretive book
C. A play written next month
D. A future prediction
Answer: A — Something made at the time being studied (e.g., inscriptions, coins, manuscripts).
Explanation:
- A: Correct — primary sources are contemporaneous materials.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — secondary or not relevant.
92. Which of the following would most likely be used to date an ancient wooden artifact?
A. Radiocarbon (C-14) dating
B. Taste testing
C. Counting modern calendars
D. Asking social media
Answer: A — Radiocarbon (C-14) dating.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — radiocarbon dating estimates age of organic materials.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — nonscientific or irrelevant methods.
93. Which statement about secondary sources is false?
A. They interpret primary data
B. They can never be used in school assignments
C. They help summarize complex findings for students
D. They may contain bias
Answer: B — They can never be used in school assignments.
Explanation:
- A/C/D: Correct — true features of secondary sources.
- B: Incorrect — students regularly use secondary sources.
94. A seal with a picture of a unicorn-like animal found in Harappa likely indicates
A. A symbol used in trade or administration
B. That unicorns existed in ancient India exactly like myths
C. That the find has no importance
D. That Harappans had television
Answer: A — A symbol used in trade or administration.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — seals bear symbols possibly for identification or trade marking.
- B: Incorrect — seals are symbolic, not proof of mythical creatures.
- C/D: Incorrect — evidence is important and meaningful.
95. Which pair of sources would most help confirm the date of a king’s reign?
A. Inscriptions with dates + coins bearing the king’s name and titles
B. Modern novels + cooking recipes
C. Random graffiti + myths
D. Modern paintings only
Answer: A — Inscriptions with dates + coins bearing the king’s name and titles.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — these primary sources can be cross-referenced for chronology.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not reliable for dating.
96. The Revolt of 1857 is described differently by different historians. This is an example of
A. Different interpretations in historiography
B. A single unchanging truth
C. A scientific experiment
D. A musical concert
Answer: A — Different interpretations in historiography.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — events can be interpreted differently depending on perspective.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — not applicable.
97. Which of the following is NOT a method used by archaeologists?
A. Excavation and careful recording of finds
B. Carbon dating and laboratory analysis
C. Randomly removing artifacts without notes
D. Mapping sites and context analysis
Answer: C — Randomly removing artifacts without notes.
Explanation:
- A/B/D: Correct — standard scientific methods.
- C: Incorrect — unethical and destroys context.
98. When reading an inscription in a foreign script, what should historians do first?
A. Identify the script and language, then translate carefully and compare with other sources
B. Assume it means whatever they want
C. Throw it away immediately
D. Post it on social media without study
Answer: A — Identify the script and language, then translate carefully and compare with other sources.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — proper linguistic analysis and cross-checking are required.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — unprofessional or destructive behavior.
99. Which of the following combined would best help a student write a reliable paragraph about Ashoka?
A. Ashoka’s edicts (primary) + NCERT chapter (secondary) + archaeological evidence (material remains)
B. A comment on a random forum only
C. A single unverified blog post
D. A fictional novel set in his time
Answer: A — Ashoka’s edicts (primary) + NCERT chapter (secondary) + archaeological evidence (material remains).
Explanation:
- A: Correct — combining primary evidence and good secondary interpretation yields reliability.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — unreliable or fictional sources.
100. Which practice will MOST strengthen a student’s answer about a historical event?
A. Using multiple credible sources and explaining why each supports the answer
B. Copying a single line without understanding it
C. Ignoring evidence and guessing dates
D. Only writing opinions without facts
Answer: A — Using multiple credible sources and explaining why each supports the answer.
Explanation:
- A: Correct — evidence-based multi-source answers are strongest.
- B/C/D: Incorrect — poor academic practice.
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