Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on “India’s Ancient Maritime Trade with Southeast Asia” suitable for Civil Services Examination preparation

Which ancient Indian port was a major hub for maritime trade with Southeast Asia?
- A) Lothal
- B) Sopara
- C) Musiri
- D) Kaveripattinam
  Answer: B) Sopara
The trade routes from India to Southeast Asia were primarily used during which period?
- A) Vedic Period
- B) Mauryan Period
- C) Gupta Period
- D) Post-Gupta Period
  Answer: B) Mauryan Period
What was one of the main exports from India to Southeast Asia during ancient times?
- A) Spices
- B) Textiles
- C) Gems
- D) All of the above
  Answer: D) All of the above
Which Indian dynasty is known for expanding maritime trade with Southeast Asia?
- A) Chola
- B) Gupta
- C) Maurya
- D) Mughal
  Answer: A) Chola
Which ancient text mentions maritime trade routes between India and Southeast Asia?
- A) Arthashastra
- B) Rigveda
- C) Ramayana
- D) Mahabharata
  Answer: A) Arthashastra
Which Southeast Asian kingdom was heavily influenced by Indian culture through trade?
- A) Majapahit
- B) Srivijaya
- C) Khmer
- D) All of the above
  Answer: D) All of the above
The arrival of which religion in Southeast Asia was facilitated by maritime trade with India?
- A) Buddhism
- B) Jainism
- C) Hinduism
- D) Zoroastrianism
  Answer: A) Buddhism
Which of the following was a significant import from Southeast Asia to India?
- A) Gold
- B) Silks
- C) Spices
- D) Both A and C
  Answer: D) Both A and C
Which coastal city served as a prominent center for Indian shipbuilding during ancient maritime trade?
- A) Calicut
- B) Cochin
- C) Surat
- D) Khambhat
  Answer: C) Surat
What role did the monsoon winds play in ancient maritime trade?
- A) They hindered navigation
- B) They facilitated travel
- C) They were unpredictable
- D) They were only useful for fishing
  Answer: B) They facilitated travel
The term “Dakshinapatha” refers to which of the following?
- A) Northern trade routes
- B) Southern trade routes
- C) Riverine routes
- D) Land routes
  Answer: B) Southern trade routes
Which port city was known for its trade in precious stones and gems?
- A) Kaveripattinam
- B) Puhar
- C) Musiri
- D) Lothal
  Answer: C) Musiri
The Indian Ocean trade network was most active during which era?
- A) Iron Age
- B) Medieval Period
- C) Ancient Period
- D) Colonial Era
  Answer: C) Ancient Period
Which of the following was a key factor in the establishment of maritime trade?
- A) Stable political climate
- B) Advanced navigation techniques
- C) Availability of ships
- D) All of the above
  Answer: D) All of the above
The first known references to maritime trade between India and Southeast Asia can be traced to which century?
- A) 1st century BCE
- B) 2nd century CE
- C) 5th century CE
- D) 10th century CE
  Answer: A) 1st century BCE
Which Indian artifact has been found in archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, indicating trade?
- A) Terracotta figurines
- B) Coins
- C) Pottery
- D) All of the above
  Answer: D) All of the above
Which Southeast Asian archipelago was known for its trade in spices with India?
- A) Maldives
- B) Andaman Islands
- C) Indonesian Archipelago
- D) Philippines
  Answer: C) Indonesian Archipelago
What was the primary reason for Indian traders to venture into Southeast Asia?
- A) Spread of religion
- B) Trade of goods
- C) Exploration
- D) Colonization
  Answer: B) Trade of goods
Which of the following empires controlled significant parts of Southeast Asia due to maritime trade?
- A) Gupta Empire
- B) Mughal Empire
- C) Chola Empire
- D) Maurya Empire
  Answer: C) Chola Empire
Which Indian commodity was highly sought after in Southeast Asia during ancient times?
- A) Textiles
- B) Iron
- C) Wheat
- D) Sugar
  Answer: A) Textiles
The port of Puhar was known for which type of ancient trade?
- A) Land trade
- B) Maritime trade
- C) River trade
- D) Air trade
  Answer: B) Maritime trade
Which Indian dynasty is famous for establishing trade relations with the Srivijaya Empire?
- A) Chola
- B) Maurya
- C) Gupta
- D) Mughal
  Answer: A) Chola
What was a significant effect of maritime trade on Indian society?
- A) Cultural exchange
- B) Economic growth
- C) Technological advancements
- D) All of the above
  Answer: D) All of the above
Which ancient text contains descriptions of ships and navigation techniques used in maritime trade?
- A) Manusmriti
- B) Padma Purana
- C) Mahabharata
- D) Arthashastra
  Answer: D) Arthashastra
Which of the following was a major obstacle to maritime trade in ancient times?
- A) Monsoon winds
- B) Pirates
- C) Lack of navigation tools
- D) All of the above
  Answer: D) All of the above
Which modern country was part of the ancient trade routes from India?
- A) China
- B) Malaysia
- C) Bangladesh
- D) Japan
  Answer: B) Malaysia
What role did Indian merchants play in the cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia?
- A) They were solely economic agents
- B) They were cultural ambassadors
- C) They avoided cultural interactions
- D) They only spread religion
  Answer: B) They were cultural ambassadors
Which historical artifact found in Southeast Asia indicates ancient Indian maritime trade?
- A) Ashoka Pillar
- B) Indus Valley seals
- C) Roman coins
- D) Indian pottery
  Answer: D) Indian pottery
Which type of ship was primarily used by ancient Indian traders?
- A) Catamaran
- B) Dhow
- C) Junk
- D) Trireme
  Answer: B) Dhow
Which of the following best describes the impact of Indian maritime trade on Southeast Asia?
- A) Limited interaction
- B) Enhanced economic ties and cultural exchange
- C) Total colonization
- D) Isolation from Indian culture
  Answer: B) Enhanced economic ties and cultural exchange

These questions can help in understanding the historical context and significance of India’s ancient maritime trade with Southeast Asia, suitable for civil services examination preparation.

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