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Karnataka 2nd PUC History Question Bank Chapter 1 Introduction
2nd PUC History Introduction Text Book Questions and Answers
I. Answer the following in a word or a sentence each.
Question 1.
From which language is the word ‘India’ derived?
Answer:
The term India is derived from Persian word Todos’, which stands for Sindhu, the most important river of the subcontinent.
Question 2.
Name the work that mentions the extent of ancient Karnataka.
Answer:
Kavirajamarga of Shrivijaya mentions the extent of ancient Karnataka.
Question 3.
What is Numismatics?
Answer:
The study of coins is known as Numismatics.
Question 4.
What is excavations?
Answer:
Excavation is scientific digging of earth for unearthing sources.
Question 5.
Whose conquests does the hole in scription describe?
Answer:
Kakutsavarma
Question 6.
Who wrote ‘Buddhacharita’?
Answer:
Ashwagandha wrote Buddhacharita.
Question 7.
Which is the famous work of Pliny?
Answer:
Natural historia is the famous work of Pliny.
II. Answer the following in two words or two sentences each.
Question 1.
Name any two passes that connect India with west.
Answer:
The northern passes such as Khyber and Bolan.
Question 2.
What was the extent of India according to Vishnupurana?
Answer:
According to Vishnupurana, the extent of India includes the present nations, namely, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Srilanka.
Question 3.
Mention any two names of India.
Answer:
Bharatavarsha and Bharatakhanda.
Question 4.
Name any two physical features of India.
Answer:
The physical features of India are the Himalayas and the Northern plains.
Question 5.
Name any two mountains of India.
Answer:
The Vindhyas, and the Arawalis.
Question 6.
Mention any two dominant religions of Indian origin.
Answer:
Hinduism and Jainism.
Question 7.
Name any two-world Heritage sites of India.
Answer:
Hill forts of Rajasthan, Khujaraho are the two world heritage sites o f India.
Question 8.
Name any two universities of ancient India.
Answer:
The Universities of Nalanda and Takshashila were the two Universities of ancient India.
Question 9.
Name any two dynasties of ancient India.
Answer:
Mauryas and Guptas.
Question 10.
Name any two dynasties of medieval India.
Answer:
Mughal Empire and Chola Empire are the two dynasties of medieval India.
Question 11.
What is the extent of Karnataka according to Kavirajamarga?
Answer:
Kavirajmarga of Shrivijaya informs us that Karnataka extended from Cauvery in the South to Godavari in the north.
Question 12.
Name any two important dynasties that ruled Karnataka.
Answer:
Kadambas and Gangas were the two important dynasties that ruled Karnataka.
Question 13.
Write any two physical features of Karnataka.
Answer:
The geography of Karnataka includes the Coastal region, the Western Ghats, the Malanda and the Northern and Southern plains.
Question 14.
‘No sources, No history’. Why?
Answer:
Historians try to reconstruct the past based on the available sources. Hence, ‘no sources, no History’.
Question 15.
What is the difference between Pre-historic and historic age?
Answer:
History is classified into pre-historic period and historic period based on the sources available to reconstruct it. The period where the written records are not available is known as the pre-historic period and the period when we get written records is known as historic period.
Question 16.
Mention any two uses of coins in the construction of history.
Answer:
Coins help us to understand the period, dynasty, economic condition, religion, script, and languages. They also give information regarding metallurgy, artistic abilities, titles, trade relation, and extent of the empires etc.
Question 17.
Why are the Inscriptions the most reliable sources in the construction of history?
Answer:
Inscriptions are the most valuable, reliable, authentic and direct sources in writing history. They are generally contemporary and related to the events, so are more reliable.
Question 18.
What are Archeological sources?
Answer:
The important archaeological sources are coins, seals, jewellery, tools, inscriptions, remains of buildings, pottery, household articles, terracotta figurines, fossils, weapons, paintings, etc.
Question 19.
Mention the two kinds of literary sources
Answer:
- Indigenous literature
- Foreign accounts
Question 20.
Name the epics of India.
Answer:
Ramayana and Mahabharata
Question 21.
Mention two works of Aryabhata.
Answer:
Surya Siddhanta and Romakasiddhanta were the two important works of Aryabhata.
Question 22.
Name any two Chinese pilgrims who visited India.
Answer:
Fahian and Huien Tsang
Question 23.
Name any two foreigners who visited Vijayanagar Empire.
Answer:
Nikolo Conti of Italy, Abdul Razzak of Persia.
III. Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences each.
Question 1.
Explain briefly the impact of Geography on Indian history.
Answer:
The physical features of India, such as the Himalayas, the Northern plains, the desert, the mountains the Vindhyas, the Arawalis, the Sahyadris, the Deccan plateau and the coastline have helped and moulded the development of different political units and cultures. The Himalayas separate India from the rest of Asia.
It forms the natural barrier, protects India from invaders and the cold winds from the North. They have given birth to ever-flowing north Indian rivers. These rivers have formed the most fertile northern plains. These plains were the cradles of civilizations and Empires. The richness and prosperity provided by the fertility of the land assured the availability of necessities.
It paved the way for the material, spiritual and philosophical development of man. The great Indus valley civilization and Vedic culture developed in this region. The northern passes such as Khyber, Bolan, etc. have helped Indians to have commercial and cultural relations with the west and posed India to repeated western attacks.
The western deserts and the dense forests of the Deccan plateau have turned the people into hard working with warlike attitude. The oceans of the South once stood as barriers, later served as means of connecting the rest of the world. They have helped to develop the commercial and cultural relations with the west.
The geographical diversity and zones within the subcontinent and existence of various races like Dravidian, Alpine, Mongolian and different tribes have led to the development of different languages and cultures.
Question 2.
Explain the features of Indian history.
Answer:
Special features of Indian History:
India is the seventh largest country in the world in area and the second largest country in Population. Wven Herodotus has mentioned India as ‘the land of largest population’. The special features of Indian history are,
1. Continuity of civilization and culture:
India has one of the earliest histories in the world. It has 4000 years of continuous history and continuity of civilization and culture like China.
2. Evolution in phases:
Its civilization has developed in various stages and phases with necessary improvements. We find a connection chain of events from Indus to Vedic, Vedic to Islamic, and Christian Influences.
3. Foreign invasions:
India in general and North India in particular was often subjected to the influence and invasion of foreigners. Greeks, Persians, Huns, Shakas, Arabs, Turks, Kushans, Afghans etc, infiltrated into India and left deep impact. All the invaders contributed to Indian culture but they did not become the part of Indian culture. South India had immunity from such invasions and developed a distinct culture of its own.
4. Dominant and tolerant Hindu faith:
India is home for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians,Parsis and several tribal faiths and practices. Indians believe in the concept ofVasudaivaka kutumbakam and Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavantu meaning the whole world is a family and let all the people be happy.
5. Contributions to the world:
Indians have giver noteworthy contributions in the field of literature, philosophy, music, dance, architecture, sculpture, science, yoga, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, education etc. the architectural and cultural monuments including forts, hill forts, palaces, temples, tombs and caves are the wonderful specimens of human artistic excellence.
U.N.O has recognized more than thirty historical sites as centers of world heritage, such as hill forts of Rajasthan, Khajuraho, Konark, Tajmahal, Jantar-Mantar, Gaya Sanchi, Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, Whole, Pattadkallu, Madurai, Kanchi, Mahabalipuram Churches of Goa, etc., Yoga and Ayurveda are the special contributions of India to the physical and mental health of men in the world.
The contribution of Charaka, Sushrutha and Patanjali are noteworthy. Hindustani and Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchupudi, Mohiniattametc., are the artistic contributions oflndia. The great contributions of Indian mathematicians have enriched the world with the concept of zero and the decimal system.
The Universities of Nalanda, Takshashila, Ujjain, Prayag, Vikramshila, Kashi and Kanchi attracted the students from different countries of the world. When todays’ developed countries were passing through dark ages, India was at the height of its intellectual and spiritual gbry.
6. India as a country of attraction for foreigners:
The fertile landed the huge wealth of India attracted the foreign invaders. The Greeks, Persians, Afghans, Mongols, Europeans etc, attacked India. Places of Scenic beauty, Hill stations, the Himalayas, Kashmir Valley, Kerala, the National parks, Beaches, and Historical monuments are attracting the tourists from all over the world.
Question 3.
‘Unity in diversity is the unique feature of Indian history’ Explain.
Answer:
Unity in Diversity:
India not only has geographical diversity but also diversity in every sphere of human activity.
1. Physical Diversity:
India possesses diverse physical features. The coldest Siachin, the hot desert of Rajasthan, the snowy mountains of Himalayas and evergreen forests, the plains and the plateaus and the coastline etc, which have added to the variety of flora and fauna.
2. Racial and Linguistic diversity:
There is diversity in India The people belonging to Dravidian, Negroids, Mongoloids, Alpines etc, inhabit this country. Linguistic diversity is also another unique feature of Indian history. There are more than 1,600 languages and dialects spoken.
3. Social and Religious diversity:
India is regarded as museum of religions, castes, cults, faiths, customs, languages, racial types and social systems. India too has variety of food habits and costumes. India has both Patriarchal and Matriarchal family systems. Monogamy polygraph and polyandry are also practiced.
Four grt religions namely Hinduism. Jan and Sikhism have originated in this land. Other prominent religions of the world such as Christianity, Islam, Jews, Parsis and the sub-sects of all these religions co-exist here with great harmony.
4. Economic diversity:
All through the ages, we find economic inequality in India. The resources are unevenly distributed. On one hand, we find very rich people, on the other hand very poor. Some regions and places are highly developed and some others are underdeveloped. The urban parts of India are highly developed and can be compared with any city of the world, whereas rural India is comparatively underdeveloped.
Question 4.
Write a note on contributions of foreign writers in reconstruction the history of India.
Answer:
Foreign accounts:
The fertile land wealth, intellectual, and philosophy attainments of India had attracted many foreign traders, students, pilgrims philosophers and invaders. Many of them left their records, impressions and opinions about India. Such accounts have merits as well as limitations. They are the primary sources by first hand informers and help to bridge the gap about important events.
However, it is very difficult for the travelers and scholars staying for a short lime to understand the complexities of Indian. It are and polity. Megasthanes, a Greek ambassador in his book, Indica has given value regarding South and North India, during Mauryan period.
Geography, by Ptolemy, another Greek historian supplies information regarding commercial relations of ancient India The Periphis of the Eritrean Sea, a work by an unknown Greek author mentions many coastal towns, rulers and products of India. Natural history by Pliny, a Roman, writer gives idea regarding Indo Roman relations and political conditions of India.
Trio pilgrims of China Fahian, Huien Tsang, and Itsing have provided most useful information. Fahian visited India in early 5th century C.E and has given vivid picture of many cities and Ashoka’s palace. He also gives information of Gupta administration. Huien tsang visited India in seventh century C.E and stayed for about 18 years.
He left valuable information in his book Saiyuki. He visited the courts of Harshavardhana and Pulikeshi II. He has given a vivid picture of the education, religion, society, and administration. He has also mentioned the Narmada Battle and the defeat of Harsha. Itsing visited India during the last decade of seventh century C.E. he travelled extensively and gives information regarding various cities of India like Rajagraha, Kasi and Nalanda.
Muslim writers and historians have given valuable contributions. Important among them are Firdousi’s Shahanama and Babamama by Babur, Jahagirmnamaby Jahangir, Akbamama by Abdul Fazal, etc. the Arab travelers, Sulaiman, Alberuni and Ibn Batuata, have left their records about Indian history.
Many other travellers like Nikolo Conti of Italy, Abdul Razzak of Persia, Barbosa and Domingo Paes of Portugal and Niketin of Russia have given lot of information regarding Vijayanagara and Bahamani History.
Question 5.
Write a note on the importance of Archaeological sources ui reconstructing the history of India.
Answer:
Archaeological sources:
Archaeological sources are the remains of past human life and activities. It includes the human relics and artifacts from the, earliest stone tools to the manmade objects found in the excavation. They are the only sources when we do not have written records. Many other times they authenticate the information of written records.
The important archaeological sources are coins, seals, jewellery, tools, inscriptions, remains of buildings, pottery, household articles, terracotta figurines, fossils weapons, paintings, etc. these provide us with valuable and useful information to reconstruct the history.
1. Excavations:
Excavation is scientific digging of earth for unearthing sources. The history of India is written with the help of excavations only. Excavations are the sole sources of Indus valley civilization. The excavation conducted at Chandragiri, Tirunelveli, Madhurai, Archemedu and other places give us information regarding stone age.
Other excavations at Ankorvat, Borobudur, Takahashi, Gaya, Pataliputra, Hampi, etc have provided an insight into the social, cultural and religious life of the people. The archaeological remains found during excavation are put to scientific tests by carbon 14 and potassium methods to ascertain the age of the remains.
2. Monuments:
They are the structures or sites of historical importance. Forts, palaces, caves, temples, basadis, statues, stupas etc are the examples of monuments. The caves of Ajanta, Ellora, Khajuraho, the temples at Konark, Belur, Halebeedu, Hampi, the statues of Gomateshwara, Buddha, etc, help us to un¬derstand the cultural heritage of India.
3. Coins:
The study of coins is known as Numismatics. Coins help us to understand the period, dynasty, economic condition, religion, script, and languages. They also give information regarding metallurgy, artistic abilities, titles, trade relation and extent of the empires etc. the coins of Guptas, Shatavahanas, Yadavas, Vijayanagara etc, are noteworthy. Availability of coins of one country in another country tells about the commercial relations between them. The coins in India are of gold, silver, copper, etc.
4. Paintings:
The paintings of various periods give us most vivid picture of cultural, social and religious aspects. For ex: the Paintings in Ajanta depict the pictures of royal class, pageants, dance, dress, hair styles, celebrations, etc. at times they also depict the historical events. Ex: the paintings at Ajanta caves have a picture of Pulikeshi II receiving the ambassador of Khusro-II.
5. Inscriptions:
Inscriptions are the most valuable reliable, authentic, and direct sources in writing history. They are generally contemporary and related to the events, so are more reliable. Inscriptions are engraved on stones, rocks, walls, terracotta seals and iron pillars. Some of them are on copper plates also. More than 75000 inscriptions have been found in India.
They are written in various languages like Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada etc. They contain details regarding events, sale deeds, decrees, donations, chronology, victories of kings, etc. the study of inscriptions is called Epigraphy. The writings on the seals of lndus civilization are not yet deciphered to the acceptance of all.
That is why as Hoka’s inscriptions are regarded as the oldest ones. They are religious in nature. They provide valuable information regarding his administration and the prevailing political conditions. Hatigumpha cave inscription of King Kharvela of Orissa gives details regarding the expeditions of Kharvela.
The Allahabad pillar inscription composed by Harisena gives details regarding the achievements of Samudragupta. Ihole inscription composed by Ravikeerti and Halmidi inscription of Kakutsavarma have their own importance in the history of Karnataka.
2nd PUC History Introduction Additional Questions and Answers
I. Answer the following in a word or a sentence each.
Question 1.
Name the northern part of the subcontinent is called?
Answer:
The northern part of the subcontinent is called as ‘Aryavartha’.
Question 2.
Which name is widely used for India during the medieval period?
Answer:
‘Hindustan’ was widely used for India during the medieval period.
Question 3.
Where was the word Karnataka first used?
Answer:
The word Karnataka was first used in the Sabha Parva and Bhishma Parva of Mahabharata.
Question 4.
What is history?
Answer:
History is the record of past events and achievements of man through the ages.
Question 5.
What is epigraphy?
Answer:
The study of inscriptions is called ‘Epigraphy’.
Question 6.
Who wrote Buddhacharita?
Answer:
Ashwagandha wrote Buddhacharita.
II. Answer the following in two words or two sentences each.
Question 1.
What are the classifications of the sources of history?
Answer:
The sources ofhistory can be classified into two groups,
1. Archaeological sources and
2. Literary sources.
Question 2.
Why are the structures of monuments or sites of historical importance?
Answer:
Forts, palaces, caves, temples basadis, statues, stupa’s etc, are the’examples of monuments. The caves of Ajanta, Ellora, Khajuraho, the temples at Konark, Beluir, Halebeedu, Hampi, the statues of Gomateshwara, Buddha, etc help us to understand the cultural heritage of India.
Question 3.
What are the examples of paintings’ sources of history?
Answer:
The paintings in Ajanta depict the pictures of royal class, pageants, dance, dress, hairstyles, celebrations, etc. They also depict historical events. Ex. The painting at Ajanta caves has a picture of Pulikeshi II receiving the ambassador of KhUsro-II.
III. Answer the following in 15 to 20 sentences each.
Question 1.
Explain the indigenous literature.
Answer:
The literature written by native writers is known as Indigenous Literature. It includes, both secular and religious literature. It is found in various inidan languages. The religious literature produced by Vedic Rishis, Budhist and Jain monks are major sources of history. The Vedic or Brahmanical literature includes the Vedas, the Brahmanakas, theArannyuakas, the Puranas, the Epics, etc.
They help us to understand the social, religious-spiritual and philosophical life of Aryans. Buddhist monks developed a rich literature in Pah language. The tripitakas provide information regarding Mahajanapadas, many cities and Mauryan kings. Jain monks have also produced rich literature in Prakrit and regional languages, especially kannada.
Angas and pangas are the religious texts of Jainism. Jain scholars like prabhunandi, vidhyanandi, Gunabhadra, Ajithasena acharya, Poojayapada, etc. have thrown light on social and political conditions in their writings.