This book discusses about the developments in the
different spheres – economic, cultural, social, political, and religious. Some
themes in the book will introduce you to the politics of the time and the
nature of authority and power; others explore the way societies are organised,
and the way they function and change; still others tell us about religious life
and ritual practices, about the working of economies, and the changes within
rural and urban societies.
Index
Chapter
1: BRICKS,
BEADS AND BONES - The Harappan Civilization – Discusses about the Harappan Civilization
characteristic features such as usage of agricultural technologies,
urbanization, social principles, art and culture, etc.
UPSC 2011: Regarding
the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements?
1. It was predominantly a secular
civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate
the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for
manufacturing textiles in India.
Which
of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d)
Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
(c)
UPSC 2013: Which of
the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?
1. They
possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They
worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They
employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select
the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
Solution:
(b)
Chapter
2: KINGS,
FARMERS AND TOWNS - Early States and Economies (c.600 BCE-600 CE) – Discusses
about the emergence of early states, empires and kingdoms, Mahajanpadas,
Magadha Empire, administrative and economic policies of earlier states.
Chapter
3: KINSHIP,
CASTE AND CLASS - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE-600 CE) – Discusses
about social structure of Ancient times, Kingship and marriage rules, caste
system, etc.
Chapter
4:
THINKERS,
BELIEFS AND BUILDINGS - Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE-600 CE) – Discusses
about philosophers and their attempts to understand the world they inhabited
and development of Jainism and Buddhism philosophy.
UPSC 2013: Which of
the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
1. The
surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every
object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma
is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select
the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
(d)
UPSC 2013: Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others
are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place
of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara
is the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of
the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between
the two
Solution:
(b)