Ancient India

Why might ancient cultures have been more likely to settle in northern India than southern India?

• Northern India contained two major rivers

• The monsoons prevented rain from reaching the southern portion of India

• Northern India provided better access to the sea

• The southern climate was not as temperate as the northern climate.

Which statement explains why the development of a mathematical system occurred?

• The Gupta number system was based on the system of weights and measures that the Phoenicians had developed.

• The Gupta number system was extremely similar to the one in common use throughout the Middle East.

• Traders, who frequently calculate the supply and value of their goods, made use of the best mathematical system available

• Traders would frequently purchase slaves who were scholars because many of their customers desired a trade in ideas as well as goods

The caste system developed during the Gupta period in India, about 400 AD. Castes created social and political order. People could not rise to another caste or change caste by marriage. A person could fall to a lower caste by behaving badly. The rules of the caste system covered marriage, jobs and social habits, such as the way someone ate or drank. There was little need to have powerful local leaders because the strict rules of the caste system kept order

Which of these is the best argument against using a caste system to organize a modern society?

• The caste system prevents a nation from using people’s skills efficiently.

• The caste system increases the level of corruption in the economic system.

• The caste system restricts trade and contact with people in other countries.

• The caste system undermines incentives for people to obey their political leaders.

Which statement best explains how the monsoons affected the development of early Indian civilizations?

• The flooding caused by monsoons slowed the growth of the population in early Indian civilizations.

• The water brought by monsoon rains allowed agriculture to develop away from India’s major rivers

• The wetness from the monsoons pushed many to migrate farther south in search of a better climate.

• The harsh winters caused by strong monsoon winds blowing in from Central Asia made life more difficult.

Which factor most contributed to the improvement of trade in India during the period of Gupta rule?

• The development of better ships

• The rapid growth of the population

• The construction of a network of roads

• the establishment of colleges and universities

The Gupta Empire lasted from about 320 CE to about 500 CE, and dominated northern India. At this they were led by Samudra Gupta. People were for the most safe and prosperous during the Gupta Empire.

What was the period called during the time of peace, prosperity and wealth?

• Silver Age

• Golden Girls

• Golden Age

• Platinum Age

Which leader of Mauryan Empire was a strong military leader, but chose to follow Buddhism after his guilt of a bloody battle that killed tens of thousands? He also was tolerant of other religions.

• Maurya

• Ashoka

• Chandra

• Samudra

The construction of roads led to the improvement of __________________________? This improvement was beneficial for the people of India to communicate with foreign cultures.

• Trade

• War

• Church

• Tribute

What were the two ancient cities of the Indus River Valley Civilization?

• Mecca and Jerusalem

• Sumer and Babylonia

• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

• Egypt and Kush

Which physical features assisted Ancient Indians in trading?

• Desert

• Plateau

• Grasslands

• Rivers and Oceans