IZZ 6-3

Buddhist shrines shaped like a dome or mound

• pilgrim

• Chandragupta Maurya

• stupa

• Kalidasa

• Asoka

Answer explanation

Buddhist shrines shaped like a dome or mound are called stupas. They serve as important religious structures in Buddhism, often containing relics and serving as places of meditation.

one of India’s best-known ancient writers

• pilgrim

• Chandragupta Maurya

• stupa

• Kalidasa

• Asoka

Answer explanation

Kalidasa is one of India's most celebrated ancient writers, known for his plays and poetry, such as 'Shakuntala'. The other options refer to historical figures or structures, not writers.

used trade routes to travel to religious shrines or sites

• pilgrim

• Chandragupta Maurya

• stupa

• Kalidasa

• Asoka

Answer explanation

A pilgrim is someone who travels to religious shrines or sites, often using trade routes. The other options do not specifically refer to individuals who undertake such journeys.

considered to be the Mauryan dynasty’s greatest king

• pilgrim

• Chandragupta Maurya

• stupa

• Kalidasa

• Asoka

Answer explanation

Asoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, is considered the greatest king of the Mauryan dynasty due to his significant contributions to the spread of Buddhism and his efforts in promoting peace and welfare across his empire.

founded India’s first empire

• pilgrim

• Chandragupta Maurya

• stupa

• Kalidasa

• Asoka

Answer explanation

Chandragupta Maurya founded India's first empire, the Maurya Empire, in the 4th century BCE. He established a centralized government and expanded his territory, laying the foundation for one of the largest empires in ancient India.

The Mauryan dynasty set up a __________ government, which was controlled by the capital city.

• city-state

• centralized

• theocratic

• democratic

Answer explanation

The Mauryan dynasty established a centralized government, meaning that power and authority were concentrated in the capital city, allowing for efficient administration and control over the vast empire.

The Mauryan ruler __________ built new roads and hospitals for people and animals.

• Asoka

• Chandragupta Maurya

• Kalidasa

• Gupta

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Asoka, a Mauryan ruler known for his significant contributions to infrastructure, including the construction of roads and hospitals for both people and animals, promoting welfare across his empire.

Five hundred years after the Mauryan dynasty failed, the __________ dynasty created an empire that reunited much of northern India.

• Kalidasa

• Asoka

• Gupta

• Hindu

Answer explanation

The Gupta dynasty, emerging around 320 CE, successfully reunited much of northern India after the decline of the Mauryan dynasty, marking a significant period of cultural and political revival.

Two famous epic stories that Indians today still like to read are the Mahabharata and __________.

• Ramayana

• Bhagavad Gita

• Panchantantra

• Theravada

Answer explanation

The Ramayana is another famous epic story in Indian literature, alongside the Mahabharata. Both texts are integral to Indian culture and are widely read and revered.

The Indian invention of __________ around A.D.500 had a great impact on the study of mathematics and science.

• algebra

• zero

• plastic surgery

• algorithms

Answer explanation

The Indian invention of zero around A.D. 500 revolutionized mathematics by providing a symbol for nothingness, enabling the development of the decimal system and advanced calculations, significantly impacting science and mathematics.