List of top History Questions on Ancient Civilization asked in CBSE CLASS XII

The History of Pataliputra

Each city had a history of its own. Pataliputra, for instance, began as a village known as Pataligrama. Then, in the fifth century BCE, the Magadhan rulers decided to shift their capital from Rajagaha to this settlement and renamed it. By the fourth century BCE, it was the capital of the Mauryan Empire and one of the largest cities in Asia. Subsequently, its importance apparently declined. When the Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited the city in the seventh century CE, he found it in ruins, and with a very small population.

What role did Pataliputra play in the history of the Magadhan empire?

The History of Pataliputra

Each city had a history of its own. Pataliputra, for instance, began as a village known as Pataligrama. Then, in the fifth century BCE, the Magadhan rulers decided to shift their capital from Rajagaha to this settlement and renamed it. By the fourth century BCE, it was the capital of the Mauryan Empire and one of the largest cities in Asia. Subsequently, its importance apparently declined. When the Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited the city in the seventh century CE, he found it in ruins, and with a very small population.

What message did Xuan Zang wish to convey about Pataliputra?

The History of Pataliputra

Each city had a history of its own. Pataliputra, for instance, began as a village known as Pataligrama. Then, in the fifth century BCE, the Magadhan rulers decided to shift their capital from Rajagaha to this settlement and renamed it. By the fourth century BCE, it was the capital of the Mauryan Empire and one of the largest cities in Asia. Subsequently, its importance apparently declined. When the Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang visited the city in the seventh century CE, he found it in ruins, and with a very small population.

Examine the main impact of the shift from Rajagaha to Pataliputra, on the Magadhan empire.

Identify the ancient ruler of India with the help of following information and choose the correct option:
  • Was the best known ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • Claimed to be a unique Brahmana.
  • Was the son of Rishi Vashishtha.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the coinage of ancient India?
  • [I.] Ancient Parthian gold coins showed extensive trade in north India.
  • [II.] Ancient Roman coins in South India indicated trade beyond borders.
  • [III.] Ancient Yaudheyas issued copper coins that highlighted their economic activity.
  • [IV.] Ancient Gupta rulers issued silver coins that facilitated trade.
Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option:
Assertion (A): Shahjehan Begum was a patron of art and architecture in the 19th century, known for her contribution for Sanchi’s preservation.
Reason (R): Sanchi Stupa is a classical example of early Buddhist architecture.
Which of the following statement is correct about the Shungas and Kanvas?

On the given political outline map of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols:

  • [(i)] Amravati – Stupa
  • [(ii)] Banawali – Indus Valley Site
  • [(iii)] (a) Ajmer – Territory under the control of the Mughals
  • [OR] (b) Vijayanagara – Capital of Vijayanagara Empire

On the same outline map of India, two places have been marked as ‘A’ and ‘B’, as the centres of the Indian National Movement. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.