1. Why was Mathura an important city in ancient India?
a) It was a port city
b) It was a center for sculpture production and trade
c) It was only a military base
d) It had the largest palace in India
Answer: b) It was a center for sculpture production and trade
Explanation: Mathura was a significant city because it was located at the crossroads of major trade routes and was known for its fine sculpture production.
2. What were the main functions of ancient cities like Mathura?
a) Trade and commerce
b) Religious activities
c) Administrative and military functions
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Ancient cities like Mathura served multiple functions, including trade, religious activities, administration, and military purposes.
3. Which rulers made Mathura their second capital around 2000 years ago?
a) Mauryas
b) Kushanas
c) Guptas
d) Cholas
Answer: b) Kushanas
Explanation: The Kushanas made Mathura their second capital, making it an important center for administration and culture.
4. Which religion had an important presence in Mathura during ancient times?
a) Christianity
b) Islam
c) Buddhism and Jainism
d) Sikhism
Answer: c) Buddhism and Jainism
Explanation: Mathura was an important religious center, with Buddhist monasteries, Jaina shrines, and places of worship for Krishna.
5. Why were fortifications built around cities like Mathura?
a) To protect the city from invasions
b) To control the movement of traders
c) To create a boundary for religious centers
d) To provide shelter for refugees
Answer: a) To protect the city from invasions
Explanation: Fortifications were built to protect cities from attacks and invasions, ensuring their security.
6. What role did farmers and herders play in cities like Mathura?
a) They acted as soldiers
b) They supplied food to the city’s population
c) They worked as traders in the market
d) They did not have any role in the cities
Answer: b) They supplied food to the city’s population
Explanation: Farmers and herders from nearby areas provided food to sustain the city’s population.
7. What was a key factor in making Mathura a hub for trade?
a) Its location at the crossroads of major travel routes
b) Its large palace and temples
c) The presence of large lakes and rivers
d) The presence of a royal army
Answer: a) Its location at the crossroads of major travel routes
Explanation: Mathura was strategically located at the intersection of important trade routes, making it a crucial trade center.
8. What kind of goods were produced in Mathura?
a) Silk and spices
b) Pottery and fine sculptures
c) Weapons and chariots
d) Cotton and salt
Answer: b) Pottery and fine sculptures
Explanation: Mathura was well known for its fine sculptures and pottery, which were highly valued.
9. How did Mathura serve as a military center?
a) It trained soldiers for the empire
b) It supplied weapons to other cities
c) It was a base for royal guards and military expeditions
d) It had large military training schools
Answer: c) It was a base for royal guards and military expeditions
Explanation: Mathura served as a military center where royal guards and armies were stationed.
10. How did Mathura contribute to the spread of culture and religion?
a) By establishing new trade routes
b) By being a center of Buddhist and Jaina learning
c) By sending armies to neighboring states
d) By collecting taxes from pilgrims
Answer: b) By being a center of Buddhist and Jaina learning
Explanation: Mathura played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism, as it had major religious centers.
