1. What were the earliest coins used in ancient India called?
a) Gold coins
b) Punch-marked coins
c) Copper coins
d) Token coins
Answer: b) Punch-marked coins
Explanation: The earliest coins found in ancient India were called punch-marked coins, as they were stamped with symbols using dies or punches.
2. How were punch-marked coins made?
a) Carved from stone
b) Made from flattened metal sheets or globules
c) Molded using clay
d) Engraved with names of kings
Answer: b) Made from flattened metal sheets or globules
Explanation: Punch-marked coins were cut from metal sheets or made from flattened metal globules, and then stamped with symbols.
3. What materials were commonly used to make punch-marked coins?
a) Tin and iron
b) Gold and ivory
c) Silver and copper
d) Wood and clay
Answer: c) Silver and copper
Explanation: The earliest punch-marked coins were mostly made of silver and copper.
4. Why were punch-marked coins named so?
a) Because they were round in shape
b) Because they had symbols stamped using dies or punches
c) Because they had holes punched in them
d) Because they were made by traders
Answer: b) Because they had symbols stamped using dies or punches
Explanation: Punch-marked coins were not inscribed with letters but instead had symbols stamped on them using dies or punches.
5. How long were punch-marked coins in circulation?
a) Only for 100 years
b) About 500 years
c) More than 1000 years
d) Less than 50 years
Answer: b) About 500 years
Explanation: Punch-marked coins were in use for about 500 years and circulated across different regions.
6. What other forms of exchange existed apart from coins in ancient India?
a) Barter system
b) Banknotes
c) Digital payments
d) Credit cards
Answer: a) Barter system
Explanation: In ancient India, people also used barter systems, exchanging goods like salt and paddy in trade.
7. Why was the introduction of coins important for trade?
a) It made transactions easier and standardized
b) It replaced the need for goods
c) It eliminated taxation
d) It increased the number of rulers
Answer: a) It made transactions easier and standardized
Explanation: Coins helped standardize trade and made transactions easier, reducing reliance on barter exchanges.
8. Where have archaeologists found large numbers of punch-marked coins?
a) Only in South India
b) Only in North India
c) Across most parts of the subcontinent
d) Only in cities
Answer: c) Across most parts of the subcontinent
Explanation: Punch-marked coins have been found in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, showing their widespread use.
9. What was a major limitation of punch-marked coins?
a) They did not have any inscriptions
b) They were too large to carry
c) They were used only by kings
d) They could not be used in trade
Answer: a) They did not have any inscriptions
Explanation: Unlike later coins, punch-marked coins did not have inscriptions or the names of rulers, only symbols.
10. Apart from coins, what other archaeological evidence tells us about trade in ancient India?
a) Temples and sculptures
b) Old pottery, inscriptions, and Sangam literature
c) Ancient war weapons
d) Fortified walls
Answer: b) Old pottery, inscriptions, and Sangam literature
Explanation: Pottery, inscriptions, and Sangam literature provide valuable insights into trade and commerce in ancient India.
