1. What was the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)?
a) A type of weapon
b) A fine-quality pottery used for trade
c) A kind of textile
d) A type of gold ornament
Answer: b) A fine-quality pottery used for trade
Explanation: NBPW was a high-quality, shiny pottery found at many archaeological sites, suggesting it was traded across different regions.
2. Why was black pepper called “black gold” in the Roman Empire?
a) Because it was rare and expensive
b) Because it was used as currency
c) Because it looked like gold when dried
d) Because it was only available in India
Answer: a) Because it was rare and expensive
Explanation: Pepper from South India was highly valued in the Roman Empire, leading to its nickname “black gold” due to its high demand.
3. What type of goods were exported from India to Rome?
a) Cotton, silk, spices, and gems
b) Weapons and iron tools
c) Gold coins and silver plates
d) Wooden sculptures and paper
Answer: a) Cotton, silk, spices, and gems
Explanation: Indian traders exported cotton, silk, spices (especially black pepper), and precious stones to Rome.
4. How did traders travel to Rome with their goods?
a) Only by land through Central Asia
b) Only by sea, using the Arabian Sea route
c) Both by land and sea, using caravans and ships
d) They sent goods through the Silk Route alone
Answer: c) Both by land and sea, using caravans and ships
Explanation: Traders used both land routes and sea routes to reach Rome, with ships sailing across the Arabian Sea and caravans carrying goods overland.
5. What evidence suggests that India and Rome had strong trade relations?
a) Indian kings wrote letters to Roman emperors
b) Large numbers of Roman gold coins were found in South India
c) Indian spices were found in Roman tombs
d) Roman merchants settled permanently in India
Answer: b) Large numbers of Roman gold coins were found in South India
Explanation: Archaeologists have found many Roman gold coins in South India, indicating a strong trade connection between India and Rome.
6. What is the significance of Sangam literature in understanding ancient trade?
a) It describes battles and military conquests
b) It provides detailed accounts of goods traded and port cities
c) It focuses only on religious rituals
d) It records the tax collection system
Answer: b) It provides detailed accounts of goods traded and port cities
Explanation: Sangam literature contains poems that describe the goods traded, traders, and the famous port cities involved in trade.
7. What were the main ports used for trade in South India?
a) Ujjain and Mathura
b) Puhar (Kaveripattinam) and Arikamedu
c) Harappa and Mohenjodaro
d) Nalanda and Taxila
Answer: b) Puhar (Kaveripattinam) and Arikamedu
Explanation: Puhar (Kaveripattinam) and Arikamedu were major port cities where goods were imported and exported.
8. How did sailors take advantage of natural forces while traveling for trade?
a) By using the monsoon winds to sail faster
b) By waiting for storms to push their ships
c) By using only large ships that could resist winds
d) By sailing only in summer
Answer: a) By using the monsoon winds to sail faster
Explanation: Traders used monsoon winds to cross the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal more quickly, making trade faster and more efficient.
9. What role did traders play in the economy of ancient India?
a) They only supplied goods to kings
b) They helped increase wealth by trading within and outside India
c) They focused only on religious donations
d) They worked only in villages and did not travel
Answer: b) They helped increase wealth by trading within and outside India
Explanation: Traders contributed to the economy by exporting and importing valuable goods, making India a major hub of commerce.
10. What types of ships were used by traders in ancient India?
a) Small wooden canoes
b) Large sturdy ships for long sea voyages
c) Rafts made of bamboo
d) Iron ships
Answer: b) Large sturdy ships for long sea voyages
Explanation: Traders built strong, large ships that could withstand long sea journeys across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
