- Which of the following is NOT a method of finding out about the past?
a) Reading ancient manuscripts
b) Studying inscriptions
c) Watching movies
d) Analyzing archaeological remainsAnswer: c) Watching movies
Explanation: Historians and archaeologists rely on manuscripts, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence to study the past. Watching movies is not a scholarly method of historical research.
- What are manuscripts?
a) Engravings on rocks
b) Books written by hand on palm leaves or birch bark
c) Printed books from the past
d) Modern digital records of historyAnswer: b) Books written by hand on palm leaves or birch bark
Explanation: Manuscripts are hand-written documents, usually found on palm leaves or birch bark, and they contain information about various aspects of history.
- Why have many ancient manuscripts not survived?
a) They were stored in metal containers
b) They were eaten by insects
c) They were rewritten every few years
d) They were made of stoneAnswer: b) They were eaten by insects
Explanation: Many ancient manuscripts were written on palm leaves or birch bark, which were fragile and prone to decay and insect damage.
- What is an inscription?
a) A type of ancient manuscript
b) A writing on a hard surface like stone or metal
c) A set of oral traditions passed down generations
d) A sculpture of an ancient rulerAnswer: b) A writing on a hard surface like stone or metal
Explanation: Inscriptions are messages or records carved onto hard surfaces such as stone or metal. They were often used by kings to communicate orders.
- What do archaeologists study?
a) Only ancient manuscripts
b) Fossils of extinct animals
c) Remains of buildings, tools, and artifacts from the past
d) Modern human behaviorAnswer: c) Remains of buildings, tools, and artifacts from the past
Explanation: Archaeologists study material remains such as tools, buildings, pottery, and inscriptions to understand human history.
- Which of the following sources help historians study the past?
a) Coins
b) Stone tools
c) Ancient pottery
d) All of the aboveAnswer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Coins, stone tools, and pottery provide valuable insights into trade, technology, and daily life in ancient times.
- Why is writing on hard surfaces such as stone or metal advantageous?
a) It can be erased easily
b) It lasts longer than writing on palm leaves or paper
c) It is cheaper to carve than to write on paper
d) It is easier to transportAnswer: b) It lasts longer than writing on palm leaves or paper
Explanation: Hard surfaces preserve inscriptions for long periods, making them valuable sources for historians.
- Who studies and interprets historical records and artifacts?
a) Engineers
b) Historians and archaeologists
c) Scientists and doctors
d) Writers and poetsAnswer: b) Historians and archaeologists
Explanation: Historians study written records while archaeologists study material remains to reconstruct the past.
- What is a major difference between manuscripts and inscriptions?
a) Manuscripts are printed while inscriptions are handwritten
b) Manuscripts are written on soft materials while inscriptions are engraved on hard surfaces
c) Manuscripts are only found in temples while inscriptions are in caves
d) Inscriptions are always in English while manuscripts are in SanskritAnswer: b) Manuscripts are written on soft materials while inscriptions are engraved on hard surfaces
Explanation: Manuscripts were written on palm leaves or birch bark, whereas inscriptions were carved into stone or metal.
- What is the role of historians in studying the past?
a) To create fictional stories based on ancient times
b) To analyze and interpret sources like manuscripts, inscriptions, and artifacts
c) To manufacture ancient weapons for museums
d) To translate modern books into ancient languages
Answer: b) To analyze and interpret sources like manuscripts, inscriptions, and artifacts
Explanation: Historians use various sources to reconstruct past events and understand how societies evolved over time.
