Ancient Indian History

Burzahom is a famous Neolithic site of Kashmir. For exams also connect it with pit dwellings.

Polished stone tools are found in the Neolithic period. For exams connect them with the beginning of farming.

Megalithic culture in South India is known for large stone monuments. For exams remember mega as large stones.

Harappan seals were often made of steatite. For exams remember seal material with trade identity.

The bronze Dancing Girl was found at Mohenjo-daro. For exams connect it with Harappan metal craft.

The famous male figure from Mohenjo-daro is called Priest King. For exams connect it with Harappan art.

The potter's wheel was used for making pottery. For exams connect it with Harappan craftsmanship.

The Indus script contains small pictographic signs. For exams remember that it has not been fully deciphered.

Terracotta toy carts show a glimpse of Harappan transport. For exams treat toys as sources of social life.

The correct answer is A, the Rigveda. The Gayatri Mantra is traditionally identified as Rigveda 3.62.10. It is addressed to Savitr, a solar deity, and expresses a prayer for the illumination, inspiration, and proper guidance of the intellect. The mantra was later adopted widely in Vedic and Hindu religious practice, but its principal textual location remains the Rigveda. The Yajurveda is especially associated with sacrificial formulas and ritual instructions, the Samaveda with musical recitation, and the Atharvaveda with charms, healing, household matters, and other practical concerns. These functions help distinguish the alternatives and confirm option A.

Shiksha Vedanga is related to pronunciation and sound. For exams remember the subjects of Vedangas separately.

Chhanda Vedanga is related to metre and rhythm of Vedic hymns. For exams connect metre with poetic rhythm.

Jyotisha Vedanga was linked with fixing the timing of rituals. For exams connect it with ancient astronomical calculation.

The Ashvamedha sacrifice was linked with kingship and supremacy. For exams connect it with Later Vedic political power.

Rajasuya sacrifice was linked with royal prestige and consecration. For exams connect sacrifices with political power too.

Varanasi was the chief city of the Kashi Mahajanapada and an important ancient settlement on the banks of the Ganga. Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha, so it was not the chief city of Kashi. Exam tip: Remember the pairs Kashi—Varanasi and Magadha—Rajagriha.

Iron ore and fertile land around Magadha helped its rise. For exams remember the link between resources and power.

The Ganga River helped Magadha in transport and trade. For exams connect rivers with economic development.

The Sutta Pitaka contains the teachings of Buddha. For exams remember the three parts of Tripitaka with their subjects.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka explains Buddhist philosophy and ideas. For exams understand it as the philosophical part of Tripitaka.