B. Extra HSLC Pattern MCQs Questions with Answers

Q.1 Indus Valley Civilization developed around—
(a) 3000 BC
(b) 2500 BC
(c) 4000 BC
(d) 1500 BC
Answer: (c) 4000 BC

Q.2 Harappa and Mohenjodaro were located in the—
(a) Ganga valley
(b) Brahmaputra valley
(c) Sindhu valley
(d) Godavari valley
Answer: (c) Sindhu valley

Q.3 Which symbol was found on the seals of the Indus Valley Civilization?
(a) Cross
(b) Crescent
(c) Swastika
(d) Wheel
Answer: (c) Swastika

Q.4 The people of the Indus Valley Civilization were mainly worshippers of—
(a) Monotheism
(b) Totemism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Jainism
Answer: (b) Totemism

Q.5 The early Vedic period is considered between—
(a) 2000 BC–1500 BC
(b) 1500 BC–1000 BC
(c) 1000 BC–600 BC
(d) 600 BC–400 BC
Answer: (b) 1500 BC–1000 BC

Q.6 Which Veda belongs to the later Vedic period?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Arthashastra
(d) Rajatarangini
Answer: (b) Samaveda

Q.7 Arya culture spread throughout India by—
(a) 600 BC
(b) 500 BC
(c) 400 BC
(d) 300 BC
Answer: (c) 400 BC

Q.8 ‘Satyameva Jayate’ is taken from—
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Mundaka Upanishad
(c) Mahabharata
(d) Ramayana
Answer: (b) Mundaka Upanishad

Q.9 Which ancient book is related to political science?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Charaka Samhita
(c) Susruta Samhita
(d) Natya Shastra
Answer: (a) Arthashastra

Q.10 The two main characteristics of Indian culture are—
(a) Uniformity and rigidity
(b) Multiculturalism and unity in diversity
(c) Isolation and tradition
(d) Language and religion
Answer: (b) Multiculturalism and unity in diversity

Q.11 Which of the following are contributions of the Austrics?
(i) Cultivation of rice
(ii) Use of turmeric
(iii) Taming of elephants
(iv) Construction of stupas

(A) (i), (ii), (iii)
(B) (ii), (iii), (iv)
(C) (i), (iii), (iv)
(D) (i), (ii), (iv)
Answer: (A) (i), (ii), (iii)

Q.12 Which of the following are ancient Indian epics?
(i) Ramayana
(ii) Mahabharata
(iii) Arthashastra
(iv) Rajatarangini

(A) (i), (ii)
(B) (ii), (iii)
(C) (i), (iv)
(D) (iii), (iv)
Answer: (A) (i), (ii)

Q.13 Match the following architectural styles:

(i) Nagar — (b) North India
(ii) Dravid — (a) South India
(iii) Vesara — (c) Between Vindhya and Krishna

Answer: (a) (i)-(b), (ii)-(a), (iii)-(c)

Q.14 Match the following sculpture styles:

(i) Gandhara — (b) North-West region
(ii) Mathura — (a) Central India
(iii) Amaravati — (c) South India

Answer: (a) (i)-(b), (ii)-(a), (iii)-(c)

Q.15 Assertion (A): Ancient India followed religious tolerance.
Reason (R): Different religions co-existed without conflict.

(a) Both true and R explains A
(b) Both true but R does not explain A
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true
Answer: (a) Both true and R explains A

Q.16 Assertion (A): Ashoka preached religious tolerance.
Reason (R): His message is found in the 12th rock edict of Girnar.

(a) Both true and R explains A
(b) Both true but R does not explain A
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true
Answer: (a) Both true and R explains A

Q.17 Ajanta cave paintings mainly belong to—
(a) Hindu religion
(b) Jain religion
(c) Buddhist religion
(d) Islamic religion
Answer: (c) Buddhist religion

Q.18 ‘Yogasutra’ was compiled by—
(a) Kapila
(b) Patanjali
(c) Gautama
(d) Badarayana
Answer: (b) Patanjali

Q.19 International Yoga Day is observed on—
(a) 5 June
(b) 21 June
(c) 2 October
(d) 15 August
Answer: (b) 21 June

Q.20 Which state is included in the North Eastern Council?
(a) Bhutan
(b) Sikkim
(c) Nepal
(d) Myanmar
Answer: (b) Sikkim

Q.21 The majority ethnic group of North East India is—
(a) Aryan
(b) Dravidian
(c) Mongoloid
(d) Negrito
Answer: (c) Mongoloid

Q.22 Hornbill festival is celebrated in—
(a) Manipur
(b) Mizoram
(c) Nagaland
(d) Tripura
Answer: (c) Nagaland

Q.23 ‘Heraka’ movement was launched by—
(a) Sankardeva
(b) Rani Gaidinliu
(c) Ajan Peer
(d) Madhabdeva
Answer: (b) Rani Gaidinliu

Q.24 Manipuri dance is mainly influenced by—
(a) Shaivism
(b) Buddhism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaktism
Answer: (c) Vaishnavism

Q.25 Meghalaya follows a—
(a) Patriarchal society
(b) Matriarchal society
(c) Clan monarchy
(d) Tribal republic
Answer: (b) Matriarchal society

Q.26 Arrange the Bihu festivals in correct order of the Assamese calendar:
(i) Bohag Bihu
(ii) Kati Bihu
(iii) Magh Bihu

(a) (i), (ii), (iii)
(b) (i), (iii), (ii)
(c) (ii), (i), (iii)
(d) (iii), (ii), (i)
Answer: (b) (i), (iii), (ii)

Q.27 The ancient name of Assam was—
(a) Kalinga
(b) Pragjyotishpur
(c) Magadha
(d) Vanga
Answer: (b) Pragjyotishpur

Q.28 ‘Arunodoi’ was the first—
(a) Newspaper of India
(b) Assamese magazine
(c) Religious book
(d) History book
Answer: (b) Assamese magazine

Q.29 ‘Saptakanda Ramayana’ was translated by—
(a) Sankardeva
(b) Madhab Kandali
(c) Bhattadeva
(d) Ananta Kandali
Answer: (b) Madhab Kandali

Q.30 Zikir and Zari were written by—
(a) Sankardeva
(b) Ajan Peer
(c) Madhabdeva
(d) Bhattadeva
Answer: (b) Ajan Peer

Q.31 Poa Mecca is located at—
(a) Barpeta
(b) Sivasagar
(c) Hajo
(d) Tezpur
Answer: (c) Hajo

Q.32 ‘Hastibidyarnava’ is related to—
(a) Horses
(b) Elephants
(c) Birds
(d) Temples
Answer: (b) Elephants

Q.33 Dilbar and Dosai were—
(a) Sculptors
(b) Poets
(c) Painters
(d) Musicians
Answer: (c) Painters

Q.34 Da-Parbatiya sculptures belong to the—
(a) Maurya period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Ahom period
(d) Mughal period
Answer: (b) Gupta period

Q.35 Rong Ghar was constructed mainly for—
(a) Worship
(b) Royal residence
(c) Bihu celebrations
(d) Military use
Answer: (c) Bihu celebrations

Q.36 Talatal Ghar construction was started by—
(a) Rudra Singha
(b) Rajeswar Singha
(c) Gadadhar Singha
(d) Chandrakanta Singha
Answer: (a) Rudra Singha

Q.37 Changrung Phukan supervised—
(a) Revenue
(b) Religious rituals
(c) Construction works
(d) Military training
Answer: (c) Construction works

Q.38 Bihu is mainly associated with—
(a) Trade
(b) Agriculture
(c) War
(d) Education
Answer: (b) Agriculture

Q.39 ‘Garu Bihu’ is dedicated to—
(a) Farmers
(b) Priests
(c) Cows
(d) Gods
Answer: (c) Cows

Q.40 ‘Uruka’ is related to—
(a) Bohag Bihu
(b) Kati Bihu
(c) Magh Bihu
(d) Deul festival
Answer: (c) Magh Bihu

Q.41 Ojapali is a form of—
(a) Painting
(b) Sculpture
(c) Folk dance
(d) Architecture
Answer: (c) Folk dance

Q.42 Byash Ojapali narrates stories from—
(a) Puranas
(b) Ramayana and Mahabharata
(c) Jataka tales
(d) Arthashastra
Answer: (b) Ramayana and Mahabharata

Q.43 Bhortal dance belongs to—
(a) Upper Assam
(b) Lower Assam
(c) Barak Valley
(d) North Cachar
Answer: (b) Lower Assam

Q.44 ‘Basudhaiba Kutumbakam’ is taken from—
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Mahopanishad
(c) Gita
(d) Smriti
Answer: (b) Mahopanishad

Q.45 Ashoka pillars mainly depict—
(a) Kings
(b) Animals
(c) Warriors
(d) Priests
Answer: (b) Animals

Q.46 Which are declared World Heritage Sites?
(a) Taj Mahal
(b) Ajanta caves
(c) Sanchi Stupa
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above

Q.47 The six ‘Saranga’ skills are related to—
(a) Sculpture
(b) Architecture
(c) Painting
(d) Dance
Answer: (c) Painting

Q.48 ‘Chapchar Kut’ was revived in—
(a) 1950
(b) 1960
(c) 1973
(d) 1985
Answer: (c) 1973

Q.49 The term ‘Mizo’ means—
(a) Hill people
(b) Forest dwellers
(c) River people
(d) Warriors
Answer: (a) Hill people

Q.50 Folk culture mainly reflects—
(a) Royal life
(b) Religious rituals only
(c) Feelings and lifestyle of common people
(d) Political ideology
Answer: (c) Feelings and lifestyle of common people

C. Previous Year Solved Questions with Answers

Q1. What is folk culture? Give two examples of folk culture of Assam. [HSLC 11]
Answer: Folk culture refers to the traditional culture of common people which develops naturally over time without formal training. It reflects the feelings, beliefs, customs and lifestyle of a community.

Examples of folk culture of Assam:

1. Bihu festival
2. Ojapali folk performance

Q2. Write a brief note on Assamese literature. [HSLC 11]
Answer: Assamese literature developed from Sanskrit and passed through different stages. The earliest written Assamese literature was the Charyapada (10th–14th century). In the 14th century, Madhab Kandali translated the Ramayana into Assamese as Saptakanda Ramayana.

The Vaishnavite movement led by Sankardeva and Madhabdeva in the 15th century greatly enriched Assamese literature through devotional songs, dramas and religious texts. During the Ahom period, historical works called Buranjis were written. Modern Assamese literature developed after the publication of the first Assamese magazine Arunodoi in 1846.

Q3. How did Muslim settlement originate in Assam? [HSLC 14]
Answer: Muslim settlement in Assam began in the 13th century. Some Muslims came during invasions, while others came as soldiers, artisans and traders. Many of them settled permanently in Assam.

Later, during the reign of the Ahom kings, Muslim people were given land and positions. Ajan Peer, who came during the reign of Gadadhar Singha, also contributed to Islamic culture in Assam by composing Zikir and Zari.

Q4. Mention two contributions of Austrics to Indian culture. [HSLC 17]
Answer: Two contributions of Austrics to Indian culture are-

1. Cultivation of rice
2. Preparation of molasses (gur) from sugarcane

Q5. Write the names of two philosophers of ancient India. [HSLC 17]
Answer: The names of two philosophers of ancient India are-

1. Kapil
2. Patanjali

Q6. What are the two main divisions of Indian paintings? Give examples. [HSLC 17]
Answer: The two main divisions of Indian paintings are:

1. Big wall paintings – Example: Ajanta cave paintings
2. Smaller paintings – Example: Paintings on Sanchipat

Q7. Write the names of two small pictorial books written in ‘Sanchipat’ in Assam. [HSLC 18]
Answer:

1. Hastibidyarnava
2. Geet Govinda

Q8. Write the names of two architectural set-ups of India which are declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. [HSLC 18]
Answer: Two architectural set-ups of India which are declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO are-

1. Taj Mahal
2. Ajanta Caves

Q9. Write the names of two scientists of ancient India. [HSLC 18]
Answer: The names of two scientists of ancient India are-

1. Aryabhatta

2. Brahmagupta

Q10. What are the three main styles of Indian sculptures? [HSLC 18]
Answer: The three main styles of Indian sculptures are-

1. Gandhara style
2. Mathura style
3. Amaravati style

Q11. What are the main divisions made for the ancient Indian architectural set-up? [HSLC 18]
Answer: The main divisions made for the ancient Indian architectural set-up are-

1. Nagar style (North India)
2. Dravid style (South India)
3. Vesara style (between Vindhya and Krishna river)

Q12. Write the names of two divisions of Ojapali and give examples. [HSLC 19]
Answer: The two divisions of Ojapali are:

1. Byash Oja – Narrates stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata
2. Sukannani Oja – Narrates stories for appeasement of Manasa Devi

Q13. Mention two folk dances of Darrang district. [HSLC 20]
Answer: Two folk dances of Darrang district are-

1. Dhepadhulia
2. Deodhani

Q14. Mention two popular literary works of Bhattadeva. [HSLC 22]
Answer: Two popular literary works of Bhattadeva are-

1. Katha Geeta
2. Bhagawat Katha

Q15. Mention three factors that create unity among diversity in Indian culture. [HSLC 23]
Answer: Three factors that create unity among diversity in Indian culture are-

1. Multiculturalism of Hinduism
2. Political unity created by different empires
3. Religious and cultural generosity of rulers

Q16. Write a short note on the Vaishnavite literature of Assam. [HSLC 23]
Answer: The Vaishnavite movement in Assam was started by Sankardeva and Madhabdeva in the 15th century. It greatly influenced Assamese literature.

During this period, many devotional songs, dramas, poetry and religious texts were written. Important works include Kirtan by Sankardeva and Namghosha by Madhabdeva. The Borgeets and Ankiya Naat (religious dramas) also became popular. This movement helped in spreading moral values and cultural unity in Assam.

D. Previous Year Essay Type Questions with Answers

Q17. Comment upon the contribution of Bihu to the folk culture of Assam. [HSLC 12]
Answer: Bihu is the most important festival of Assam and forms the heart of Assamese folk culture. It is closely related to agriculture and is celebrated in three forms – Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu.

Bihu brings people together irrespective of caste, religion and community. The traditional Bihu dance, Bihu songs and musical instruments like dhol, pepa and gagana reflect the rich folk tradition. It promotes unity, joy and cultural identity among the people of Assam.

Thus, Bihu plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the folk culture of Assam.

Q18. Briefly discuss the contribution of Bihu to Assamese society. [HSLC 13]
Answer: Bihu strengthens social bonds among the people of Assam. During Bohag Bihu, people wear new clothes and seek blessings from elders. Community feasts during Magh Bihu promote unity and brotherhood.

Bihu also encourages cultural activities like dance, music and sports. It reflects agricultural life and connects people with nature. Therefore, Bihu contributes greatly to the social, cultural and economic life of Assamese society.

Q19. Give an account of the development of Assamese literature during the Ahom period. [HSLC 16]
Answer: During the Ahom period, Assamese literature developed significantly. The Ahom kings patronised literature and historical writings. The Buranjis (historical chronicles) were written during this time.

Though initially written in Tai language, later they were written in Assamese. Religious literature also flourished under the influence of the Vaishnavite movement. Thus, the Ahom period played an important role in the growth of Assamese literature.

Q20. Write about the Neo-Vaishnavite Movement in Assam. [HSLC 17]
Answer: The Neo-Vaishnavite Movement was started by Sankardeva in the 15th century and later continued by Madhabdeva. It aimed at spreading devotion to Lord Krishna and promoting equality among people.

This movement influenced religion, literature, music and drama in Assam. Namghars and Satras were established as centres of worship and culture. It helped in removing social differences and strengthening cultural unity in Assam.

Q21. Why are cultural diversity, assimilation and change taking place more rapidly in Assam than other North-Eastern states? Write briefly. [HSLC 18]
Answer: Assam has fertile land and better communication facilities compared to other states of the region. Historically, many groups of people came to Assam for trade, pilgrimage and invasion and later settled permanently.

Due to this continuous interaction of different ethnic groups, cultural assimilation took place more rapidly in Assam. The mixture of Aryan and non-Aryan cultures resulted in a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Q22. Write briefly on the heritage of paintings in Assam. [HSLC 18]
Answer: Painting in Assam developed mainly from the 17th century under royal patronage. Small pictorial books were written on Sanchipat such as Hastibidyarnava, Ananda Lahari and Geet Govinda.

Natural colours like red, green, yellow and black were used. Pictures of kings, deities, animals and palaces were drawn beautifully. Assamese painting reflects artistic skill and religious devotion.

Q23. Write briefly about the celebration of Bihu festival in Assam. [HSLC 22]
Answer: Bihu is celebrated in three forms – Bohag, Kati and Magh Bihu. Bohag Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with dance and songs. Kati Bihu is observed with lighting of lamps in paddy fields. Magh Bihu is known for community feasts and burning of meji.

People celebrate Bihu with joy and enthusiasm, wearing traditional dresses and performing cultural programmes.

Q24. Write a note on the art and paintings of Assam. [HSLC 23]
Answer: Art and painting in Assam flourished under the patronage of kings and satras. Small pictorial books were written on Sanchipat and decorated with colourful illustrations.

Books like Hastibidyarnava and Geet Govinda contained beautiful drawings. The paintings were made using natural colours and reflected religious themes, royal life and artistic excellence.

Thus, art and paintings form an important part of Assam’s cultural heritage.

Q25. Write briefly on the culture of Yoga in India. [HSLC 2024]
Answer: Yoga is one of the most important traditional cultures of India and is regarded as a gift of India to the whole world. It is believed that yoga was practised even during the Indus Valley Civilization and it became widely popular during the Vedic period.

Maharshi Patanjali compiled the Yogasutra in the second century and gave yoga a systematic form. He described yoga as a way of achieving physical, mental and spiritual well-being. In his system, there are eight parts of yoga known as ‘Astanga Yoga’—Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyan and Samadhi.

Considering the importance and benefits of yoga, the United Nations has declared 21st June as the International Yoga Day. Thus, yoga forms an integral part of Indian cultural heritage.

Q26. Write briefly on the heritage of paintings in Assam. [HSLC 2024]
Answer: The heritage of paintings in Assam developed mainly from the 17th century under the patronage of kings and satras. Small pictorial books were written on Sanchipat and decorated with colourful illustrations.

Important pictorial books include Hastibidyarnava, Ananda Lahari, Chitra Bhagawat, Geet Govinda, Kumar Haran and others. Natural colours like red, green, yellow and black were used in these paintings.

Pictures of kings, deities, animals and palaces were drawn according to the subject matter of the text. The paintings reflect the artistic excellence and cultural richness of Assam.

Q27. Look at the picture below and answer the question that follows: Identify any two architectural features of the Rang Ghar. Why was this architecture built during the Ahom period? [HSLC 2025]

Answer: Two architectural features of Rang Ghar:

1. It is a two-storied structure.
2. Its roof is shaped like a play-boat (Khel-nao).

Reason for construction:
Rang Ghar was built during the Ahom period mainly for enjoying and organizing Bihu and other traditional celebrations in its courtyard. It served as a royal pavilion from where the Ahom kings watched cultural performances and festivities.