Quiz on Ancient India

Why is India considered to be part of a subcontinent? Use the map to answer.

• It is located farthest south of all the Asian countries.

• It is part of an island chain far from the Asian mainland.

• It is isolated from the rest of Asia by mountains and water.

• It does not share a language or culture with other Asian countries.

Where did ancient Indian peoples move after the decline of the Indus River valley civilization? Use the map to answer.

• into Central Asia

• near the Ganges River

• near the southern peninsula

• into the central plateau region

What type of artifact is depicted in this image?

• a piece of pottery

• a piece of leather

• a sculpture

• a seal

How was this artifact used?

• as money

• as a decoration

• to mark ownership

• to provide directions

Which religion worshipped the god shown in this sculpture?

• Jainism

• Vedism

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

Which of these beliefs is shared by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism?

• reincarnation

• nirvana

• karma

• caste

What is pictured in this image?

• a Gupta home

• an Indus valley city

• a Mauryan hospital

• a Buddhist place of worship

Under whose leadership was the building in the image constructed?

• Shiva

• Ashoka

• Harappan

• Samudragupta

Which were achievements of the Gupta empire? Select the two correct answers.

• determining Earth is round

• creating the first writing system

• inventing addition and subtraction

• recording the first known sighting of a shooting star

• creating the symbol 0

What caused the decline of the Gupta empire?

• the death of Ashoka

• the influence of Islamic powers

• famine caused by climate change

• illnesses introduced by foreigners