Indian History: Early India
Q: What was the ancient name used to describe the Indian subcontinent?
A: Jambudvipa
Q: Which empire became the strongest among the Mahajanapadas?
A: Magadha
Q: Who taught the Eightfold Path to end suffering?
A: Gautama Buddha
Q: Which king married Ganga and was the father of Bhishma?
A: King Shantanu
Q: Why did Duryodhana hate the Pandavas?
A: Because the people loved the Pandavas more
Q: What kind of evidence do cave paintings at Bhimbetka give us?
A: Evidence of early human life and daily activities
Q: Name one king who helped expand the Magadha Empire.
A: Bimbisara or Ajatashatru
Q: What was Ashoka’s Dhamma mainly about?
A: Non-violence, truth, and simplicity
Q: What vow did Devavrata take that earned him the name Bhishma?
A: He vowed never to marry and to always protect the throne
Q: What was the Lakshagriha, and what was its purpose?
A: A house of wax meant to burn and kill the Pandavas
Q: Why were monsoons important to ancient Indian civilization?
A: They helped farming by providing seasonal rainfall
Q: Who founded the Mauryan Empire, and who guided him?
A: Chandragupta Maurya, guided by Chanakya
Q: How did Guru Nanak’s teachings challenge religious divisions of his time?
A: He taught that God is one and all people are equal
Q: Who were the parents of Karna, and why was his birth kept secret?
A: Kunti and Surya; Kunti was unmarried at the time
Q: How did Draupadi win her swayamvara?
A: Arjuna hit the target by looking only at its reflection
Q: What major change marked the shift from prehistory to history in India?
A: The use of written records and archaeological evidence
Q: How did the Kalinga War change Ashoka?
A: It turned him from a violent ruler into a peaceful one
Q: Who founded Sikhism, and where was he born?
A: Guru Nanak, born in Talwandi
Q: Which teacher trained both the Pandavas and Kauravas in warfare after childhood?
A: Dronacharya
Q: Why did Krishna warn Yudhishthira about Jarasandha before the Rajasuya Yagya?
A: Jarasandha was a powerful enemy who could stop the sacrifice
Q: Why is learning history important for understanding our identity today?
A: It helps us learn from the past and feel connected to our culture
Q: Give two reasons why the Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka.
A: Weak rulers and division within the empire
Q: What are four of the five core values that Mahavira taught?
Sanskrit name for 3/4 of your answers = bonus 200 points
Q: Name one curse Karna received and explain how it affected him later.
A: Parasurama’s curse caused Karna to forget weapon knowledge when he needed it most
Q: What lesson about pride and ego is shown when Duryodhana falls into the pool?
A: Pride can blind a person and lead to humiliation and anger