From the free UGC NET History Mock Test 1 — Unit 1: Negotiating the Sources unit-wise mock test — real question, real answer, real explanation.
The punch-marked coins (Pana or Karshapana) of ancient India were predominantly manufactured using which technique?
Die-striking technique
Cast-metal technique
Stamping cold pieces of metal with individual punch punches ✓
Lost-wax casting process
Punch-marked coins were made by cutting silver into pieces of the correct weight, then striking each with several individual punches (symbols) separately, unlike later die-struck coinage where a single die impressed the whole design at once.
Which Purana contains the most comprehensive genealogical lists of ancient royal dynasties, including the Mauryas, Sungas, Andhras, and Guptas?
Vishnu Purana
Matsya Purana ✓
Vayu Purana
Bhagavata Purana
The Matsya Purana is regarded by historians as the most detailed and reliable of the Puranic dynastic lists, providing king-lists and reign-lengths for the Mauryas, Sungas, Kanvas, Andhras (Satavahanas), and Guptas used to cross-check other sources.
In the study of ancient Indian epigraphy, the term Prashasti refers specifically to:
Royal decree granting land tax-exemptions
Commemorative text written in eulogistic praise of a king or patron ✓
Inscription recording private religious donations by merchants
Boundary stone marker designating village territories
A Prashasti is a panegyric or eulogy inscribed to glorify a ruler's achievements — the Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta, composed by Harisena, is the classic example, distinct from land-grant charters (which record donations, not praise).
Which Chinese Buddhist traveler visited India during the reign of King Harshavardhana and authored the work Si-Yu-Ki?
Faxian
Xuanzang ✓
Yijing
Song Yun
Xuanzang travelled through India c. 630-643 CE during Harsha's reign and recorded his observations in Si-Yu-Ki (Records of the Western Regions) — a key source for Harsha's administration, Nalanda, and contemporary religious life.
The archaeological discovery of Roman coin hoards in South India primarily indicates which economic phenomenon?
Direct military conquest of Southern India by Rome
Balance of trade heavily in favor of South India during the Sangam Age ✓
Adoption of Roman monetary standards by the Sangam Cheras
Introduction of silver standard coinage by Roman traders
Large hoards of Roman gold and silver coins found across South India (e.g., Coimbatore, Madurai) reflect Rome importing far more from India (spices, textiles, gems) than it exported — Pliny the Elder himself complained of this drain of Roman wealth.
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Itihaaskar — UGC NET/JRF & UPSC History Optional notes by Parveen Malik (B.Tech. (CSE), M.A. (History), History JRF). Also spelt Itihaskar.
